While you can still enjoy your morning cappuccino and glass of Chianti with dinner, there are plenty of new drinks to try on your trip to Italy.
Italy Street
It goes without saying that eating plays an essential role in Italian life. Besides drinking wine with dinner, the Italians have a range of other drinks designed to enhance the food experience. Try some of these favourites on your next Italian trip. Cin cin!
Aperitivi
An aperitivo is a drink served before dinner, often with a small snack, designed to whet your appetite. Try some of these uniquely Italian concoctions at a local bar as the sun goes down on a day of sightseeing.
Campari
The ruby red Campari, produced in Milan, is the most popular liqueur in Italy. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, the aromatic flavours and vibrant color make it an essential ingredient in many iconic Italian cocktails including the negroni and americano. The bitter flavor can be an acquired taste so if you find it too overpowering, try with soda water or orange juice to start.
Aperol
Aperol is Campari’s little cousin, a similar aromatic bitter that’s sweeter, lighter in color and less alcoholic. Aperol is best known served with Prosecco and soda in the Spritz Veneziano, but is also included as ingredient in other summer fruity cocktails and punches.
Vermouth
Like many of Italy’s historical aromatic liqueurs, vermouth was originally marketed as a health tonic. Originating in Turin, vermouth is a fortified wine flavoured using botanicals with an alcohol content of 16 – 18%. It can be served on ice or with soda and an orange wedge or is an essential ingredient in many cocktails including the Manhattan, martini and negroni.
Digestivi
As the name suggests, these liqueurs are served after dinner to aid digestion. Order one after dessert to complete your meal in true Italian style.
Amari
The exact formulas of these bitter liqueurs (amaro literally means bitter) are usually kept secret, but are they are made macerating the botanicals with alcohol, mixing with sugar and aging in barrels. The result is an aromatic, often herbaceous and syrupy liqueur, perfect for drinking straight up or on ice and often served with an orange wedge. There are numerous variations and brands, with flavours reflecting their local origins. Popular brands including Nonino, Cynar, Montenegro and Fernet Branca.
Limoncello
Probably the most popular Italian liqueur amongst travellers, Limoncello is generally sweet and easier to drink than many of the other strong bitter liqueurs on offer. Traditionally made in the south using the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons, Limoncello is usually served chilled straight up.
Grappa
If you like your booze to burn, then grappa is the one for you. Made by distilling the pomace (grape solids left over from wine making), grappa has a typical ABV of 35 – 60%. It is usually served straight up in a tulip glass, but can also be added to coffee for a caffè corretto if this is too powerful for you.
Amaretto
A sweeter alternative to grappa is amaretto, a syrupy almond based liqueur that can be served straight up, on ice, in coffee or part of cocktails such as an amaretto sour.
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Price range: €15 – €899
Company: Sightseeing Tours Italy
Related article: Top Tips for Visiting Italy
About the Author
Carolina Burgio is a travel blogger based in the fantastic Melbourne. Carolina is the owner at Life Well Travelled.
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