Memorial Day is right around the corner and what better way to kick off the start of summer than with some delicious Italian cocktails!
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA), a governmental agency entrusted with the promotion of Italian food, wine, and other alcoholic beverages in the USA, is educating consumers on Italian Spirits through the Italian Spirits Promotion Project. The ITA is working with a variety of unique spirits including Amaro (an herbal, bittersweet spirit) Grappa, (Italy’s national spirit) Limoncello, Vermouth, and other small niche categories that add a unique and exotic touch to traditional cocktail recipes.
With that in mind, we want to share a variety of Italian cocktails that are perfect for a hot summer day and for your Memorial Day weekend celebrations!
The Monte Mule
- 2 Parts Amaro Montenegro
- 2 Parts Ginger Beer
- 1 Part Lime Juice
Method: Add the ingredients to a rocks glass, then add crushed ice. Stir to chill. Garnish.
VE.N.TO”- First IBA Cocktail with Grappa
- 45 ML GRAPPA NARDINI
- 22.5 ML freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 15 ML HONEY MIX (chamomile base)
- 15 ML chamomile cordial
- 10 ML egg white (optional)
- Grapes/lemon zest for garnish
Method: Pour all ingredients into the shaker. Shake vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled small tumbler glass filled with ice. Notes: *If desired water can be replaced by chamomile infusion in the honey mix.
The Red Earl
- 3⁄4 oz Pallini Limoncello
- 1 1⁄2 oz Vodka
- 1⁄4 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1⁄4 oz Simple syrup
- 8 Raspberries
- 2 Slices fresh ginger
Method: Muddle ginger and raspberries in a shaker, then add the other ingredients. Shake with ice and fine strain into a chilled glass.
Nocino Il Mallo+ Apple
- Scotch
- Nocino Il Mallo
- Sherry
- Fresh apple juice
- Top dehydrated apple
Method: Mix all ingredients together in a shaker and pour into a glass. Add fresh apple for garnish.
Italicus Cup
- 2 parts* ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto
- 1 part Pink Grapefruit juice
- 1 part soda water Pinch of salt
- Build in a tumbler Garnish with a Grapefruit wedge
Method: Fill a glass with ice, pour the Bergamot Rosolio first, then the pink grapefruit juice and soda, add a pinch of salt, and mix the ingredients well from the bottom. To give an extra touch of color, the cocktail can be garnished with a slice of fresh grapefruit or green olives.
A-STAR
- 1 ¼ oz Antica Sambuca
- Classic
- Tonic Water
- Lemon wheel and anise star, or your favorite garnish
THE ROOF TOP
- 4.5 cl vermouth vandalo
- 4.5 cl rhubarb liqueur
- Top up chinotto
- Orange Zest
- Low Build Tumbler