Drinks Guide: Bring Italy to You This SummerBy Alicia Grimshaw
Italians know how to knock out incredible drinks. Case and point: the Aperol Spritz. But it’s not all about the famed Venetian spritz, as the country also produces a selection of other sensational liqueurs, digestifs and apéritifs. Go on, it’s time to give your fancy glassware a spin.
1. For a Dessert-Inspired Digestif: Stambecco Tiramisu Liqueur
The Lowdown: Stambecco Tiramisu Liqueur has a delicious flavour of mascarpone, amaretti biscuits, cocoa and coffee. Master Distillers, Beppe Ronco and Denis Muni have created this liqueur in honour of Tiramisu, the traditional Italian dessert, known and loved around the world. The word Tiramisu translates as “Cheer you up!”. Stambecco Tiramisu is made with 100% natural ingredients including Espresso coffee extracts from local suppliers in the Torino area, which is known as the capital of Italian coffee.
How to Drink: Best enjoyed on the rocks for an easy after-dinner digestif, in an espresso martini, or simply added to Tiramisu desserts, Stambecco Tiramisu is a delicious liqueur for all occasions.
Where: Stambecco Tiramisu Liqueur RRP: £24.99 for 70cl. ABV: 24%. Available from Amazon.
2. For a Liqueur: ADRIATICO Amaretto Roasted
The Lowdown: ADRIATICO Amarettos are a range of Roasted and Bianco Amarettos, made from handpicked Italian almonds from Puglia. These premium Amarettos are also Gluten Free and Vegan Certified. ADRIATICO is the only Vegan amaretto in the world as the range is lactose-free and it is one of the only 100% natural amarettos as it is made from real almonds.
How to Drink: Dry shake 50ml ADRIATICO Roasted Amaretto, 50ml fresh lemon juice, 50ml fresh orange juice and 1 egg white. Add ice to the shaker and shake again. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with lemon zest.
Where: ADRIATICO Amaretto Roasted RRP £28.99 for 70 cl. ABV 28%. Available from: Amazon, Harvey Nichols, Master of Malt, and The Whisky Exchange
3. For a Refreshing Aperitif: Hotel STARLINO Orange
The Lowdown: Hotel STARLINO Orange is a refreshing Italian Aperitivo and is a perfect summer spritz. Produced in Torino by Vermouth Master Beppe, this aperitif is made with quality Italian wine orange distillate – distilled from IGP-certified Sicilian Blood Oranges, and the best Italian ingredients (pink grapefruit, orange peel, wormwood, cloves and thyme) to create an exceptional Italian drink.
Where: STARLINO Orange RRP: From £23 for 75cl. ABV: 17%. Available from: Amazon and Master of Malt
Photo credit: Lateef Photography
4. For a Taste of Venice: Select Aperitvo
The Lowdown: Created by the aristocratic Pilla brothers in the Castello district of Venice, and made by blending 30 botanicals from around the world, Select Aperitivo is an aperitif that is complex and intense with a moreish bitterness from roots and barks.
How to Drink: The Select Spritz is best served in a large wine glass: combine 3 parts Select Aperitivo, 2 parts chilled prosecco over ice, top with a splash of soda water and very gently stir. Garnish with a green olive – the bigger, the better.
Where: Select Spritz RRP: From £17 for 50cl, 17.5% ABV. Available from Whiskey Exchange and Master of Malt
5. For a Floral Spritz: ITALICUS
The Lowdown: Reinterpreting the almost forgotten Italian category of Rosolio, ITALICUS is lightly citrusy on the nose, with hints of rose and lavender. The palate progresses to delicate spices and zesty bergamot and citrus. It’s floral and zesty on the finish – the perfect cocktail for those who want a sweeter alternative to an Aperol Spritz that’s incredibly refreshing.
How to Drink: The ITALICUS Spritz is easy to make at home, enhancing the delicate flavours of the ITALICUS botanicals, and balancing the floral aromas with a touch of saltiness. Serve in a tumbler or wine glass with cubed ice, pour 50ml ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto and top with 100ml Prosecco.
Where: ITALICUS RRP: From £29.95 for 70cl. 20% ABV. Available from Waitrose Cellar, Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange and Amazon.
