There is something about Italy that gives birth to great cocktails. Many of the most iconic and popular cocktails in the world were born in Italy during the stylish last hurrah of the Old World and holidaying of the European aristocracy in the 1900s and the Economic Miracle and dolce vita of the 1950s. Still, to this day, there is something in the air and in the way of life that makes Italy the perfect placed to kick back, relax and sip on a well-deserved cocktail.
For cocktail lovers, one of the must-see pitstops on your itinerary is the city of Milan. It is home to Campari, an alcoholic liqueur that was invented by Gaspare Campari in the nineteenth century in Novara but was first produced on a large scale in Milan. Milan is also where Gaspare settled down with his family and where he opened the legendary bar, Caffè Campari.
For cocktail lovers, one of the must-see pitstops on your itinerary is the city of Milan. It is home to Campari, an alcoholic liqueur that was invented by Gaspare Campari in the nineteenth century in Novara but was first produced on a large scale in Milan. Milan is also where Gaspare settled down with his family and where he opened the legendary bar, Caffè Campari.
It was here that the Americano was born. Composed of Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda, it was first served in Caffè Campari in the 1860s and was originally known as the “Milano-Torino” due to Campari (from Milan) and vermouth (from Turin) being its main ingredients. The name was then changed when Italians noticed its popularity among Americans in the early 1900s. Just find a holiday rental in Milan and get a taste of the city.
For whatever reason, it seems like Venice, in particular, is a hotspot for the invention of classic cocktails. Perhaps, it is because of artists and writers drawn to it or because it is one of the most glamorous destinations in the world. Either way, it seems that the clientèle of bars in Venice have always been a discerning lot and, due to this, it has kept the city's bartenders on their toes. One cocktail from the city that you are less likely to be familiar with, however, is the Sgroppino. Basically a boozy smoothie, it is made with lemon and is served smooth and ice cold. It is the perfect Summer drink and a brilliant palate cleanser which can be used to help enhance a delicious meal. Its origins are uncertain but it is said to have once been used as a digestif by Venetian nobility. Just find a holiday rental in Venice and try it for yourself!
The Rossini is another cocktail that comes from Venice and is a highly popular variation on the Bellini. The region of Veneto is known for its Prosecco di Valdobbiadene and the Venetians invented a lot of Prosecco-based drinks, as a result. The Bellini was invented in the famous Harry's Bar by its founder, Giuseppe Cipriani, sometime between 1934 and 1948. While the Bellini is made with Prosecco and peach purée, the Rossini is a variation made with strawberry purée and is named after Gioachino Rossini a famous Italian composer.
Read on to our second article to get the full round-up of the cocktails you won't want to miss on your next trip to Italy.
For whatever reason, it seems like Venice, in particular, is a hotspot for the invention of classic cocktails. Perhaps, it is because of artists and writers drawn to it or because it is one of the most glamorous destinations in the world. Either way, it seems that the clientèle of bars in Venice have always been a discerning lot and, due to this, it has kept the city's bartenders on their toes. One cocktail from the city that you are less likely to be familiar with, however, is the Sgroppino. Basically a boozy smoothie, it is made with lemon and is served smooth and ice cold. It is the perfect Summer drink and a brilliant palate cleanser which can be used to help enhance a delicious meal. Its origins are uncertain but it is said to have once been used as a digestif by Venetian nobility. Just find a holiday rental in Venice and try it for yourself!
The Rossini is another cocktail that comes from Venice and is a highly popular variation on the Bellini. The region of Veneto is known for its Prosecco di Valdobbiadene and the Venetians invented a lot of Prosecco-based drinks, as a result. The Bellini was invented in the famous Harry's Bar by its founder, Giuseppe Cipriani, sometime between 1934 and 1948. While the Bellini is made with Prosecco and peach purée, the Rossini is a variation made with strawberry purée and is named after Gioachino Rossini a famous Italian composer.
Read on to our second article to get the full round-up of the cocktails you won't want to miss on your next trip to Italy.