It is aperitivo o'clock! Sun's out, weather's warm, why not invite some friends over and whip up these Italian cocktails for them? They pack a punch and are ridiculously easy to make. 

Sgroppino

Sgroppino is a classic after-dinner beverage from the Veneto region in Northern Italy. It's usually made by whipping up lemon sorbet, vodka and Prosecco. I saw an original recipe while reading Marlena de Blasi’s “A Thousand Days in Vence” and got inspired to make some for a late night movie with a friend. I added my own twist to this classic by using raspberry sorbet in place of lemons. È stato perfetto!

·         2 cups lemon sorbet

·         1½cups Prosecco

·         ½ cup Vodka

Place sorbet in a bowl and whisk by hand until creamy and soft

Add the prosecco and vodka a little at a time, whisking until fully incorporated.

Pour into flutes or martini glasses and serve.

Negroni Secco

I first tried this cocktail a few days ago at the House of Peroni pop up. Who adds beer to cocktails? I know, I asked the same thing too but this twist on the very popular Negroni is now my favorite way of having the drink.

·         Lime wedge

·         Peroni Nastro Azurro

·         Rum

·         Campari

·         Sugar

Pour all ingredients except the beer and lime over ice in a cocktail shaker.

Shake! Shake! Shake!

Pour into glasses and top with Peroni

Garnish with lime wedge.

Aperol Spritz

Because you can’t make a post about aperitif without Aperol Spritz. This drink is to Italians what Pimms & Lemonade is to the Brits, the ultimate summer cocktail.

·         3 Parts Prosecco

·         2 Parts Aperol

·         1 Part Soda Water

Pour Prosecco over ice into a large wine glass.

Add a dash of Soda and top with Aperol.

Gently stir with a spoon.

Garnish with orange wedge

Go on, call those friends now. While you are at it, check out these Booze Infusion Recipes.

Go on and get delightfully drunk!