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5 Italian Cocktails That Will Send You Into Summer

Summer is quickly approaching and with it comes those hot and humid days that make it impossible to abandon your fan or air conditioner. Even if a trip to Italy isn’t on your agenda this year, there are ways to keep cool while invoking “la dolce vita”.

Take a look at five easy-to-make and refreshing Italian cocktails to indulge in this summer.

All spritzes follow the 3:2:1 ratio – three parts Prosecco, two parts liqueur, and one part soda water. 

Hugo Spritz

The Hugo Spritz is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after cocktails in Italy. Infused with delicate notes of elderflower liqueur and garnished with a generous amount of fresh mint leaves, there’s no doubt that it’s an ideal cocktail for a hot summer’s day.  

Ingredients:

  • Prosecco
  • Elderflower liqueur
  • Soda water 
  • Fresh mint leaves

Limoncello Spritz

A pleasantly light and refreshing cocktail with notes of boozy citrus, this limoncello spritz will immediately transport you to the dreamy shores of the Amalfi Coast.

Ingredients: 

  • Prosecco
  • Limoncello
  • Soda Water
  • Lemon wedge and rosemary sprig for garnish

Passionfruit Spritz 

3 parts Prosecco, 1.5 Aperol, 1.5 parts passion fruit pulp

Ingredients:

  • Prosecco
  • Passoa or passion fruit juice
  • Soda Water
  • Passion fruit for garnish

Sgroppino

This cocktail is basically a boozy slushie – it’s a harmonious blend of Prosecco, vodka, and frozen lemon sorbet. Served in champagne flutes that add a touch of elegance, the bubbly Sgroppino is as refreshing as they come. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chilled Prosecco
  • 2 cups chilled Vodka
  • ⅓ cup frozen lemon sorbet
  • Sprinkling of chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)

Negroni Granita 

Negroni fans will love this unique and fresh twist on the classic cocktail. This drink is just like shaved ice, but with orange zest and a pretty strong kick – it’s perfect for days lounging by the pool with friends.

Ingredients:

  • 6 ounces Blood Orange Soda
  • 2 ounces simple syrup
  • 3 ounces Campari
  • 3 ounces Sweet Vermouth
  • Orange slices for garnish

Directions:

  • Combine soda, simple syrup, campari, gin, and sweet vermouth.
  • Once mixed together, place liquid into a baking dish and place in the freezer for at least 6 hours.
  • Once frozen, break up the frozen sheet into pieces with a fork to make granita.
  • Scoop the granita into a glass, and add orange wedges for garnish.

Asia London Palomba

Asia London Palomba is a trilingual freelance journalist from Rome, Italy. In the past, her work on culture, travel, and history has been published in The Boston Globe, Atlas Obscura, The Christian Science Monitor, and Grub Street, New York Magazine's food section. In her free time, Asia enjoys traveling home to Italy to spend time with family and friends, drinking Hugo Spritzes, and making her nonna's homemade cavatelli.

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