Get a taste of Italia d’estate with these Italy-inspired fruity spritz cocktail recipes.
There is a saying, “Paris au printemps,” which means “Paris in springtime.” Perhaps there should also be a saying “Italia d’estate,” which means “Italy in summer,” because if my social media means anything, almost everyone that I know is there right now.
One great thing about having friends who travel is that they send you pictures — of food, sure, but also of drinks. A friend visiting Milan recently sent me a photo of her passion fruit spritz. Aperol and Campari spritzes have been all the rage for quite some time now, which I’m sure warms the heart — and bank accounts — of Campari Group, which owns both brands. But just as suddenly as something hits it big in the cocktail world, just as suddenly, the variations start to appear. Fruit is the variation en vogue right now. There are a couple of ways to add fruit flavors to your next cocktail. The first is to use fruit-flavored liqueurs or vodkas. These certainly add the flavor necessary for cocktails. Liqueurs tend to be quite sweet, whereas flavored vodkas, especially good-quality ones, are usually not, or at least not as much. Both are incredibly consistent, which makes them a cinch in cocktails. The second way is to use high-quality fruit syrups. You can make your own, or you can buy premium-quality versions from several local producers. Just make sure that they use a sweetener that you are comfortable with. Most inexpensive brands are nothing more than high-fructose corn syrup and water. You can also use purees or concentrates. Purees and concentrates have certain advantages over fresh fruit. If you use fresh fruit to make your own puree, you will need to add sugar, as fresh fruit is not nearly sweet enough on its own for cocktails. Purees can separate, which is both distasteful in appearance and problematic when mixing. I find that concentrates help mitigate that problem, and usually they have just enough added sugar for balance. Lastly, you can use fresh fruit. This can be more difficult than you think, since fresh fruit varies during its season. For instance, at their peak, blackberries are fantastically sweet and delicious, but turn bitingly acidic and bitter just a week later. The answer to bitter has always been sweet. And the best cocktails are the right balance between the two. If you use fresh berries, you can muddle a few just for flavor. If you add more, you will have to add sugar in one form or another — honey, agave, sugar, etc. — to achieve that balance. Here are four different fruit spritz variations, each made with a different method. All have been localized; that way, you can enjoy your Italia d’estate right here in the Mediterranean climate of Northern California. A Hugo spritz featuring elderflower, lemon and mint flavors offers refreshment from the summer heat. Combine mint, vodka, elderflower syrup and lemon juice in a mixing glass with ice. Shake until well incorporated. Pour entire contents into a large wineglass, top with ice, and then add sparkling wine and soda. Stir gently to combine.Combine amaro and passion fruit concentrate in a large wineglass filled with ice. Add sparkling wine and soda. Stir gently to combine.Muddle strawberries in the bottom of a mixing glass until broken up. Add ice and amaro. Shake to combine and then pour the entire contents into a large wineglass. Add more ice, top with soda and sparkling wine. Stir gently to combine. Place the strawberry with the stem on top for garnish.Recipe: Blackberry basil sangria Combine vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup in a mixing glass with ice. Shake to combine and then pour the entire contents into a large wineglass. Add ice to fill and then top with soda and sparkling wine. Stir to combine. Zest lemon on top for garnish. Jeff Burkhart is the author of “Twenty Years Behind Bars: The Spirited Adventures of a Real Bartender, Vol. I and II,” the host of the Barfly Podcast on iTunes and an award-winning bartender at a local restaurant. Follow him at jeffburkhart.net and contact him at jeffbarflyIJ@outlook.com.Asking Eric: We want to stay friendly with the new neighbor. What can we do about the ruckus?Harriette Cole: My mother's revelation puts my childhood in a different lightHarriette Cole: My model friend accused me of hindering their careerMiss Manners: I found an expensive bracelet. Are there rules about what I can do with it?Possible mountain lion spotted outside gate of East Bay residence
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Who Kick Off Farewell Tour in Italy, Perform First Show Since Zak Starkey SackingThe Who kicked off their farewell tour in Italy with a new drummer on Monday night (July 21), marking their first show since the firing of Zak Starkey.
Read more »
Italy constitutional court says nonbiological mother in same-sex union entitled to parental leaveThe Associated Press
Read more »
England-Italy free livestream: How to watch Women’s EURO Semifinals tonight, TV, timeEngland plays against Italy in the Women’s EURO Semifinals today. Fans can watch this soccer game for free online.
Read more »
England's late show stuns Italy as super-subs seal final spotEngland's super-subs saved the day with minutes to go against Italy as the Lionesses snuck into the Euro 2025 final.
Read more »
England vs. Italy FREE STREAM today: How to watch women’s soccer UEFA Euro semifinalsDefending champion England clashes with Italy for a spot in the UEFA Euro finale. Find out how to watch for free today.
Read more »
Inside England's Miraculous Semifinal Win Over ItalyThe Lionesses are through to the Women's Euro 2025 final after a stunning late comeback win over Italy that was won 2-1 after extra time.
Read more »