Drink and dine like an Italian this Summer

From Amaro to Limoncello, there’s plenty of options to enjoy this summer for a wholesome get-together.

Are you dreaming of sipping on an Aperol Spritz and enjoying the bright sunshine on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast? Well, this summer we are taking inspiration from the beautiful Italian lifestyle and exploring some of the best beverages the country has to offer!

There’s nothing Italians value more than spending time with family and friends and eating and drinking well, with social gatherings and celebrations being a major part of life. Italians love to enjoy aperitivo, a drink and a snack or small bite before dinner – the best time to socialise!

With the popular Italian Amaro spirit surging in popularity recently, we thought it would be fun to dive into a few unique native beverages that are worth considering for your next wholesome get-together with your friends and family.

1. Amaro

In Italy, Amaro is commonly served before a meal and is a class of bittersweet, herbaceous liqueurs that comes in serval forms including Campari, Aperol, and Fernet.

Aperol was first invented to be enjoyed as an apéritif, served over ice – it also pairs incredibly well with citrus or fruit juices, and soda. For a taste of summer, try arguably one of the most popular cocktail creations – Aperol Spritz. The delicious bright orange, fruity apéritif is made with Aperol, Prosecco, a splash of soda water, and the all-important ingredient, ice.

2. Amaretto

Unlike an Amaro, which is usually enjoyed at the beginning of an evening, Amaretto is a digestivo, created to be sipped at the end of a meal. The spirit has a distinctive taste with its almond and marzipan-like fragrance and flavour, making it a sweet drink to enjoy. It can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but also works well in cocktails by combining the spirit with sharp flavours like lime or passionfruit.

3. Vermouth

Italian Vermouths are fortified and aromatized red and white wines that have bitter botanicals such as wormwood added to them, creating a unique bittersweet taste. This drink can be enjoyed as an aperitivo and goes well when served over ice.

4. Limoncello

If you enjoy fresh and sweet lemon flavours, then you will love Limoncello. The Italian liqueur is made with lemon zest and infused in a neutral spirit, and then mixed with sugar and water. It is best enjoyed well chilled, so we recommend chilling glasses in Party Ice before serving.

If you fancy impressing your guests with an Italian inspired cocktail, The Ice Co has you all sorted with this delicious take on a frozen Aperol Spritz – perfect for those hot summer days!