Italian
Summer Drinks
Buongiorno! As the summer sun kisses the Italian countryside and the sea laps at the coast, there's nothing more inviting than the allure of authentic Italian summer beverages.
This edition of our newsletter takes you on a delectable journey through the vineyards of Tuscany to the lemon groves of Sorrento, as we celebrate Italy's rich heritage of thirst-quenching summer drinks. Whether you crave the bittersweet charm of an Aperol spritz, the zesty allure of a homemade Limoncello, or the refreshing simplicity of an iced espresso, we have it all for you.
Dive into these vibrant tastes of la dolce vita and don't forget - for a true Italian experience, stop by Vincenzo's in Waterloo, your passport to Italy, right in the heart of your city. We are also just a click away if you prefer exploring our treasures online!
Bellini
Ah, the Bellini! The jewel in Italy's cocktail crown. Conceived in the romantic heart of Venice during the summer of 1948, the Bellini has been delighting palates for decades. Its creator, Giuseppe Cipriani, owner of the famed Harry's Bar, named it after the rosy hues found in 15th-century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini's paintings.
This heavenly concoction starts with the soft, velvety texture of freshly pureed white peaches. The peach puree, tinted pink by a touch of raspberry or cherry juice, is then caressed by the light, fizzy Prosecco, turning the drink into a mesmerizing dance of flavors. The result is an enchanting cocktail that feels like a sip of Italian summer itself – light, fruity, and gently intoxicating.
What sets the Bellini apart is its versatility. Its crisp, fresh taste makes it the perfect aperitivo to whet your appetite on a hot summer afternoon, or a delightful companion to a light brunch. And don't worry, its low alcohol content means you can enjoy the taste without overindulgence.
To bring the authentic taste of the Bellini to your home, we recommend using the Bellini Cipriani Virgin, a perfect blend of peach and raspberry puree, designed to recreate the original Harry's Bar Bellini. Just add chilled Prosecco, stir gently, and serve in a chilled flute. This way, you'll be whisked away on a gondola to a sunny Venetian afternoon, no matter where you are.
Indulge in the Bellini and you’ll quickly understand why this drink has enchanted everyone from Ernest Hemingway to Orson Welles. It's more than just a cocktail - it's a taste of Italy's timeless elegance, a ticket to a sun-drenched Venetian piazza. Salute!
Limoncello
Unveil the tantalizing secrets of the Italian summer with Limoncello, a radiant, ambrosial elixir that perfectly embodies the zest of Italian life. This liqueur hails from the sun-dappled coasts of Southern Italy, where the sun's golden kiss bestows a distinct, robust flavor to the local lemons.
Limoncello, with its tradition rooted deep in the early 20th century, carries the aura of Italian nonnas lovingly preparing homemade batches using heirloom recipes passed down through generations. The process is meticulous and time-honored, involving the steeping of lemon zest in high-quality spirit until the oil is released, and then adding a sweet syrup. The resulting potion is a vibrant, lemony brew with a potent punch.
This lemon-infused delight excels as a summer drink due to its refreshing and invigorating qualities. Its sublime balance of sweetness and tartness, coupled with a velvety texture, creates an experience that's both soothing and exhilarating - much like an Italian summer itself. Popular as a digestivo, it's often enjoyed chilled after dinner, offering a citrusy conclusion to a delightful meal.
To effortlessly bring this Italian sunshine into your home, we suggest using La Croix Sparkling Limoncello Beverages. Crafted with the delicate essence of traditional Limoncello, La Croix offers a non-alcoholic, bubbly alternative that can be enjoyed anytime. Mix it with your favorite vodka for a sparkling Limoncello cocktail, or simply enjoy it on its own over ice for a refreshing summer treat. So, why wait? Revel in the Italian tradition and celebrate the season with the zesty charm of Limoncello. Salute!
San Pellegrino Soda
Experience a cascade of flavors and the sparkle of Italian summer with San Pellegrino Flavoured Sodas. Sourced from the sun-soaked orchards of Italy, each effervescent sip of San Pellegrino's vibrant sodas invites you to taste the authentic spirit of Italy and offers a refreshing respite from the summer heat.
Let's begin with Aranciata, an orange soda with a twist. It is a perfect blend of sweet and tart, featuring an exhilarating rush of premium, sun-ripened oranges that tingle your taste buds, leaving behind a pleasantly zesty aftertaste.
Aranciata Rossa, on the other hand, adds an extra layer of complexity with the vibrant flavors of blood oranges, resulting in a rich, tart, and intense soda that provides a unique sensory experience.
Finally, for those in search of a distinctive flavor, Chinotto is a must-try. A beloved Italian classic, Chinotto is crafted from the juice of the chinotto fruit, offering a unique, bittersweet taste that provides an exciting contrast to the sweeter sodas.
San Pellegrino sodas are refreshingly delightful on their own, but also make a versatile base for creative Italian cocktails. Pair Aranciata with a splash of gin and a sprig of thyme for a modern twist on a classic G&T. Elevate Aranciata Rossa with a dash of Campari and Prosecco for a delightful aperitif. Or mix Chinotto with vermouth and an orange twist for a sophisticated, bittersweet cocktail.
Make your backyard oasis the hub of summer entertaining with San Pellegrino Flavoured Sodas. To stock up on Aranciata, Aranciata Rossa, and Chinotto, be sure to visit Vincenzo's Italian Grocery, either in-store or online. Embrace the Italian approach to la dolce vita (the sweet life) this summer with San Pellegrino. Cin Cin!
Syrups
Enter the refreshing world of drink syrups, a centuries-old tradition that continues to add zing, zest, and sweetness to beverages around the globe.
The history of drink syrups is as rich as their flavours, tracing back to the ancient practice of preserving fruits in honey. They've come a long way since, evolving into a versatile ingredient beloved by mixologists and home chefs alike for their ability to infuse drinks with flavor and complexity.
The true beauty of syrups lies in their versatility. Whether it's jazzing up your morning coffee, adding a kick to your afternoon lemonade, or lending depth to your evening cocktail, the possibilities with syrups are endless and exciting. They are an integral part of popular drinks like Italian sodas, French diabolos, and Middle Eastern sharbats, showcasing their universal appeal.
This summer, we're highlighting the Citrus Passion Fruit syrup from Portland Syrups. Infused with the tartness of citrus and the tropical sweetness of passion fruit, this syrup offers a delightful flavor journey that'll transport you to a sun-dappled orchard with every sip. It's crafted with care using all-natural ingredients, ensuring you get a taste of real fruit in your glass.
Creating your light summer drink with this syrup is as easy as it is enjoyable. Simply stir a splash into your sparkling water to create a customized Italian soda, add it to your iced tea for a fruity twist, or mix it with your favorite spirits for a personalized cocktail. The Citrus Passion Fruit syrup offers an effortless way to elevate your summer refreshments, making every drink a memorable one.
Feta Cheese
Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean bliss with Feta cheese, a culinary gem that is both simple and complex in its richness. Renowned for its tangy, salty taste and crumbly texture, Feta cheese has been a staple in Greek cuisine for over a thousand years, and it's not difficult to see why. It is, quite simply, a cheese that can elevate any dish, from salads to pizzas, with its distinct flavour profile.
In the summertime, Feta shines as a refreshing accompaniment to a host of meals, lending its unique touch to light, crisp salads, grilled vegetables, or fresh fruit platters. It's a staple ingredient in the classic Greek salad, where its robust tang compliments the fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. It's also a delightful surprise when tossed with watermelon and mint for an unexpected, refreshing summer salad.
For an authentic Mediterranean experience, we recommend using Authentic Barrel Feta. Aged in barrels, as was done traditionally, this Feta offers an enriched taste that's tangier and more pronounced than its counterparts. It's a cheese that not only plays well with the light, fresh flavors of summer but also pairs excellently with your summer drinks. The saltiness of the Feta balances the sweetness of fruity cocktails or mocktails, and its creamy texture is a fantastic counterpoint to the crispness of a chilled white wine or a light beer.
To experience the wonder of Authentic Barrel Feta this summer, make your way to Vincenzo's Italian Market, where you can find this and many other gastronomic delights. Either visit in person or conveniently order online to get this Mediterranean masterpiece delivered right to your door. Elevate your summer entertaining with Feta cheese, and let every meal be an ode to the vibrant, sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
Summer Gift Basket
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