Beat the Heat with Italy’s Best Summer Sips!

Naturally there is an Italian wine for every occasion, and we suggest gleaning inspiration for which ones to try from some of our world-renowned Italy wine regions vacation itineraries. There are also many other Italian drinks to enjoy when the temperature rises, whether you are in our bel paese or enjoying a staycation in your own hometown.

Luscious Limoncello

The best place to try Limoncello, Italy’s famous luscious frosted lemon beverage, is on the amazing Amalfi Coast where the lemons are freshly harvested, but if you’re not in Italy give this easy-to-follow Limoncello recipe from the Expo Milan 2015 world recipes page a try - a cinch to whip up in your own backyard.

(Lucky enough to be planning a trip to Italy? Check out our popular restorative getaway to the stunning Amalfi Coast where you can sip Limoncello with the locals.)

Cue the Andrea Bocelli CD for ambience because while this recipe only requires lemons, vodka, sugar and water there is a bit of prep time as you leave the lemon zest to soak in the liquor for eight days before boiling the mixture with the sugar and water and letting it sit another eight days.

But, as they say, good things come to those who wait and it’s worth trying this generations-old recipe. As the Divina Cucina, a Californian Italy food blogger and pastry chef now loving life under the Tuscan sun, explains limoncello is traditionally kept icy cold. You can keep your bottle in the freezer where the alcohol will prevent it from turning to ice completely.

Cocktails for Adventurous Palates

Cocktails for Adventurous PalatesWhile you wait for your Limoncello to be ready to enjoy in tiny glasses after your favorite Italian meal, Saveur magazine gives simple how-to instructions for other popular Italian cocktails.There’s the classic Negroni, created in Florence nearly a century ago, which is a glorious pink, slightly sweet cocktail made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Close your eyes as you sip this and imagine you’re relaxing after an afternoon shopping on the historic Ponte Vecchio in Florence.