As we’ve highlighted here before, there’s a plethora of travel adventures waiting for you out there. Perhaps you’ve got your eye on a gem like Italy – if so, then hear our pleas! Italy is acclaimed as one of the finest sources of quality food and beverages, but there’s much, much more beneath the globalised brands. We say: on your trip, say no to limoncello, step away from the Chianti and try something new!
The Italians take their alcohol like they take their food: seriously! Whether it’s an aperitivo before dinner or a glass of wine late into the evening, alcohol is gently woven into a culture of long languid lunches and relaxed family dining. It’s hard to beat the feeling of sipping on an ice-cold beverage and picking over some olives whilst sitting in the sunshine. If you’re partial to a little aperitif here and there, it doesn’t get better than Italy. Read on to find some of the lesser-known drinks to wash down your ditalini or complement your cannelloni.
Be There or Be Square
When it comes to planning any sort of Italian holiday, realistically, it’ll probably take you longer to decide which wine you’re going to drink with dinner than it will to actually book your flights and accommodation! These days, convenience and efficiency are key for tourists, and these needs are met by brands with their ears to the ground. For example, there are several directories that will allow you to save time by booking flights, accommodation and even car hire all in one fell swoop. Some providers such as Opodo.co.uk offer a price comparator tool to help secure the best deals and, with airlines such as Ryanair, Jet2 and easyJet flying regularly from airports across the UK, you won’t necessarily be breaking the bank to get to Italy, either.
After you’ve arrived, nothing beats that ‘first drink-of-the-holiday’ feeling, but what’s it going to be? There are several iconic beverages synonymous with Italian culture e.g. limoncello, prosecco, Chianti (and dare we say a Lambrusco, if it’s not 1987). However, with all of these drinks readily available in the UK, if you’re planning a holiday to a country famed for its food and drink, it may be that you want to try something a little more unique…
Wine Regions
It’s probably no surprise that wine is the most popular drink in Italy, with the country accounting for a quarter of the world’s production. The Sangiovese variety (the grape used to make Chianti) is the most popular but there are myriad other different grapes and wine regions to explore
Umbria
Umbria, which borders Tuscany, is home to woodlands full of game and truffles and is nicknamed ‘the pork capital of Italy. Due to its culinary heritage, the region is full of robust and characterful wines, perfect for a variety of interesting food pairings. Umbria’s wines are far less known than those coming from its Tuscan neighbours so it’s definitely worth a trip to one of its vineyards for a more unique wine-tasting experience.
The Luguria Valley
If you’re after something particularly exclusive and hard to find, then anything from the Luguria Valley is worth seeking out. The steep slopes of the Ligurian coast are difficult to manage and so viticulture has to be done by hand. The wine is produced in small qualities making it difficult to get outside of the region. The western side of Liguria is home to several distinctive wines that you definitely won’t see on your supermarket shelves.
Cocktails
In the past, cocktail culture wasn’t necessarily something we immediately associated with Italy. However, as stated on TheGuardian.co.uk, with the huge rise in popularity of the negroni and Aperol Spritz making itself at home as a stalwart of the classic cocktail world, Italy is certainly making more of a cocktail-making name for itself.
- The Puccini – Despite having only two ingredients this is an incredibly refreshing cocktail along the lines of a Mimosa or a Bellini but with prosecco and mandarin juice. The best cocktail bars will use freshly squeezed mandarin juice over the artificially sweetened carton-based juice for that added freshness and orangey zing!
- The Milano-Torino – This is a headier, sweeter cocktail and couldn’t feel more traditionally Italian featuring equal measures of Martini Rosso, sweet vermouth and Campari. If you want something a little longer you can also add soda.
Winter warmers
Whilst we’re more likely to associate drinking Italian-style with warmer climes, Italy also offers some incredible places for skiing and winter sports. There are definitely more interesting ways to warm up after a day on the slopes than a traditional hot chocolate.
- Bombardino – Bombardino, even just saying the name of this wonderfully comforting cocktail is enough to make you seem authentically Italian! Made with eggnog, brandy, whipped cream, and cinnamon, the Bombardino originates from the Alps and is perfect for apres-ski If you want all the warmth without the alcohol, it can be made sans brandy.
- Vin Brulé– The Vin Brulé isn’t attributed to a specific region of Italy but it’s likely to be found in the Christmas Markets that spring up across the country in December. It’s basically a mulled wine made traditionally with Sangiovese wine, orange and spices, although each region tends to have their own take on it.
Aperitivos and Digestivos
You’ve got to love a country that dedicates specific drinks for both before and after a meal! The Italians like to take their time when it comes to dining and will often start with an aperitivo, most commonly vermouth or Campari to awaken the senses and prepare the palate. After the meal, the most popular digestivo is, of course, limoncello. Nonetheless, if you want something a little different, there are plenty of alternatives.
Cynar
Many would describe this aperitivo as an acquired taste although it doesn’t quite have the bitterness of Campari. It’s made predominantly with artichoke, which is then blended with 13 herbs and plants to give it that signature, distinct flavour. One thing we can say with certainty: it’ll wake up your tastebuds prior to your meal!
Sgroppino
Whilst this is very much a drink that can be enjoyed in its own right, it was originally served in Venice to the rich and famous to help aid digestion and cleanse the palette between courses. This unusual after or mid-dinner cocktail is made with prosecco, vodka, lemon sorbet and mint, so it’s incredibly refreshing.
Mirto
This traditional digestivo is mainly found in Sardinia and Southern Puglia. Mirto still has the traditional bitter flavours typical of Italian digestivos, which are said to aid digestion. However, Mirto is a much sweeter option than others, making it deliciously quaffable after a heavy evening meal.
Beer and Ale
Aside from the famous Peroni and Moretti, beer has long been overshadowed by Italy’s unrivalled wine-making culture. That said, over the last couple of decades, more and more microbreweries are popping up across the country producing all sorts of ales and beers.
- Italian Grape Ales – Italian Grape Ales (IGAs) have only really been on the market since around 2018. IGAs aren’t technically an ale in that they’re a combination of beer and viticulture., but they’re a must-try if you want to experience a little of Italy’s more unique offerings. The first brewery was founded in Piozzo but with the popularity of IGAs growing, it’s becoming more available across Italy.
- Crak Beer – If you want to try something a little more straightforward but still with an Italian feel, try something from the Crak Brewery. They’re an independent brewery with a whopping reputation and pride themselves on the freshness of their beer. Crak Brewery has received much acclaim in the form of several awards – they were recently the prestigious recipient of ‘best brewery in Italy 2023’.
Spirits
You won’t find many an Italian sipping on a vodka and lemonade or a rum and coke but they’re certainly beginning to make a name in the world of gin. If you want to try something a little different, then look no further than Fernet. This drink originates from Milan and was initially used for medicinal purposes before being adopted as a recreational drink. With a strong herbaceous and liquorice flavour making it incredibly bitter, it’s not for the more delicate palette but will certainly get your taste buds tingling.
Non-alcoholic drinks
From Americanos to macchiatos, Italy offers an extensive selection of coffees to work your way through. If you want to feel like you’re having a ‘drink-drink’ without the alcohol content, there are of course plenty of mocktails or alcohol-free beers, wines and liquors too.
- Bicerin – Bicerin translates as small glass. In this case, it’s a small glass of warm comforting luxury! Made with layers of premium hot chocolate, espresso and whipped cream, this indulgent hot drink can be found in most cafes across Turin.
- Latte e Menta – This literally translates as ‘milk and mint’. It’s made up of fresh cold milk and mint syrup making for an unusual but highly refreshing drink!
- Chinotto – Chinotto is a fruity drink with a bitter-sweet aftertaste only really found in Italy. It’s perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, particularly when served over ice with a big slice of orange.
As we’ve covered here before, we all have our favourite summer drinks and it’s often tempting to play it safe and stick with what we know. However, going on holiday is all about trying new things and nothing beats the buzz of finding the perfect cocktail or after-dinner liquor that you’ll always exclusively associate with a particular holiday. So, if you’re planning on visiting Italy this year, say no to that limoncello and see what you can discover!
