In this week's COTW: We're embarking on a Mediterranean journey with a bright, effervescent sipper that captures the essence of sun-drenched lemon groves cascading down seaside cliffs, bringing Italy's most picturesque coastline right to your glass.
After exploring barbecue-friendly bourbon cocktails throughout June, we're setting our sights on distant shores for July with our new series: "Vacation Vibrations" – drinks inspired by popular summer travel destinations. Even if you can't get away this season, these cocktails will transport your taste buds to some of the world's most beautiful locations.
THE COCKTAIL:
Today's feature is the "Amalfi Coast Spritz" – a vibrant, refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast, where lemon groves cling to steep cliffs overlooking the azure Mediterranean Sea. This spritz combines zesty limoncello – the region's signature lemon liqueur – with crisp prosecco, aromatic fresh basil, and bright citrus notes to create a drink that's like sunshine in a glass.
Amalfi Coast Spritz
Ingredients
- Limoncello (1½ oz per cocktail): This Italian lemon liqueur is the heart and soul of our Amalfi Coast Spritz. Authentic limoncello from the Amalfi region uses the local Sfusato Amalfitano lemons, known for their intense fragrance and sweet, less acidic flavor. While imported brands like Pallini or Villa Massa offer authenticity, quality domestic options like Fabrizia work well too. For the truly adventurous, homemade limoncello allows complete control over sweetness and intensity.
- Prosecco (3 oz per cocktail): This Italian sparkling wine provides effervescence and a crisp, dry backbone that balances the sweetness of the limoncello. Choose a brut or extra-dry prosecco rather than a sweet one – La Marca, Mionetto, or Ruffino are widely available and work beautifully. Always ensure it's well-chilled before using.
- Fresh Basil (3-4 leaves per cocktail, plus more for garnish): Basil grows abundantly along the Amalfi Coast and is used frequently in the region's cuisine. Its aromatic, slightly peppery quality adds unexpected complexity to this cocktail and pairs surprisingly well with the lemon notes. Look for bright green, fragrant leaves with no brown spots.
- Fresh Citrus: Both lemon and orange play important roles here. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about ¼ oz) brightens the drink, while a thin slice of orange provides a beautiful garnish and subtle aromatic quality that complements the limoncello.
- Optional Club Soda (1 oz per cocktail): For a longer, more refreshing drink, especially on the hottest days, a splash of chilled club soda adds additional effervescence and lightens the cocktail slightly.
- Ice: Plenty of it, both for mixing and serving.
Instructions
- Begin by chilling your glass – place it in the freezer for about 5 minutes while you gather your ingredients.
- Take 2-3 fresh basil leaves and place them in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the leaves – press just firmly enough to release the oils without shredding the basil. We want the aromatic essence without any bitterness.
- Add 1½ ounces of limoncello to the shaker.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about ¼ ounce) to brighten the flavors.
- Fill the shaker with ice and give it a brief shake – just 5-10 seconds. We're looking to integrate the flavors and chill the mixture without diluting it too much.
- Remove your chilled glass from the freezer and fill it with fresh ice.
- Strain the limoncello mixture into the glass.
- Slowly pour in 3 ounces of chilled prosecco. Pour gently down the side of the glass to preserve as much effervescence as possible.
- If desired, add a splash (about 1 ounce) of club soda for a lighter, more refreshing finish.
- Garnish with a fresh basil leaf – slap it gently between your palms first to release the aromatic oils – and a thin wheel of orange or lemon. For an extra special presentation, use both citrus wheels and a basil sprig.
- Optionally, add a lemon twist expressed over the top of the drink to add aromatic citrus oils to the surface.
GLASSWARE:
A large wine glass or balloon glass is ideal for this spritz, allowing the aromatic qualities to concentrate at the top of the glass. In Italy, spritzes are typically served in large-bowled stemmed glasses to showcase the beautiful color and allow room for plenty of ice and garnish.
ITALIAN APERITIVO HOUR SERVING SUGGESTION:
In Italy, this would be enjoyed during "aperitivo hour" – that magical time before dinner when Italians gather to enjoy drinks and light snacks. To recreate this experience at home:
Serve your Amalfi Coast Spritz alongside small plates of Italian antipasti: marinated olives, thin slices of prosciutto, chunks of Parmigiano-Reggiano, and perhaps some fresh cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.
For a larger gathering, set up an "aperitivo station" with a pitcher of the pre-mixed limoncello-basil base, chilled bottles of prosecco, and various garnishes, allowing guests to assemble their own spritzes.
REGIONAL INSPIRATION & HISTORY:
The Amalfi Coast stretches along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula and is renowned for its dramatic beauty, with colorful villages clinging to steep cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its lemons – massive, fragrant fruits that thrive in the region's unique microclimate.
Limoncello production on the Amalfi Coast dates back at least a century, with families passing down their recipes through generations. Traditionally, it's served ice-cold as a digestivo (after-dinner drink), but our spritz variation transforms it into a perfect aperitivo.
The Italian spritz itself has roots in the Veneto region during the time of the Habsburg Empire, when Austrian soldiers would lighten the local wines with a "spritz" of water. The modern Aperol Spritz became popular in the 1950s, and today, spritz variations can be found throughout Italy, each region putting its own spin on this refreshing format.
Our Amalfi Coast Spritz celebrates this tradition while highlighting the signature flavors of the region – like taking a liquid postcard from one of Italy's most beautiful destinations.
CLOSING:
The Amalfi Coast Spritz captures the bright, sunny character of the Mediterranean summer – it's refreshing, sophisticated, and transports you directly to those sun-drenched lemon groves overlooking the blue Italian waters. Whether you're planning an actual Italian getaway or just dreaming of one from your backyard, this cocktail brings a taste of la dolce vita to your glass.
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]
Reminder: As always, enjoy responsibly and designate a driver if you're out and about sampling these delightful creations.