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Italian Spirits

We love Italian wine but Italy also boasts some of the world’s most delicious spirits. We asked three of our expert recipe developers, Eric Vellend, Monda Rosenberg and Signe Langford, to choose one each and make something spectacular with it. We weren’t disappointed!

Sgroppino

This lemony libation from Venice is a drink of all trades. A Sgroppino can be served as a pre-dinner refresher (aperitivo), a mid-meal palate cleanser (intermezzo), or a post-prandial sipper (digestivo). It’s traditionally made with vodka, but here lemon-infused Malfy gin gives it a citrusy boost and added complexity. The combination of barely melted sorbet and bubbly Prosecco creates a drink that’s creamy in texture and highly refreshing.

 

Eric Vellend

Deconstructed Amaretto Tiramisu

Spiked with both espresso and amaretto, this rich, decadent and decidedly grown-up no-bake dessert is a delightful and easy-to-make play on tiramisu-meets-affogato. This recipe calls for Italian amaretti cookies, but another almond cookie or even a good-quality shortbread cookie will do in a pinch! While we suggest portioning it into individual bowls, it can also be presented “family style,” in one large serving dish.

Signe Langford

Italian Limoncello Cookies

These yummy, slightly soft cookies have many names — lemon knots, lemon drop cookies, anginetti... You find them all over southern Italy — especially at weddings. The icing has a more intense lemon flavour than the actual cookie, which makes for a delicious contrast. And using limoncello as an ingredient instead of the traditional lemon juice enhances the citrus even more.

Monda Rosenberg

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Malfy Gin

Produced in a family-run distillery near Turin, Italy, Malfy is distilled with an intense infusion of lemons from Sicily and the Amalfi coast, among its classic gin botanicals. It makes an awesome G&T!

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Disaronno Originale Amaretto

Disaronno claims the recipe for this iconic liqueur goes back to 1525! Sweet and as smooth as satin, it derives its almond flavour from apricot kernels and various herbs — there are no nuts involved.

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Rossi D'Asiago Limoncello

Lemons, sugar and alcohol — the simple ingredients in limoncello, which some have called Italy’s national drink. Rossi d’Asiago’s intense version has the aroma and taste of pure lemon zest.

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