Despite the great variety and quality of Italian wines, Italy has cultivated a cocktail culture, particularly associated with summer vacations by the sea and Italian discos. If you’re in Italy, look for cocktails such as the Mojito, Caipirina, Caipiroska or the Cuba Libre.

Classic Italian cocktails and pre-dinner drinks include the Negroni, Bellini, Rossini and Aperol Spritz (great for the Italian summer). On the subject of mixer drinks, Italy in SF is not entirely correct when she says that Italian’s don’t put ice in their drinks (Tip 37).

Take a gin and tonic, for example. A large, high tumbler glass will normally be served, filled with ice, and then filled with gin virtually to the brim; Italy hasn’t yet got draconian alcohol laws where everything must be measured in small cups. A little tonic water may be squeezed in at the top, otherwise you’re left with a small bottle of tonic water, drinking straight gin on ice until there’s enough room to include the tonic part of the mix. Regarding relaxed drinking laws, you should remember that one gin and tonic might be two or three gin and tonics of your regular drink back home.

More on the Italian cocktail culture soon, with a special piece on the great Happy Hour - absolutely not-to-be-missed. I am a Happy Hour convert and believe it should be implemented internationally in the interests of good Saturday nights out!

Photo | Flickr

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