January 2025’s Drink of the Month: Zesty cocktails to warm up the soul

On the island this January, ring in the new year with cocktails inspired by Apres Ski in the Italian Alps.

Aperol Spritz

As the most famous adult beverage in Italy, the Aperol spritz has a low alcohol content at just 11%, which invites a second round. To enjoy the bittersweet bright orange aperitivo, created in 1919 and made with a blend of herbs and roots, follow the directions below, courtesy of aperol.com.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts of Aperol
• 1 splash of soda
• 1 slice of orange

Directions:

1. Place ice cubes in a stemmed balloon glass.
2. Pour 3 parts of Prosecco.
3. Follow by pouring 2 parts of Aperol and 1 ounce of soda.

Slice an orange and use it to garnish a stemmed wine glass.

Witches’ Grappa

Meaning “witch” in Italian, Strega is made with 70 varieties of botanicals such as cinnamon, juniper, wild mint, cloves, star anise, white pepper, nutmeg and saffron, lending the liqueur a bright yellow hue. Bursting with intense flavor, Strega mixes well with gin, tequila and brandy, especially grappa. Thanks to diffordsguide.com for sharing the following recipe with instructions on how to craft a warming brew of Witches’ Grappa.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Grappa di Moscato
• 1 ounce Strega liqueur
• 1 ounce orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• .5-ounce lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Directions:

1. Select and pre-chill a coupe, or round champagne glass.
2. Prepare orange zest for garnish.
3. Shake all ingredients with ice.
4. Fine strain into chilled glass.

Express orange zest twist over the cocktail and use as garnish.

II Bombardino

Originally created in northern Lombardia, Il Bombardino, literally meaning “the bomb,” is a famously warm winter cocktail traditionally enjoyed by skiers after a long day out on the slopes. This Genovese slow-sipping signature drink can easily be enjoyed on the beach during our Aperol Spritz colder months, thanks to the following recipe shared by Eataly Magazine (eataly.com).

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces brandy, such as Vecchia Romagna brandy
• 3 ounces egg liqueur like Zabov zabaglione

Whipped cream to taste Cinnamon to taste

Directions:

1. Warm the egg liqueur in a small saucepan.
2. Pour the brandy in a glass mug.
3. When the egg liquor is hot but not yet boiling, slowly add it to the brandy.
4. Stir well to combine.

Top the cocktail with a generous amount of whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Despite sand instead of snow, a warming winter zing is always appreciated and this trio of cocktails delivers.

By Sarah Rose