Two questions: What kind of mixed drinks does an Italian bar/restaurant/trattoria offer? Also, I have been wanting to try limoncello for a long time, but do I ask for it straight? over rocks? mixed with something else? Anything local we need to try? Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11834 posts
Limoncello is usuallu served very cold, even icy from the freezer, "straight up." Careful! It will sneak up on you! In Venice try a Spritz con Aperol.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32393 posts
Emily, This is what happens when you drink too much Limoncello (especially when it's served by Clooney)!
Posted by
Ballwin
833 posts
No need to ask for a limoncello any certain way, they will serve it to you cold, often in a short champagne shaped glass. It's interesting because it tastes like lemon candies but smells like rubbing alcohol (to me at least, haha). Definitely try a spritz in Venice! While not exactly local, I enjoyed gin e limone, a gin and lemon soda. A good cheap and tasty drink.
Posted by
Catadupa Alamere, CA
515 posts
Bevmo sells several brands of lemoncello. I keep a bottle in the freezer. In the Veneto, you might try grappa: but, watch out, NASA uses it as rocket fuel. In Venice, a nightly spritz is required by law (ask for aperol, which Bevmo sells too) If you like fruit and sparkling wine try a Bellini (peach, or strawberry) If you have too much money, you can dispense with most of it by drinking at Harry's Bar in Venice.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8194 posts
The spritz was the first one that popped to mind for me as well, very popular, especially in Venice, but available all over. If you are a little more hardcore, do a Campari and Soda, both Campari and Amperol are bitter liquors. In fact, rather than mixed drinks, what might be more available and local is flavored liquor. Seems like each region has their own take, from unflavored grappa, to Limencello, to Anise flavored, other fruits, and various herbal and bitter concoctions. I sometimes just ask if there is a local liquor, then they surprise me. Other than that, Bars will have a wider array, you can try looking around and see what is interesting, and most have menus with drinks listed. Many Trattoria and restaurants will not have an extensive bar, mostly beer and wine, then a few liquors for either before or after the meal, usually served shot style, but occasionally with soda or other light mixer.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4418 posts
I like Campari on the rocks - BUT it's definitely an acquired taste LOL as are most of the Good Things In Life...;-) If you can handle Campari, you'll see it everywhere! I also suggest asking for local recommendations...you may discover something new that you can then spend the next several years of your life searching for on the internet...