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Your European holiday in a cocktail glass

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 14 Sep 2022

By
Alexandra Whiting

In lieu of a flight, we’re bringing the drinks of a Euro summer to you.

Dreams of escaping winter for some fun in the European sun have been dashed for Aussies this year. Maybe 2022? As we can’t be their IRL, we recommend asking Siri to “play Italian summer playlist” while you mix up something typical of a beach club in Mykonos or cliff-side hotel on the Amalfi Coast. We’ve rounded up five cocktails beloved by those vacationing in the Med, and if all else fails, an Aperol Spritz will always feel like a holiday. It’s the darling of summer cocktails no matter where you are.

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South of France? A French Negroni. Definitely

Sub the Campari for Lillet. Don’t know it? Lillet is 85% Bordeaux wine and 15% citrus liquors which means a French Negroni is sweeter than the Italian original. Equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Lillet serve it with a twist of orange. Delish and very swish. Pair with day dreams of living it up in St Tropez.

Amalfi Coast? Try a Limoncello Spritz

The spritz may have its roots in northern Italy, but limoncello (and lemons for that matter) are as emblematic of the Amalfi Coast as bright turquoise water and blush-coloured stone buildings covered in bougainvillea. Limoncello can be quite strong and rather tart, but the beauty of a spritz is that you can dilute it to suit your (or your guests’) tastes. You’ll need a few more ingredients for this one,  prosecco, sugar syrup, soda, ice and thyme for garnish. Exact recipe here. Saluti!

 

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Lisbon? Has to be a CaipiroskaThe Caipiroska is Brazilian, but if you find yourself at a cool restaurant in Portugal’s capital, in the middle of July, you’ll be surrounded by Caipiroska drinkers. It really is the perfect sip for the sun-drenched setting. Sometimes thought of as the internationalised Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, a Caipiroska uses vodka (rather than cachaça). You’ll also need eight limes, cut into wedges, 30g of caster sugar and 12 torn up mint leaves. Muddle together and pour over ice. Super refreshing. This is a popular cocktail to get a fruity twist, strawberry or pineapple versions give a little more flavour (and colour, if you’re looking to impress).

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Dubrovnik? Try a Med-style Gin and Tonic

A classic with a Mediterranean twist: extra herbs and zest. Ideally you’d be picking up the lemons, peppercorns, thyme and rosemary from the Croatian marketplace in Old Town, but in this case, your local Woolies will do. Pour the gin into a short glass with ice, add a sprig of rosemary and thyme, then the tonic. Stir, then sprinkle in a few pink peppercorns and a slice of lemon. For extra zest opt for a pre flavoured gin like Malfy Con Limone Gin.

Mykonos? What about a Greek Southside

To mix up this cocktail, pick up a bottle of Skinos Mastiha. For a clear spirit, Mastiha has a lot of flavour and a beautiful aroma. It’s herby and subtly minty with hints of earthy cedar and violet. To make a Greek Southside (an Eastside with a Greek twist) with it, pour 15mL Mastiha, 45mL gin, 15mL lime juice and 15mL sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker. Shake thoroughly, double strain and pour into a cocktail glass. Top with a fresh basil leaf. Fancy.

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Shop related products
Limoncello di CapriL'Originale Liquore 700mL
L'Originale Liquore 700mL
$59.99 each
 
AperolAperitivo 700mL
Aperitivo 700mL
$34.99 Each
 
SkinosMastiha Spirit 700mL
Mastiha Spirit 700mL
$69.99 each
 
LilletBlanc Aperitif 750mL
Blanc Aperitif 750mL
$41.99 each
 
CampariBitter Aperitif 700mL
Bitter Aperitif 700mL
$47.99 each
 
Authour image
Alexandra WhitingWriter, mum and afternoon spritz enthusiast. Thinks most gatherings should be celebrated with Champagne.
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Hit ListSpiritsGinCocktails
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