If you ever find yourself in Florence with room for a post‑dinner dram, you’re in luck. The city hides a handful of whisky spots with a solid range of bottles, not just the usual suspects. What I like about these places is how varied they are: a couple of polished cocktail bars, a classic pub, […]
Drink Like an Italian – Guide to Spritz Cocktails
Italians really know how to make refreshing spritz cocktails! These long drinks are ideal for the hot summer weather, although Italians enjoy a spritz all year round. They are most popular during an aperitivo but also at lunch time. Aperitivo is an early-evening drink accompanied by snacks. Italians like to make sure there is food […]
The Lemon Houses of Lake Garda
When we think of Italian lemons, we often associate them with the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, when in fact the lemon trade began from Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, back in the 14th century. Due to the hilly landscape of the region, lemons were grown in specific lemon houses on the sides of the mountainous […]
How to Make Limoncello at Home
Limoncello is the easiest to make and you only need four ingredients: lemons, vodka, sugar and water. Bring it as a gift to a dinner party or use to create a tasty aperitif at home. What is Limoncello? Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur, which is mainly produced in the south of the country around […]
Puni Italian Malt Whisky – What Is It All About?
Puni Distillery is the first whisky distillery in Italy. Located in the far north, in the middle of the Alps in the Venosta valley, the distillery can take advantage of the special climate and the pure alpine water. The water is sourced from the nearby Stelvio National Park and the name Puni comes from the […]
Where to Enjoy an Aperitivo in Lucca
I have researched the best aperitivo places in Lucca within the city walls. It gets pretty hot in Tuscany during the summer months, so I don’t always feel like eating much or cooking at home. Therefore, aperitivo is ideal as you can choose how much to eat, the food seems lighter, and it is complemented […]
What Is Smoked Grappa and How to Serve It?
Bepi Tosolini Smoked Grappa, 40% ABV, is a unique and versatile product, which can be enjoyed in many ways. This is a perfect spirit for those who usually enjoy a peated whisky or even mezcal. This award-winning smoked grappa is made using artisanal methods, which require a lot of patience, time, and an eye for […]
Living in Lockdown – Tips for Keeping Sane
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” – John Donne With the current climate of uncertainty and restrictions, the best advice is to stay at home as much as possible. If you are able to work from home, do so. Some […]
The End of Aperitivo – How Coronavirus Is Affecting the Drinks Industry
This year has been something of a disaster so far, from flooding to bushfires to coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading across the globe. When it comes to the virus, you could argue the panic it has created is worse than the virus itself, with a lot of misinformation on social media and incredibly selfish behaviour in the […]