Chilled Chinotto, Cedrata with a slice of lemon, Spuma on ice…is there anything better than sharing a classic Italian drink with friends and family during the summertime? Or at any time of year, really! We’re not necessarily talking about a full aperitivo or classic cocktails (those are best enjoyed on La Posta Vecchia’s Terrazza or overlooking the Mar Tirenno at Hotel Il Pellicano in our opinion). We’re talking about those legendary alcohol-free Italian soft drinks and mixers that many of us grew up with. These citrus, sweet and bitter Italian drinks are now being rediscovered across the world, and they’re making quite a splash as ‘cult icons’ themselves.
Something for citrus lovers
Few things say ‘Italian summer’ quite like the taste of citrus. Whether its flavours of fragrant Amalfi lemons or juicy blood oranges from Sicilian groves, citrus is one of the most refreshing (and certainly most-loved!) of Italian beverage flavours. With its glorious fizz and sparkling yellow colour, Cedrata is a classic citrus refresher that instantly brings a smile to our face. For many of us, it has been the taste of summer since childhood! Enjoy it in a glass over ice with a slice of lemon or lime, or simply straight from the bottle at the beach.
Of course, many of our favourite soft drinks and mixers are also found all over the world in some variation or another, and they’re just perfect without alcohol! For those days when we feel like mixing it up, a good old tangy Aranciata and Aranciata Rossa (Orange and Blood Orange Soda) with ice always does the trick.
Something on the sweet side
Orzata is another one of those timeless but often-forgotten Italian drink flavours that takes us back to childhood. With its distinct taste of almonds, barley and a hint of rosewater, we love a splash of it in a glass of cold sparkling water in summertime.
Gingerino was traditionally served as an aperitivo drink before a meal to stimulate the appetite, but it’s now being rediscovered as a ‘pick-me-up’ to enjoy at any time of day. Comforting and satisfying, it tastes like the earthy sweetness of the ginger herb.
Often regarded as Italy’s version of ‘cola’, sharing a cold bottle of Spuma on the beach with family and friends is a long-standing summer ritual. With its sweet, caramel-like flavour, this drink always feels like a bit of a treat. And we can’t forget Gassosa! A subtly sweet refresher with a hint of lemon and lots of bubbles, it’s perfect for mixing with other flavours or refreshing the palette by itself.
Something a little bitter
Chinotto…you either love it or you don’t! But there’s no denying this quintessential beverage is an Italian icon. With its bitter orange flavour that has an intensely aromatic aftertaste, many of us have developed an acquired taste for this drink over the years, even if we hated it the first time we tried it as kids!
Not simply a classic mixer and a staple in many of our favourite cocktails, Acqua Tonica (or Tonic Water) is being rediscovered as a refreshing summer drink to enjoy on its own. Bitter and bubbly, we never hit the beach without a few bottles of Tonic Water on hand to refresh us throughout the day. No gin required!
Something with a herbal hint
Another classic Italian drink that is also an ‘acquired taste’ is of course the iconic Crodino. First created in Italy in the 60s, the recipe for this popular alcohol-free aperitif remains unchanged, with its herbal undertones that are sweetened by a mix of citrus and vanilla notes.
For those who prefer something more mellow in flavour (but certainly no less legendary), there’s always the humble Tè freddo (Iced tea) to cool you down. Sold in small cans or bottles at almost every Italian ‘bar’ or convenience store across the country, Tè freddo is a summer staple that pairs perfectly with a panino by the beach. Peach or Lemon? Don’t make us choose!
Even after summer is over, these legendary drinks can be enjoyed all year round, and they’re clearly not going out of fashion anytime soon!
