Italian Cocktails Perfect for Season 2 Premiere of hit HBO Series
Everyone’s favorite Hawaii vacation murder-mystery / satirical dramedy, The White Lotus, is coming back this Sunday for its second season, and this year, guests are headed to Sicily to enjoy the Italian island’s luxury experiences.
For those watching the premiere and want a taste of this elevated Sicilian lifestyle at home, a classic Italian cocktail is the perfect choice.
Please see below for delicious recipes from iconic Italian brands like Averna, Aperol, and Campari to enjoy with friends or family this Sunday. Looking to pop a bottle of bubbly to enjoy during your viewing party? We’ve also included all the details about Cinzano Prosecco below for your reference.
The Averna Ritual
*Averna is an authentic Italian amaro originally from Sicily. It was created in Italy according to a closely-guarded secret recipe originating in the Capuchin abbey of Caltanissetta, Sicily. The history of Averna is one heavily embedded in a story of family, passion and authenticity, and above all, its traditional Sicilian roots, which have been kept alive through four generations. Averna is not just an amaro but an authentic Sicilian experience that should be enjoyed after dinner with loved ones while making unforgettable moments.
Pour Averna into a womb glass along with ice cubes, fresh mint or rosemary, and lemon peel. Tilt the glass on its side, and roll it gently on the table to infuse the ingredients, bringing the unique aromas of Averna to life. Sip and enjoy.
Sicilian Espresso Martini
Created by Linden Pride, Dante NYC
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Averna
- ½ oz. Espolón blanco
- ¼ oz. dark crème de cacao
- ½ oz. orgeat
- 1.5 oz. cold espresso
- 3 dashes chocolate bitters
METHOD: Shake very hard & strain
GLASS: Large Coupe
GARNISH: Coffee beans,
Pair with a side dish of unsalted toasted almonds
Midnight to Midnight
Created by Seattle bartender Adam Aly
Photo by Justin Alford (@thewhiskeymcgee)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz. Averna
- 1 oz. Fresh Pineapple Juice
- ¾ oz. Lime Juice
- ¼ oz. Grenadine
- 3-4 dashes cherry bitters
METHOD: Combine all ingredients over ice, shake, and strain into a coupe
GLASS: Coupe
GARNISH: Lemon peel
Averna Black Manhattan
Ingredients
- 1 part Averna
- 2 parts Russel’s Reserve 6 Year Rye
- 1-2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Brandied Cherry
METHOD: Stir all ingredients with ice until cold and strain into a well-chilled coupe glass
GLASS: Coupe
GARNISH: Brandied cherry
Campari 
Campari was created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari, and is the iconic Italian aperitif and the defining ingredient of classic cocktails like the Negroni. With its vibrant red color, intense aroma and inspiring flavor, Campari has always been a symbol of intrigue and pleasure. Its versatility takes you on a journey into a captivating and sophisticated drinking experience. These values have made the Campari brand famous throughout the world as an icon of passionate Italian style and excellence.
Classic Campari Negroni
Campari is the iconic Italian aperitif created in 1860 in Milan used in classic cocktails like the Negroni. The secret family recipe has remained unchanged for over 150 years with its vibrant red color, intense aroma and inspiring flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 Part Campari
- 1 Part 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso
- 1 Part Bulldog Gin
METHOD: Build ingredients over ice in a rocks glass
GLASS: Rocks glass
GARNISH: Orange slice
Aperol
To date, we have no certain idea of when the “spritz” was actually created. What we do know for certain, is that it was initially colourless in its appearance, before being splashed with Aperol to acquire the typical orange colour that made the drink and serve famous. We also know that it was during the 1950s when the recipe, as we know it today, took shape, comprising three parts Prosecco D.O.C., two parts Aperol and one part soda water. We presume its origins lie in the ‘Venetian Spritz’; created as a cocktail in the 1920s and inspired by the widespread 19th century tendency among soldiers in the Austrian empire to water down the high alcohol content of Venetian wines with a touch of seltzer or carbonated water. The modern phenomenon and the story of Aperol has reached global status as consumers all over the world enjoy Aperol Spritz. A lively drink that evokes the Italian lifestyle; its low alcohol content, refreshing flavor and bright orange color make it the perfect drink whether relaxing with friends, having a drink before a meal or as an aperitif with light food. Sunny and full of vitality, the unique Aperol taste is deliciously Italian but with a totally international appeal.
The “3-2-1” Aperol Spritz
Ingredients:
- Ice cubes
- Aperol
- Cinzano Prosecco
- Soda Water (served from siphon or chilled bottle)
- Slice of orange
METHOD: In a stemmed balloon glass full of ice, combine 3 parts of Cinzano Prosecco followed by 2 parts Aperol. Add 1 part or a splash of soda water, stir gently if needed and garnish with an orange slice. The end result should be a uniform, perfect orange color.
GLASS: Stemmed balloon glass
GARNISH: Orange Slice
Cinzano Prosecco D.O.C. (SRP $11.99)
As Italy’s first sparkling wine, this prosecco makes for a perfect pair to any aperitivo. This dry sparkling wine has a sweet scent and a soft touch in the mouth with flavors reminiscent of apple and pear.
Link to purchase here.
Cheers!
Please drink responsibly.
