Lambrusco refers both to a variety of Italian red grape and to the sparkling red wine which is derived from it. This deliciously fruity vino is particularly popular in the region of Emilia-Romagna where it has an exceptionally long and rich history. There is evidence that the Lambrusco vine was being cultivated by the Etruscans as early as the iron age when trees like the Poplar, Elm and Maple were used to offer it structural integrity and support. The traditional methods of cultivation which have developed over the centuries find their origins in this ancient process. The turmoil that ensued across Italy with the fall of the Roman Empire meant that many historic rituals were lost. However, the cultivation of Lambrusco grapes survived due to its close ties to monastic culture. Essential to both Christian worship and herbal medicine, wine-making techniques in this period were meticulously honed and carefully recorded, enabling us to clearly trace back elements of the process which are still used today.
Enjoyed across Emilia-Romagna for millenia, Lambrusco has become more widely popular around the globe in recent centuries. In the 1970s and 1980s Sweet Lambrusco was the best-selling import wine in the United States and it’s no surprise that this fruit-forward frizzante has since become a staple ingredient in many fashionable drinks served in some of Emilia-Romagna’s most stylish establishments. Offering a more contemporary spin on this ancient variety of vino, these cocktail recipes are the perfect way to wow your guests at an Italianesque dinner party or would make the ideal aperitivo to complement your favourite pasta dish.
Try these Lambrusco cocktail recipes
Take your pick from these classic Lambrusco cocktail recipes - the Lambrusco Spritz, the Scotch Lambrusco Mule and the Reggiano-Americano - to be transported to a glamorous evening in the enchanting region of Emilia-Romagna.
The Lambrusco Spritz is a delicious alternative to the more well-known Aperol Spritz which we tend to associate with balmy summer days. Simply swapping out the Prosecco and replacing it with a full-bodied Lambrusco will make this sparkling cocktail a winter favourite.
A fiery twist on the classic Moscow Mule, our Scotch Lambrusco Mule offers warmth on these cold winter nights. The sharpness of the whisky and lemon is offset by the slightly floral impression of the Lambrusco and the sweetness of the honey.
Emilia-Romagna’s answer to Veneto’s Negroni Sbagliato is the Reggiano-Americano. The soda water which makes a traditional Americano a light, refreshing beverage is replaced by the deeper, richer flavour of Lambrusco Reggiano. Coupled with the bold undertones of the Campari and red vermouth the effervescent Lambrusco makes this cocktail a sensory delight.
Lambrusco Spritz
Serves 1
Prep Time: Less than 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 104 kcal
Ingredients
- 25ml Aperol
- 100ml Lambrusco (slightly chilled)
- Sparkling water
- Ice
- Blood orange slice to garnish (optional)
Method
- Place the ice in a large wine glass
- Pour in your Lambrusco
- Add the Aperol and stir
- Top up with a splash of sparkling water
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange to serve
Scotch Lambrusco Mule
Serves 1
Prep Time: Less than 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 25ml Lemon juice
- 1tsp Honey
- 1 tsp Ginger syrup
- 50ml (2 shots) Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- 75ml dry Lambrusco (slightly chilled)
- Ice
- Mint sprig to garnish
Method
- Measure out all of the ingredients and add to a lowball glass or cocktail shaker
- Stir or shake well to ensure the drink is well mixed
- Add the ice (shake vigorously if using a shaker and decant into lowball glass)
- Garnish with a mint sprig to serve
Reggiano-Americano
Serves 1
Prep Time: Less than 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 30ml (about 1 shot) Campari
- 30ml (about 1 shot) Red Vermouth
- 50ml Lambrusco
- Ice
- Orange twist to garnish
Method
- Combine the Campari and Red Vermouth in a small lowball glass (whisky glass)
- Add the ice cubes
- Top with Lambrusco
- Garnish with orange twist to serve
For more ways to bring Emilia-Romagna to your home this winter, be sure to stop by our Winter in Emilia-Romagna page and order from our limited edition menu, available from 14th to 20th December. Will you be joining us on our winter trip to Italy? Be sure to share your holiday-at-home snaps on social media using #PastaEvangelists #ItalyatHome.
At Pasta Evangelists, we bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. Prepared using the freshest ingredients, our gourmet pasta dishes are perfect for those looking to enjoy restaurant-quality meals, delivered to your door, and ready in under five minutes. Order from our weekly menu today, and we’ll offer you 25% off your first delivery - simply enter the code BLOG25 at checkout.
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