When I am in Italy, I like to have a ‘Spritz’, as the Italians call it, at the end of the day to take the edge off of a long day of sightseeing or wading through crowds at museums. To make the experience even more enjoyable, the Italians always serve a cocktail with a complementary snack on the side, and the snacks are usually delicious. I once asked a bartender the motivation for doing that and he explained that the Italians never drink alcohol on a empty stomach. Very wise!

Italian Aperol Spritz originated from the Veneto region, located in the Northeast of Italy on the Adriatic Sea but it’s origins probably lie in the Austrian Empire, which took over Veneto in the early 19th century. Hapsburg soldiers, local legend has it, would water down the strong local wine with a squirt (spritzen) of sparkling water.

Italian Aperol Spritz can also be made with Campari. I personally prefer Aperol as I find it sweeter in taste.

Saluti!

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Italian Aperol Spritz

Course Drinks

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 serving

Author My Global Cuisine

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Aperol or Campari
• 2 ounces of Prosecco
• 2 ounces of sparkling water
• 2 ounces of cubed ice
• 1 slice of Orange cut in half

Instructions

• Fill an old fashioned glass or wine glass with the ice first.
• Add the Aperol or Campari.
• Add the Prosecco.
• Add the Sparkling Water.
• Add the Orange Slice.
• Stir well.
• Serve with a snack on the side.
• For a stronger cocktail add another ounce of Aperol to it.
• Saluti!

The post Italian Aperol Spritz appeared first on My Global Cuisine.

I like to add fresh orange to the mix to make it a little special and balance some of the tartness of the lime.  In Brazil, they often add a little pure passion-fruit juice for those who prefer their drink a little less tart. This Lime-Orange Caipirinha is a great cocktail to serve at at a barbecue. The Brazilians believe that it helps open up your appetite to eat red meat, and it is often served before a family meal at the churrascaria. You will also find this traditional Lime-Orange Caipirinha cocktail at a happy hour or just about any celebration. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this delicious anti-oxidant filled cocktail. Mix one up at the end of a busy day and relax Brazilian style!

Brazilian football is often referred to as ‘the beautiful game’ and Brazilians are said to live ‘the beautiful life’.  So mix yourself up one of these traditional cocktails and conjure up some images of carnival, beautiful beaches, dancing, great food and great friends .

Love you all!

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Lime-Orange Caipirinha

Course Drinks

Cuisine Brazilian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 -2

Author My Global Cuisine

Ingredients

• 1 Ripe Orange
• 1 Ripe Lime
• 2 Tablespoons Extra Fine Sugar
• 4 Ounces Brazilian Cachaca or Vodka
• 10 Crushed Ice Cubes

Instructions

• Wash Orange and Lime well.
• Roll the Lime and Orange on a clean counter or cutting board applying light pressure, This will help release the juice.
• Remove the ends of the Orange and Lime and cut into 1" wedges.
• Using a mortar and pestle, muddle the Orange and Lime with the sugar
• Add ice to a cocktail shaker
• Pour the mixture and the Cachaca over the ice and shake well.
• Pour and Serve!

The post Lime-Orange Caipirinha appeared first on My Global Cuisine.