Italy from the Inside

Welcome the Italian summer with the sgroppino

Sgroppino- Italy from the Inside

Photo by Francesca Tosolini

The sgroppino, also known as sorbetto al limone, is a drink made of lemon gelato, vodka and Prosecco (a sparkling white wine). Originated in Venice, it is a delicious and refreshing drink to sip during the hot Italian summers, especially after dinner. Don’t forget to order it if you happen to be in a restaurant or a bar.

{Part of this article is an excerpt from chapter 3 “Italian cuisine and food establishments” of the eBook “Italy from the Inside. A native Italian reveals the secrets of traveling in Italy”}

Hot chocolate made the Italian way


Among my favorite treats I get all the times when I visit Italy are the cream filled croissant (brioche alla crema) and the hot chocolate (cioccolata calda). Every coffee shop (bar) will sell fresh croissants as they are part of the traditional Italian breakfast cappuccino e brioche.

American hot chocolate is usually prepared by mixing hot water with cocoa powder. If you order one in Italy, you’ll find that the barista will mix the cocoa powder with real milk and stir and foam it for 15-20 seconds until a thick consistency has been achieved.

I often found that hot chocolates that could hold my spoon standing still were the most delicious ones.

The Chinotto soft drink


Next time you are visiting Italy and are ready to order your favorite pizza, ask for a Chinotto instead of the usual Coke. Chinotto is a natural citrus and herbal beverage with a unique taste. It is one of Italy’s traditional soft drinks. Thanks to a collaboration with Nestle’, you may be able to find the Chinotto San Pellegrino brand in your local Italian food store too. My impression is that this is a beverage that you either love at first taste, or hate it. What do you think of Chinotto?