Rome wasn't built in a day, but these cocktails can be! We've rounded up a collection of cocktail recipes from some of the best bartenders in Rome. Add these to your menus for some international flavor.
And if you missed the article on the progressive cocktail scene in Rome, go back and read it for some nugget of wisdoms from Roman bartenders!
Recipes from Sofitel Villa Borghese, Rome
Caffè Borghese
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz espresso
2 tsp Caffè Borghetti Espresso Liqueur
1 tsp Cherry Heering Liqueur
1 tsp Cointreau
1 cup Ice
3 coffee beans (ground)
Directions:
Add all the ingredients except the beans into the shaker. Shake well, and strain into a pre-chilled martini glass. Grind beans and sprinkle coffee dust to finish the drink.
Imperial Seven
Ingredients:
¾ oz basil-infused vodka
1¾ oz Italicus Rosolio Bergamot Liqueur
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp truffle honey
1 drop anise spritz
Grappa
Directions:
Put all the ingredients except Grappa into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with Grappa and serve. Bartender’s Note: The ingredients are associated with the seven kings of Rome:
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Romolo, the founder of Rome, is the base of the cocktail: basil vodka
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Numa Pompilio, the minister/priest, was sweet but strong, linked with truffle honey.
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Tulio Ostilio, the soldier king, is linked with the strongest acidic part, the lemon juice.
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Anco Marzio, merchant/vendor king, associated with the perfume aroma of the vaporized grappa
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Tarquinio Prisco, the Etruscan, is associated with the bitter anise.
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Servio Tullio, the first king but not elected by the people, is associated with the strong taste of the bergamot liqueur
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Tarquinio, named the arrogant and last king of Rome before the Republic, is associated with an ingredient that in a way represents a break from the past like a honey spoon with a cube of basil ice.
Recipes from Matteo Zed, The Court
Yasmine Butterfly
Ingredients:
1½ oz Roku Gin
¾ oz Cocci Americano Rosa
¾ oz Yasmine syrup* (see below)
5 mint leaves
¾ oz lemon juice
Top with London Essence White Peach and Jasmine Soda
Directions:
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with dried rose and bitters.
Truffle Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
1½ oz white truffle-infused bourbon of choice
1½ oz Cognac
1 level teaspoon truffled honey
1 tablespoon Truffle Amaro
2 dashes chocolate bitters
Directions:
Pour cognac, honey, amaro, and bitters into a whiskey glass, and stir to combine. Add ice cubes and pour in the bourbon.
Recipes from Anthony Parlapiano, The Jerry Thomas Project
Improved Aviation
Ingredients:
1 2/3 oz London Dry Gin
1 oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz lavender simple syrup
5 ml violet liqueurs
2 dashes rose bitters
Directions:
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with dried rose and bitters.
Philadelphia Fish House Punch
Ingredients:
2 oz dark rum of choice (suggested: Appleton Estate Reserve Blend 8 yr)
½ oz brandy (suggested: Brandy Torres 15 yr)Peach Brandy
2 oz Earl grey tea
Lemon garnish
Lemon Essence (sprayed on top)
Directions:
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Finish with lemon and lemon essence (sprayed on top)
Recipes from Federica Geirola, Jim’s Bar, The Singer Palace Hotel, Rome
Cinefollia
Ingredients:
1¾ oz Perro de San Juan Mezcal
¾ oz fresh lime juice
¾ oz sage syrup
1/3 oz whipped egg whites
Pineapple or agave garnish; lime (optional)
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a shaker. Shake and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with your fresh leaves and serve.
Yumi
1¾ oz Marendry Wild Cherry Liqueur
1/3 oz acquafaba (*egg white substitute made from chickpeas)
1 oz lime juice
2/3 oz Amarena Fabbri (cherry) syrup
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a shaker. Shake and strain into a flute or coupe glass with ice. Garnish and serve.
Recipe from LORE, Rome, Italy
Wuaiguo Ren
Ingredients:
1½ oz Lychee Liqueur
½ oz Zucca Rabarbaro (rhubarb) Amaro
¼ oz Mandarin-Ginger-Rosemary Shrub
Dash soy sauce
4-6 oz Topper of soda
Directions:
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with dried rose and bitters.
Recipes from Drink Kong
Mojo Raisin
Ingredients:
1 oz Chopin Vodka
1 oz Plymouth Gin
½ oz Lychee liqueur
½ oz white tea cordial
Splash green apple juice
Splash kiwi juice
Directions:
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Serve