Rossini Cocktail: a Refreshing Italian Drink for Spring and Summer

Rossini is a refreshing and elegant drink that is perfect for spring and summer occasions, such as brunches, weddings, and garden parties. Rossini Cocktail is traditionally served as an apéritif, before a meal or as a celebratory drink for special occasions, with a small plate of appetizers such as olives, cheese, and crackers. This helps to balance the sweetness of the cocktail and provides a savory contrast to the fruity flavors.

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The History of Rossini Cocktail

The Rossini cocktail traces its roots back to the 1950s, originating in Venice, Italy. This cocktail pays tribute to the renowned Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, known for his passion for excellent food and wine during the 19th century. It is named after him due to its key ingredient: fresh strawberries, symbolizing spring and the rejuvenation of nature.

Rossini Cocktail Ingredients

The main ingredients of Rossini Cocktail are fresh strawberries, Prosecco sparkling wine, and sugar. These ingredients are the base of the cocktail and give it its unique flavor and texture.

Strawberries – Fresh strawberries are the key ingredient of Rossini Cocktail. The strawberry purée is the base of the cocktail. The strawberries should be ripe and sweet to ensure the best flavor.
Prosecco – Prosecco sparkling wine is the second main ingredient of Rossini Cocktail. It is a dry and light Italian wine, with a crisp and refreshing taste. Prosecco is usually used instead of champagne in cocktails because it is less expensive and has a lower alcohol content.
Sugar – Sugar is the third main ingredient of Rossini. It is used to sweeten the puree and balance the acidity of the strawberries. The amount of sugar used can vary depending on the sweetness of the strawberries and personal preference.
Ice

Over the years, the recipe for the Rossini Cocktail has evolved, and many variations now exist. Some recipes call for the addition of vodka or gin, while others use different types of fruit, such as raspberries or peaches. Despite its many variations, the Rossini remains a popular drink in Italy and around the world. Its sweet, fruity flavor and refreshing bubbles make it the perfect drink for a warm spring or summer day.

How to Make Rossini Cocktail

Creating the classic Rossini from scratch with strawberry puree is a delightful and straightforward process. Here’s a simple recipe to craft this refreshing and elegant drink.

Prepare the Glass

Chill a glass or flûte with ice, discard the ice.

The perfect glasses for Rossini cocktail are something like these: Champagne Glasses – Flutes

Prepare Strawberry Puree

To prepare a perfect sparkling cocktail, fresh and sweet red strawberries are a must.

Take 1 cup of strawberries, fresh, ripe, washed and stems removed, and squeeze them by hand before placing them in a colander and pounding them with a spoon. Avoid using a blender as it can alter the taste and texture of the fruit. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and stir until you get a smooth consistency. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if desired. Your strawberry puree is ready for the Rossini cocktail.

You can also freeze the puree in freezer trays, and then used in cubes for emergencies.

Mix the Ingredients

Pour the strawberry puree into the bottom of the glass. Slowly pour chilled Champagne or Prosecco over the strawberry puree to fill the glass. The bubbly wine will mix with the fruity puree, creating a beautiful layered effect.

Gently stir the cocktail with a bar spoon to combine the flavors.

Serve the Rossini Cocktail

Garnish your drink with a fresh strawberry on the rim of the glass for an elegant touch.

Serve your Rossini immediately while it’s chilled and sparkling, for a delightful and festive drink.