Grappa cocktails

Words by Simon Difford

Grappa cocktails image 1

Grappa doesn't have to be enjoyed on its own, it’s eminently mixable with different styles of grappa imparting different flavour nuances. I favour using Moscato grappa for cocktails as the Moscato varietal tends to produce the most aromatic grappas with floral fruity notes that delicately pervade a cocktail.

Here are six cocktails to better acquaint yourself with grappa.

ency 44 image
Affogato Cocktail
With: Grappa, coffee liqueur, cacao liqueur, espresso coffee and vanilla ice cream.
We say: Based on the classic Italian dessert of the same name, this after dinner cocktail, fortified with a splash of grappa, blends coffee and chocolate with ice-cream.

ency 64 image
The Bird is the Word No.2
With: Grappa, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, lime juice and chocolate bitters.
We say: A grappa based 'Last Word' adapted from a drink discovered at Salon 39, Copenhagen, Denmark.

ency 13 image
Eighteen '97
With: Grappa, elderflower liqueur, kumquats, sugar syrup and red wine.
We say: The citrus freshness of kumquat combined with robust grappa character makes for a great combo. Created in 2008 by Raffaello Dante at Salvatore's at Fifty, London.

ency 12 image
Grappacino
With: Grappa, amaretto liqueur, sugar syrup and espresso coffee.
We say: Grappa's character shines through and is complimented by the amaretto and coffee. Adapted from a drink created in 2006 by George Sinclair.
We say:

ency 67 image
Grapparita
With: Grappa, limoncello liqueur, lemon juice and egg white.
We say: Grappa replaces tequila while limoncello replaces triple sec in this Italian twist in the classic Margarita. Adapted from a drink discovered in 2005 at Alfredo's of Rome, New York.

ency 47 image
Italian Milk Punch
With: Brandy, Galliano liqueur, amaretto liqueur and grappa.
We say: The distinctive flavour of moscato grappa shines through in this milky drink, with amaretto adding rich almond notes and Galliano a touch of peppermint and aniseed.

Further grappa reading on Difford's Guide

Grappa - the Italian marc brandy explained
Grappa's history
Where does grappa come from & where is it made?
How is Grappa made?
Grappa classifications and styles
How to store and how to serve grappa

Join the Discussion


... comment(s) for Grappa cocktails

You must log in to your account to make a comment.

Report comment

You must be logged in to upvote or downvote a comment

Click here to login
Welcome to Difford's Guide

All editorial and photography on this website is copyright protected

© Odd Firm of Sin 2024