An Italian dry Martini is served with olives.
Italy produces a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages but the country is most famous for its liqueurs, wines and aperitifs. Italian food is justifiably praised for its rich flavors, traditional aromas and regional variety. The same can be said for Italy's finest, and most famous, drinks.
Limoncello
Limoncello was originally produced in southern Italy but can now be found throughout the country. It is a lemon-flavored liqueur made by fermenting lemon rinds in water, sugar and alcohol. Limoncello is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestivo, according to the website Your Guide to Italy.
Martini
Martini is a brand of Italian vermouth, a type of fortified wine. It comes in sweet, dry, white and red varieties and is commonly used in cocktails. Olives are often added to dry Martinis and cherries can be added to sweeter blends.
Campari
Campari is a red aperitif that can be served neat, on the rocks or mixed with other drinks. The taste is slightly bitter, particularly when undiluted. Campari is often mixed with soda water, wine or fruit juices, and can be used as a base for numerous cocktails.
Amaretto
Amaretto is known for its distinctive almond taste. Two of the oldest and most popular brands are Disaronno Originale and Lazzaroni Amaretto. The drink is flavored with almond essence or, more traditionally, macerated apricot seeds. According to the the website Life in Italy, amaretto "can be used after a meal, as a digestive, or as an ingredient in cakes and cocktails."
Sambuca
Sambuca is a powerful liqueur with a strong flavor of anise. It is generally colorless but colored varieties such as black sambuca and red sambuca are also popular. Sambuca can be drunk neat, served on the rocks or mixed with water to lessen the kick. The liquid is flammable and can be set on fire for a few seconds before drinking. This process is considered to enhance the taste. Just make sure the flame has been extinguished before drinking
Grappa
Grappa is a traditional Italian alcoholic drink available in many varieties and brands. It is made from leftover grape skins, stalks and seeds from the wine-making process. "Grappa is one of the spirits that you're likely to be offered after a meal, with an espresso or sometimes served straight from the freezer," says the Rome File website.
Wines
Italy is regarded as a world-class wine-growing region, and wine plays a large part in Italian culture. A wide variety of wines are produced in Italy, many of which have their own distinct regional characteristics. According to the Tasty Italian Cooking website, the most popular Italian brands of wine include Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Muscato, Marsala and Spumanti.
