Giada De Laurentiis Says This Will Be The Trendiest Italian Cocktail In 2023 - Exclusive
Italian cocktails have a special place in our hearts and on our tables. We all remember the Aperol Spritz craze that continues to come and go, or the Negroni sbagliato trend that took over in 2022 as "House of the Dragon" was released, or even the perpetual crowd-pleaser at brunch and beyond, the Bellini. The cocktail curious are constantly digging up new gems to highlight, inspiring brunches, happy hours, and dinner parties everywhere.
2023 promises to be no different. According to a Forbes survey of bartenders, vermouth, throwback cocktails, and eye-catching presentation are among some of the top trends in the drink world for the year. Any of that certainly goes hand in hand with the spirit-forward, aromatic, and elegant yet unpretentious nature of so many Italian cocktails.
We recently got the chance to consult an Italian culinary expert on the next trendy drink pairing that will soon entice the masses, Giada De Laurentiis. She's known to have a good time in the kitchen, is famed for her hosting abilities (which have been documented in her shows), and is often found tasting her way through Italy when she's not on set. And in an exclusive interview with Tasting Table, the chef and celebrated TV host weighed in on what she thinks is sure to be the next trendy Italian cocktail.
The Negroni gets an upgrade with this trendy cocktail
If a return to the classics is all the rage, then Giada De Laurentiis' prediction for 2023 is right on point. "I think the Milano-Torino will be the next trendy Italian cocktail this year," she told Tasting Table. It doesn't get much classier than a Milano-Torino; it's simple, understated, and mild. The drink is made with sweet vermouth and Campari, stirred with ice, and strained into a lowball glass with an orange wedge. It gives off your standard aperitivo vibes, with a sweet, syrupy taste that's cut by spicy, bitter notes.
A few fun facts for your next cocktail party: The Milano-Torino was created in Milan in the late 1800s. The two ingredients in the original recipe — Campari, made in Milan, and vermouth from Turin — are what the drink is named for. It's actually thought to be the predecessor of many bittersweet cocktails, including the Americano cocktail, which is made by adding soda water, and the widely popular Negroni, which is made by adding gin to this mix. De Laurentiis says the vintage Milano-Torino is the perfect cocktail to sip at happy hour or enjoy before sitting down for dinner.
See the latest from Giada de Laurentiis by following her on Instagram.