I will be sitting at some sidewalk cafe in Italy in about two weeks. As I sit there resting my weary feet, I want a drink. But--I don't drink carbonated bevages or coffee. I really like a nice Cosmo! Is this possible? Or what else do you all recommend?

what on earth is Cosmo???

Drink wine like th rest of Italy

If you want something vaguely similar similar to a Cosmopolitan, try a Tiziano. Same color, not quite as strong. It is very slightly carbonated, due to a splash of Champagne, but not too much; and very refreshing.

Cosmopolitan Cocktail
1-1/2 ounces Vodka or Citrus-flavored Vodka
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce Cranberry juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
Combine in a shaker with crushed ice. Strain into rocks glass.

Hi jm,

I would suggest a nice glass of wine. Frascati, Pinot Grigio, Orvieto, Est! Est! Est!, Soave are nice.

Asti Spumante and Prosecco are fizzy.

Campari and orange juice. Very nice and refreshing.

My brother-in-law went with us to the Veneto this spring. Every single morning he bitched about not being able to get bacon, eggs, and toast while we had our espressos and rolls.

Thanks all!
Sheila - saving wine drinking for dinner.
Ira - Thanks - good wines for dinner
Parker & russ_i - Great ideas! Just the thing.

i find a 50/50 mix of cinzano rosso/bianco with a couple cubes of ice to be just the ticket.

also a nicely chilled limoncello fits nicely with some outdoor cafe people watching.

Hi jm,

I second the limoncello.

Why are you saving the wine for dinner? For your health you should drink at least 3 glasses of wine a day, preferably spaced between your morning cappucino and your evening espresso.

Jim is right.

The "ombra" (quickie during the day) is an institution.

A little problem called GERD limits my wine drinking! Would love to drink more - LOL!

actually, i don't recommend making a cosmo with cointreau. a traditional cosmopolitan is made with triplesec (sp?) and it tastes much better that way. 3 parts vodka, 2 parts triplesec, 2 splashes of cranberry juice, a squeeze of lime.

jmphilly
I have been laboring under the delusion that Cointrea is a brand of triple sec. Have I been misinformed?

Ooooooops that was for daria

I just came back from Rome, and many bars I went to made all the most popular mixed drinks. If you are dying for a cosmo & one restaurant doesn't serve them, just walk down the block, and I'm sure you'll find one. Also (if you're in Rome), there is a place called the American Bar & Grille (something like that), located near Navona. If you are walking north through the square, it is on a little side street to your left, about mid-way through the paizza. They have everything, and also have an outdoor area. Have fun.

hi jm,

If you have GERD, should you be drinking spirits at all? Wouldn't wine be better for you?

My favorite drink was Aperol which is like Campari without the bitterness. It is wonderful with a little soda. We brought a bottle home since it's not available in the States.