Grappa is a popular Italian spirit made from the pomace (grape residue) left over from wine production. It has a strong, distinct flavor that pairs well with a variety of mixers.
Grappa Sour
2 oz grappa
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
1 egg white
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously without ice for about 10 seconds. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until chilled. Strain into a glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Grappa Tonic
2 oz grappa
4 oz tonic water
1 lime wedge
Fill a glass with ice and add the grappa. Top with tonic water and stir gently. Squeeze the lime wedge over the top and drop it into the glass.
Grappa Negroni
1 oz grappa
1 oz sweet vermouth
1 oz Campari
Orange peel
Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the grappa, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Stir until well chilled. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a twist of orange peel.
Grappa Old Fashioned
2 oz grappa
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 dashes of bitters
Orange peel
In a rocks glass, stir together the grappa, simple syrup, and bitters with ice. Strain the mixture over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.
Grappa Martini
2 oz grappa
1/2 oz dry vermouth
Lemon peel
In a mixing glass with ice, stir together the grappa and dry vermouth. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon peel.
Grappa Spritz
2 oz grappa
2 oz Prosecco
1 oz soda water
Orange slice
Fill a wine glass with ice and add the grappa, Prosecco, and soda water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
These three grappa cocktails are simple and easy to make, and they highlight the unique flavor of this Italian spirit. Enjoy!
What Can Grappa be Mixed With?
Grappa is a strong Italian spirit with a distinct flavor that can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Here are some common mixers that pair well with grappa:
Citrus juice: Grappa has a strong and sharp taste that can be balanced with the acidity of citrus juice. Lemon, lime, and grapefruit are all great options.
Vermouth: Vermouth is a wine-based fortified spirit that can add a touch of sweetness and complexity to grappa cocktails. Sweet vermouth is a classic pairing, but dry vermouth can also work well.
Bitters: Bitters are a concentrated blend of herbs, spices, and fruit flavors that can add depth and complexity to a grappa cocktail. Angostura bitters and orange bitters are popular choices.
Tonic water: Tonic water is a carbonated mixer with a slightly bitter flavor that can complement the sharpness of grappa. A grappa and tonic is a simple and refreshing cocktail.
Fruits: Fresh or frozen fruits can add sweetness and flavor to a grappa cocktail. Berries, peaches, and melons are all great options.
Soda water: Soda water is a versatile mixer that can be used to add effervescence and dilution to a grappa cocktail. It can be used on its own or combined with other mixers.
Grappa can also be enjoyed on its own as a sipping spirit, but mixing it with other ingredients can create unique and delicious cocktails.
Fast Facts About Grappa
Grappa is a traditional Italian spirit made from the leftover grape skins, seeds, and stems after wine production. These grape solids, also known as pomace, are distilled to create a strong, clear spirit with a distinct flavor.
The proof of grappa can vary depending on the producer and the specific type of grappa. Generally, grappa has an alcohol content of around 35-60% ABV (70-120 proof).
There are several different types of grappa, which can vary based on the grape varieties used, the production method, and the aging process. Some common types of grappa include:
Bianca (white) grappa: This is the most common type of grappa, which is clear and unaged.
Aged grappa: Grappa can be aged in wooden barrels for several months or years, which can impart additional flavor and color to the spirit.
Varietal grappa: This type of grappa is made from a single grape variety, which can produce distinct flavors and aromas.
Moscato grappa: This type of grappa is made from the pomace of Moscato grapes, which are known for their sweet and fruity flavor.
The main difference between grappa and other types of distilled spirits is the base material used. Grappa is made from grape pomace, while other spirits like whiskey, gin, and vodka are made from grains, fruits, or other materials. Additionally, grappa has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other spirits.
The best brand of grappa is subjective and can vary based on personal preference. Some popular and well-regarded grappa brands include Nonino, Berta, Poli, and Marolo. It’s worth trying different brands and types of grappa to find the one that suits your taste.