At Diforti, we love gardening – but not necessarily because we adore digging in the dirt, or because we were naturally blessed with green thumbs. Rather, keeping up a nice garden space provides the perfect setting for the ultimate summer cocktail party. Now that’s something worth getting a little dirty for! These relaxed parties offer the perfect opportunity for us to mingle with friends while serving up some complex-tasting, Italian-inspired cocktails. Here, we tell you all about the best cocktails to serve at a garden party, so you can throw a summery, al fresco gathering of your very own!
Americano
The Americano was invented in Milan in the 1860s, and its popularity has skyrocketed ever since. This essential Italian cocktail marries two classic Italian spirits in one glass: Campari, a bittersweet Italian aperitif, and sweet vermouth. The drink is then topped off with soda water and garnished with a lemon twist for a refreshing cocktail, ideal for a hot day. Because Campari is made with a variety of herbs, plants, barks and seeds, the drink manages to pack a punch flavour-wise without being too intense. Your guests will love it!
Negroni
Legend has it that the Negroni came into the world when an Italian count ordered an Americano with gin. The drink soon became popular in its own right, undoubtedly because of its strength and delicious complexity. It is comprised of one part gin, one part vermouth rosso, a spirit made from red wine, aromatic herbs and spices, and one part Campari. Traditionally, the drink is garnished with an orange twist. It is made entirely of alcohol, so it’s definitely a slow-sipper, but the gin perfectly balances the sweet and herbal flavours of the Campari and vermouth. If you want to whip up this drink at your party, our Negroni Kit makes it easy to make Negronis for a crowd.
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz has had a bit of a renaissance lately; whether you’re in a hip cocktail bar or a tiny pub, you’re likely to find this bubbly beverage on the menu. It’s easy to see why the drink has become a cocktail hour staple: its striking colour, effervescence and relatively low alcohol content make it extremely easy to drink. An Aperol Spritz combines its namesake, Aperol (an aperitif with bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb and cinchona) with Prosecco and soda water, plus an orange slice for garnish. With our Aperol Spritz Kit, you have everything you need to introduce your friends to this fabulous cocktail.
Of course, anytime you’re imbibing, you’re bound to want some snacks to nibble on. Luckily, nothing goes better with a good cocktail than authentic Italian food. Laying out a beautifully arranged platter of cheeses, cured meats and olives will impress your guests and give them something to satisfy their hunger while they sip. Plus, Diforti offers the best antipasti, cheese and meat selections of any Italian delicatessen in London, so you can order your party food online for effortless planning.
Throwing a garden party with these cocktails is great fun, but to be honest, you don’t need a garden to enjoy a bubbly Aperol Spritz or a strong Negroni – we promise they taste just as good indoors!