When winter is not letting up and we still have to wait for the pleasure of spending free time in the garden of a café or restaurant, it is worth taking matters into our own hands (literally!) and take care of the summer climate at home. Thanks to non-alcoholic variants of Aperitivo, you can prepare delicious cocktails yourself. We suggest how to do it.
Alcohol-free Aperitivo variants have been created thanks to Martini’s 160 years of experience in wine and herbs. It is an alternative for people who do not want to drink alcohol, but still want to enjoy the taste of a drink originating from Italy. Such cocktails can be prepared on the basis of Martini Vibrante and Martini Floreale.
NoLo (no alcohol, low alcohol) cocktails are increasingly chosen by people who make conscious decisions in life, who want to maintain balance, who focus on quality rather than quantity when buying clothes and, when it comes to food, check where it was produced. This moderation encourages a more attentive lifestyle, enjoying the smallest things. The answer to such people is the alcohol-free Martini Vibrante and Floreale, which are based on classic vermouths and using natural ingredients.
To celebrate these small pleasures, the Martini brand invited Mateusz Sarnowski (Mati Pichci), a specialist in creamy omelettes who runs the ‘Amator’ restaurant in Copenhagen. The chef visited Warsaw, where he served original Italian-inspired dishes at the Epicurien Bistro & Deli restaurant on 7 February. Accompanied by non-alcoholic Martini cocktails. The event also featured an original series of mugs designed by Malwina Konopacka. Similar aperitivo can be successfully organised in your own home, even in the middle of winter.
The Italian aperitivo is part of the country’s culture. It is an opportunity to meet loved ones and spend time together in a friendly atmosphere. This tradition is remembered with fondness by Mateusz Sarnowski, who studied in Italy – “Aperitivo was our student custom, which I reinterpret today, knowing how many forms it can take – less and more elegant. It’s a beautiful formula for spending time with friends,” – he concludes.
What can you do to bring a little Italian style into your life and prepare an aperitivo at home? Keep decoration in mind, but go for simplicity. All you need is a bouquet of cut flowers to give the interior a summer atmosphere, and a few candles placed will turn up the atmosphere of the evening gathering. Lemons or oranges placed in a favourite bowl will heighten the experience. Prepare a playlist of Italian songs or those you like best. And most importantly, take care of the taste experience! Small snacks like bruschetta al pomodoro or a cheese board are perfect. Fresh bread and olive oil will also satisfy a little hunger.
A limited series of mugs designed by Malwina Konopacka:
At the heart of aperitivo are the drinks. Their preparation is quick and simple. While in summer they taste best cool and refreshing, in winter you can surprise your friends with a warming variant. For a little warmth on a cold evening, try the non-alcoholic “Cinnamon Glow Martini” cocktail. How do you prepare it?
Ingredients:
200 ml Martini Vibrante
10 ml fresh orange juice
10 ml fresh lemon juice
10 ml vanilla syrup or a little honey
20ml still water
Stick of cinnamon
Orange slice
Preparation:
- Heating the ingredients – In a saucepan, heat the Martini Vibrante, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla syrup (or honey) and still water. Do not bring to the boil.
- Adding the cinnamon – Drop in the cinnamon stick and allow it to give off the aroma.
- Pouring – Pour the warm cocktail into a glass or elegant cup.
- Garnish – Garnish with an orange slice and optional cinnamon stick.
- Serving – Serve immediately, savouring the warming flavour.
You can also seek inspiration for delicious cocktails by visiting the Epicurien Bistro & Deli restaurant in Warsaw (26A Szwedzka Street). Until the end of February, you can try there cocktails prepared on the basis of non-alcoholic Martini variants, along with special dishes developed by Mateusz Sarnowski – Mati Pichci. You can also buy mugs designed by Malwina Konopacka at the premises. See you there!
source: press materials
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