Warm weather is right around the corner, and what a better way to cool things down than mixing two sunny time treats into one? Sit back and relax, ‘cause we’re combining gelato and booze to concoct a few delicious summer drinks to keep you cool. Neyda Padilla of Luna Gelateria in Scottsdale, Arizona showed us how it’s done.

 

1. Affogate al Caffé

Affogato means “drown” or “drunken” – so were drowning the gelato and our sorrows at the same time with this Affogate al Caffé. Start off with a whipped cream-lined glass, then add in gelato, which you can pick up at the grocery store. Then drown the gelato with coffee liquor – any brand will do. Keep the caffeine coming with coffee beans for crunch, then serve with an espresso shot! Summer drinks that perk us up? We’ll take another round, please.

 

Ingredients

1 scoop caffé gelato

1 tablespoon of homemade or store-bought whipped cream

1 shot espresso

1/2 shot of caffé borghetti liqueur

Coffee grounds

Coffee beans

 

Directions

In a coupe glass, layer the cream by using a piping bag, then add the scoop of caffé gelato on top. Pour the shot of coffee liqueur over on top. Then top with coffee grounds and about four coffee beans. Serve the espresso shot on side and pour over the gelato when ready to eat.

 

2. Orange Spritz

Our next sunny sipper is the Orange Spritz. Start with a blood orange scoop, then the booze! We used Aperol, which is an Italian liquor. Top with chopped orange peel soaked in simple syrup, an orange peel and serve. Trust us – this is one of those summer drinks that tastes even better than it looks!

 

Ingredients

Blood orange sorbetto

1/2 shot Aperol

1/2 shot Campari

1shot Prosecco

Candied orange pieces

 

Directions

In a coupe glass, add the scoop of blood orange gelato/sorbetto. Pour the shot of Campari and then the shot of Aperol on top. Pour Prosecco over all the way up and top with candied orange pieces.

 

Candied Orange Pieces

 

Ingredients

Orange peel

1 oz. water

1 oz. sugar

 

Directions

Cut orange peel in tiny squares. In a small bowl, mix equal parts water and sugar to create simple syrup. Add the orange squares in simple syrup and let sit for at least 2 hours.

 

3. The Riviera

Our last Italian dessert cocktail is The Riviera. This is one of those summer drinks that makes you feel like you’re gulping a puffy cloud in heaven. The Riviera starts with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate mousse in a martini glass. We’re going to use a scoop of vanilla gelato, plus some Gianuduia, which is a chocolate hazelnut gelato. Then in goes Frangelico, which is hazelnut liquor, and banana Giffard. Add a bit of cream, then drizzle with melted chocolate. Top with chocolate powder, hazelnuts and boom!

 

Ingredients

Whipped Cream

Chocolate mousse

1 scoop Gianuduia gelato

1 scoop vanilla gelato

1/2 oz. cream

1/2 oz. Frangelico

3/4 oz. Giffard Banana

Melted milk chocolate

Powdered chocolate

Hazelnuts

 

Directions

In a martini glass, put a dollop of whipped cream followed by a dollop of chocolate mousse. Add the gelato followed by the Frangelico and Giffard Banana.  Add the cream and drizzle melted milk chocolate on top.  Garnish with chocolate powder and hazelnuts.

 

Thirsty yet? Now you’ve got three scrumptious summer drinks to impress your friends!

 

Tune in to The List weekdays for everything that’s new, now and next! Check your local listings here.