Freshest flavours of the season

That Summer-into-Autumn moment isn’t just a fashion dilemma. So what do you drink that’s both fresh and light, as well as rich and heady – a sip that will carry you from day ’til eve? And where do you drink it?

Luxardo brand ambassador ‘G’ Franklin has dreamed up a zingy new cocktail that adds a surprise to aperitivo hour. The Luxardo Obicà Spritz is on sale for a refreshingly light £8.50 at the four branches of Obicà in London during August and September.

Early autumn is when the prized Slow Food Piennolo cherry tomatoes land in London. Organically grown in Mount Vesuvius National Park with its rich volcanic soil, they are richly sweet and tart. These flavours inspired ‘G’ to grab his mixing glass and test out a tingly, fizzy mix on a gathering of writers. The lightly sweet-savoury mix was an instant hit and started off a buzzy night of full-on cocktails. This was complemented by a spread of Obicà’s salumi and mozzarella specials, which are the signature offerings at the heart of its menu.

The Luxardo Obicà Spritz
40ml Luxardo Aperitivo with its light hints of rhubarb.
1 small dessert spoon, muddled, of seasonal Slow Food Piennolo tomatoes.
A dash of lemon juice, spray of lemon extract.
Topped with chilled prosecco.
Add freshly ground black pepper and garnish with a fresh basil leaf.
Served in a flute glass.
If you’re like ‘G’, you’ll want a single Luxardo Maraschino cherry dropped into the glass for the final surprise.

The Obicà branches in London serving the Luxardo Obicà Spritz in August and September are at
19 Poland Street, Soho W1F 8QF (closed during holiday month of August)
11 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia W1T 1RH
96 Draycott Avenue, South Kensington SW3 3AD
33 Bank Street, Canary Wharf E14 5NW

Other original cocktails created by ‘G’ for the event highlighted the diverse flavours of the Luxardo cherry range and the subtle flavours of other ingredients – from sharp and herby, through to deep and smoky, and warm and spicy.

Luxardo Fresco - Luxardo Maraschino, tonic water, fresh lemon juice, garnish of cucumber and a snap of fresh rosemary, finished with a light spray of absinthe.

Fashionista - Luxardo Sangue Morlacco cherry liqueur, rye whiskey, Campari, smoked mozzarella water and a flourish of finely grated dark chocolate.

Venetian Christmas - Luxardo Sangue Morlacco cherry liqueur, hot Americano coffee, a layer of double cream, and a dusting of aromatic Christmas spice. 

Obicà is a partner of Presidi Slow Food which protects and supports the traditions of small, artisan producers in Italy. Sip the Luxardo Obicà Spritz with a selection of sharing dishes from Obicà: salumi - Soppressata di Gioi from Campania, Salame Nero dei Nebrodi, Salame di Mora Romagnola, Capicollo di Azze Anca; Mozzarella – share a whopping 1kg ball of classic, plus tuck into the affumicata (smoked) and the burrata; focaccia, tomatoes and basil pesto, Caponata alla Siciliana – meltingly soft artichokes with sweet raisins, pine nuts and almonds; Pizza with Treccina e Pomodori del Piennolo, Bresaola.

Go easy on that tasty spread – it’s meant to be for before you eat your dinner! But if it’s turning into a feast, then go the whole way with an indulgent dessert. A slice of Torta di Capri with its moist dark chocolate and nibs of almond matched perfectly with the Luxardo Fashionista.

Photos: Matthew Hickman @MattTheList
See Matt’s blog for the full night’s feasting and the most happening drinking & eating spots in town
http://www.mattthelist.com/2015/07/barrafina-balls-company-luxardo-at-obica.html