Planning a holiday in Tuscany during the colder months? Want to wander about and see all that the region has to offer – from strolling through historic centres of towns that seem little touched by the passing of time, to darting between museums, to visiting beyond famous attractions like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, to touring vineyards – but have a tendency to get chilly? Well, come and enjoy all that a vacation in Tuscany has to offer and use our handy list of delicious Italian winter warmers to help you stay toasty. With one of these drinks in your hands, you’ll be able to recharge and head out right away to tackle it all once more...
Caffè Amaretto
Italy is celebrated for her coffee so that it always a great way to go if you’re looking for a perfect hot drink but you can also try a caffè amaretto, which is Italian coffee with a kick – of amaretto, a delicious sweet Italian liqueur originally from Lombardy. Now that’s a perfect way to warm up! And, if you’re on vacation in Tuscany, well, why not?
Ponce livornese
Another hot alcoholic drink, ponce livornese is originally a Tuscan drink, coming from the coastal town of Livorno. Invented in the 17th of 18th century, it is derived from punch and was created due to the sizeable British community that lived in the city at the time. This recipe replaced the tea in punch with concentrated coffee and swapped the brandy or rum, which do not go as well with coffee, for rum fantasia. Rum fantasia is a local innovation made of alcohol, sugar, and caramel, and sometimes flavoured with a little essence of rum.
Ponce al mandarino
The similarly named ponce al mandarino is actually quite a different drink made with a citrus liqueur and served up with steam from an espresso machine used to bring out the flavours and a garnish of lemon or orange peel. For those who love a spritz, it is the perfect winter alternative.
Zabaione
For someone after a heartier alternative, zabaione is the only way to go. A blend of dessert and beverage, it is made from a thick crema of beaten egg yolk, sugar, and a little bit of Marsala. A little tricky to make, it is served up with biscuits like Amaretti or Savoiardi and topped with some whipped cream.
Hot Chocolate
If you have some cold kids in your party during your getaway in Tuscany or you just have a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with an Italian hot chocolate. And, for those after something a little more complex or interesting, there are spiced variations that have additional ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and even chillis.
Mulled Wine
More typical of the further northern regions of Italy, mulled wine is, however, a staple of Christmas markets in Tuscany and is a perfect winter warmer and a classic that will leave you feeling warmer and more festive!
So, book your villa in Tuscany this winter and be sure to stay warm as you embark on your adventures across this very special region of Italy. Eating and drinking is one of the best parts of a vacation in Tuscany so be sure to make the most of any opportunity to try some regional specialities as well as classic Italian favourites done the Tuscan way.
