Sgroppino

My husband and I were in Venice in 2008 during a blissful 3-week tour of Northern Italy. One day, we wandered into a less touristy part of town to find a lunch spot and discovered a perfect alley-way restaurant that specialized in seafood, and sat outside at one of their three tables. This was their chalkboard menu:

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We chose a whole sea bass for lunch, which was spectacular, as you can see.

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After dinner, the waiter turned to me and suggested a drink to help with digestion. Perhaps I looked like I’d eaten the whole fish by myself? But since he described an alcoholic-based drink and mentioned limone, I was all for it. It ended up being like a limoncello with cream. But even better.

Now, I truly, my dear blogger friends, was not intoxicated, as it looks. I was definitely enjoying my Sgroppino, but was caught mid-blink by my husband behind the camera. It’s because of this drink alone that I kept the photo, but it’s also a great reminder of the unexpectedly wonderful time we had in Venice.

When I got home, you can bet I looked for this drink online. It’s called sgroppino – SRO-PEE-NO, with the accent on the PEE.

There are actually two versions of Sgroppino, according to what I read. One drink is definitely what I enjoyed in Venice – a creamy, bubbly lemon drink. The other drink doesn’t contain cream.

Here’s the creamy version:

Sgroppino al Limone

2 cups lemon sorbet, softened
2 tablespoons vodka
2/3 cup Prosecco
4 tablespoons half and half

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Whisk the lemon sorbet in a medium bowl until it is smooth. Gradually whisk in vodka, cream, and prosecco. Alternatively, you can use a blender.

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Pour mixture into chilled champagne flutes and serve immediately.

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Here’s the non-creamy version:

Sgroppino

2 cups chilled Prosecco
4 tablespoons chilled vodka
2/3 cup lemon sorbet
Mint leaves, optional

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Mix the Prosecco and vodka together, then divide in between 4 chilled champagne flutes. Spoon a scoop of sorbet into each flute, and decorate with a mint sprig. Serve immediately.

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My husband and I tend to stay away from tourist attractions, and prefer experiencing Europe as non-tourists, but if you’re ever in Venice, ride the darn gondola. It truly is magical. I don’t know if they all do this, but our gondolier sang!!! And it was lovely.

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By Published On: June 25th, 201882 Comments on Sgroppino

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

82 Comments

  1. Mad Dog April 30, 2013 at 8:18 AM - Reply

    Excellent – I love the way the sorbet floats on top :-)

  2. chef mimi April 30, 2013 at 8:28 AM - Reply

    Both versions were delicious!

  3. bitsandbreadcrumbs April 30, 2013 at 10:17 AM - Reply

    Both versions of this sound delightful, and LaMarca is my favorite prosecco! Looks like you had a lovely vacation while in Venice and an equally lovely way to remember it.

    • chef mimi April 30, 2013 at 5:59 PM - Reply

      That’s good to know. I’ve only bought it once before, but it worked out very well!

  4. whiskeytangofoxtrot4 April 30, 2013 at 10:41 AM - Reply

    Bella, bella…. I so love italy…. :0)

  5. colormusing April 30, 2013 at 12:14 PM - Reply

    I just recently made my own limoncello (and blood orange-cello), which I love experimenting with, but this sounds even better!

    • chef mimi April 30, 2013 at 5:57 PM - Reply

      My drink was very similar! You’ll have to post your blood orange cello!!!

  6. trixfred30 April 30, 2013 at 2:51 PM - Reply

    We had a similar experience in Spain one year – just went into a random restaurant and were blown away by a house salad – I mean that thing could have fed an army and then came out the suckling pig. (the booze was pretty good too so i seem to remember)

    • chef mimi April 30, 2013 at 5:59 PM - Reply

      the booze is always good in Europe…..

  7. apuginthekitchen April 30, 2013 at 6:39 PM - Reply

    I think I have to make this right away. It sounds so delicious, I love lemon love anything creamy. This is just wonderful.

  8. Michelle April 30, 2013 at 7:59 PM - Reply

    We just knew that as, non-touristy types, that we’d loathe Venice. Instead, we absolutely loved it—and the touristy aspects of it just added to its charm. Go figure. I hope to go back one day. In the meantime, I’ll be trying both of these libations!

    • Michelle April 30, 2013 at 8:02 PM - Reply

      Yikes, one wishes for the edit option. Misplaced commas and duplicate words. Oh well. Mainly just came back to say: Wonderful photos of what looks like a delightful trip!

      • chef mimi April 30, 2013 at 8:05 PM

        Is wine to blame?

      • Michelle April 30, 2013 at 8:07 PM

        Ha, ha! Possible! Or just fingers that move faster than brain. Or vice versa…

    • chef mimi April 30, 2013 at 8:05 PM - Reply

      I know what you mean. I wasn’t even going to do the gondola!

  9. yummychunklet April 30, 2013 at 9:31 PM - Reply

    Looks delicious!

  10. cityjulep May 1, 2013 at 6:42 AM - Reply

    oh does this sound just refreshing and wonderful…i will have to make this soon…i think i would prefer the creamier version as well…lovely post..sarah

    • chef mimi May 1, 2013 at 7:19 AM - Reply

      It was definitely better, but then, it was more like a dessert. That’s why I put more bubbly in it!

  11. myhomefoodthatsamore May 2, 2013 at 8:06 AM - Reply

    What a wonderful couple you are! And I love the way your smile takes centre stage on the photos! The sgroppino might have had a little bit to do with it … but Mother Nature definitely did the greater part!

    • chef mimi May 2, 2013 at 9:54 AM - Reply

      Seriously, my husband is the worst photographer!

  12. benvenutocellini May 6, 2013 at 11:52 AM - Reply

    the Venice people call that “sgropin”.::))…and is a speciality of the Veneto region::)…it is served, normally as “intermezzo”…very nice that you have prepared it by yourself too….!:)) when will you come to Italy again??

  13. Sherry Mackay June 25, 2018 at 6:25 AM - Reply

    this drink looks and sounds so wonderful and you look so happy. you must have had a marvellous time in italy. cheers sherry

    • chef mimi June 25, 2018 at 7:21 AM - Reply

      It was lovely. I didn’t think I’d enjoy Venice for some reasons. I’m always hesitant about touristy cities. But it was such a great experience.

  14. cookingwithauntjuju.com June 25, 2018 at 7:24 AM - Reply

    Looks like I didn’t see this post in 2013… but I will take the creamy version! We spent one of my milestone birthdays in Venice – loved the city and yes we did take a gondola ride. Unfortunately, it was rainy the few days we were there.

    • chef mimi June 25, 2018 at 10:00 AM - Reply

      Oh, that is too bad. We were lucky with the weather, although we’d just missed a major flood in the piazza. It would be interesting to see how they deal with that.

      • cookingwithauntjuju.com June 25, 2018 at 11:13 AM

        We had to walk on boards and the palace was closed!!!

      • chef mimi June 25, 2018 at 3:40 PM

        Oh, you’ve experienced that! They made it sound like it was a wartime drill, when the water rises!

  15. Linda Duffin June 25, 2018 at 7:57 AM - Reply

    Absolutely perfect for the weather we’re having … I’ll have to make a lemon sorbet now!

    • chef mimi June 25, 2018 at 9:59 AM - Reply

      If you haven’t had this drink, definitely treat yourself. But only have a limited supply of sorbet on hand…..

      • Linda Duffin June 26, 2018 at 5:13 AM

        A wise suggestion. :)

  16. Gerlinde de Broekert June 25, 2018 at 8:53 AM - Reply

    It’s time to return to Venice with your husband , I love to go back myself ( it’s been a long time) . I think I am going to treat the girls from my book club with your drink.

    • chef mimi June 25, 2018 at 9:58 AM - Reply

      What a great idea! I just made some the other day and used the blender. Definitely use sorbet, though, all I could find was ice cream and it wasn’t the same.

  17. Bill June 25, 2018 at 8:56 AM - Reply

    Sounds like an amazing trip. I’ve enjoyed all of those ingredients separately, I’ll wager they’re lovely together. As always, love the photos!

    • chef mimi June 25, 2018 at 9:57 AM - Reply

      You are so right Bill!!! And thanks.

  18. Chica Andaluza June 25, 2018 at 9:40 AM - Reply

    Looks wonderful, and I love the phots, you both look so very happy!

    • chef mimi June 25, 2018 at 9:57 AM - Reply

      I’m more Italian than French and I really love Italian songs, like the ones Dean Martin used to sing, and the Gypsy Kings, so I was really happy. Don’t care too much for French songs.

  19. Ron June 25, 2018 at 10:34 AM - Reply

    Love the name Mimi. I’m all in on this one. It has all the ingredients to make a great cocktail.

    • chef mimi June 25, 2018 at 3:38 PM - Reply

      I’m so glad I tried it in Venice. Trying to google it without knowing the spelling was another story!!!

  20. 2pots2cook June 25, 2018 at 11:57 AM - Reply

    Well, they all sing but I am not sure if it is the wisest thing to do :-) :-)

    • chef mimi June 25, 2018 at 3:41 PM - Reply

      Did you have a bad experience?!!

      • 2pots2cook June 26, 2018 at 10:49 AM

        Well, I grew up in a family of musicians and both me and my sister attended music school; also, I go to Venice quite often and must say that sometimes I still cannot define if there is too much wine singing or is it just nerdy me , LOL ….

  21. David June 25, 2018 at 12:32 PM - Reply

    You don’t look inebriated in that photo – just deliriously happy! And why not, with that drink in hand!

    I definitely want to make this for dessert some evening!

    • chef mimi June 25, 2018 at 3:39 PM - Reply

      I think I’m always deliriously happy on vacations! But especially those when the weather is perfect and I get to eat and drink outside.

  22. Tasty Eats Ronit Penso June 25, 2018 at 12:50 PM - Reply

    This looks like the perfect summer drink. Love the presentation in the flute glass.

    • chef mimi June 25, 2018 at 3:37 PM - Reply

      Thank you! It’s really wonderful.

  23. canelakitchen June 25, 2018 at 8:17 PM - Reply

    I love this, looks delicious and love yours pictures Mimi !! xo

    • chef mimi June 26, 2018 at 7:55 PM - Reply

      Thank you so much!!

  24. Tandy | Lavender and Lime June 25, 2018 at 10:59 PM - Reply

    I loved Venice. I will try the non creamy version when summer comes along.

    • chef mimi June 26, 2018 at 5:21 PM - Reply

      Oh right. I always forget that half of the world is in the other hemisphere! Typical silly American!

  25. Culinary Flavors June 26, 2018 at 3:00 AM - Reply

    Venice is a magical place and so is your beverage!

    • chef mimi June 26, 2018 at 5:20 PM - Reply

      Thank you. It truly was worth visiting, and I want to go back, of course!

    • chef mimi July 1, 2018 at 3:36 PM - Reply

      Thank you!

  26. David @ Spiced June 26, 2018 at 6:49 AM - Reply

    We just got back from Venice, and it really is a magical place! I totally second your suggestion to get away from the traditional tourist spots…we discovered some amazing restaurants off the beaten path. I don’t think we stumbled across sgroppino, though…but I want to run (not walk) to the kitchen to make one now. It sounds delicious!

    • chef mimi June 26, 2018 at 5:18 PM - Reply

      I’m not even a lemon “freak?” You know how some people make everything citrus? But I can guarantee you’ll love this cocktail. I just made this for friends the other night just for an aperitif of sorts. It’s not heavy with the sorbet.

  27. Susan@savoringtimeinthekitchen June 26, 2018 at 12:56 PM - Reply

    We always have prosecco and vodka in the house. Now all I need is some lemon sorbet (and perhaps half & half)! Both versions sound delightful! Great memory of a great vacation :)

    • chef mimi June 26, 2018 at 5:16 PM - Reply

      Us, too! Yes, it was really a lovely trip, beyond food and wine, of course.

  28. heather (delicious not gorgeous) June 26, 2018 at 5:04 PM - Reply

    this sounds so good! tart but creamy and cold and ahhh i’ll have to make this asap (:

    • chef mimi June 26, 2018 at 5:18 PM - Reply

      Do it Heather!!!

  29. Greedyeats -Neha June 26, 2018 at 5:15 PM - Reply

    Lemon+cream+booze! What’s not to love about this one! I am loving both of these versions. Cheers!

    • chef mimi June 26, 2018 at 5:19 PM - Reply

      They’re both really good, i just prefer the creamy one because it feels more indulgent!

  30. kitchenriffs June 27, 2018 at 10:16 AM - Reply

    Neat drink! I haven’t heard of this. And haven’t had one. But I will. :-)

    • chef mimi June 29, 2018 at 7:52 AM - Reply

      You’d better!!!

  31. Frank Fariello June 28, 2018 at 6:49 AM - Reply

    It’s a classic that’s definitely worth re-posting! Haven’t had my fix yet this summer, but I will very soon… :-)

    • chef mimi June 29, 2018 at 7:52 AM - Reply

      I assumed you’d know about it. But I’ve never seen it on another blog, and I follow many, so I thought I’d repost it.

  32. Loretta June 28, 2018 at 7:00 AM - Reply

    What a gorgeously refreshing drink. I have a similar picture in Cinque Terre in Italy sampling limoncello for the first time, and yes I did look intoxicated too :) Like you, we too stay off the beaten track when it comes to travel. Just booked tickets to Northern Spain in August on the Bay of Biscay. Great post and a lovely shot of you and hubby in the gondola. :)

    • chef mimi June 29, 2018 at 7:51 AM - Reply

      Thanks. We certainly looked younger. I’ve since gotten bangs. My daughter calls them “poor people Botox!“

  33. Eva Taylor June 28, 2018 at 8:37 AM - Reply

    You are so cute! Sadly, we did not ride the gondolas in Venice, but I have it back on our bucket list, we were there for such a short time. The drink looks refreshing and tasty. I am not a cream person but I think I would like this drink, it looks like more of a dessert to me though. I have quite a few lemons on hand (left over from a shoot), perhaps I’ll check out some lemon sorbet recipes! Thanks Chef Mimi.

    • chef mimi June 29, 2018 at 7:50 AM - Reply

      You could always try the non-cream version – basically sorbet and prosecco!!!

  34. Jeff the Chef June 28, 2018 at 8:03 PM - Reply

    Oh my gosh, that does sound delicious!

    • chef mimi June 29, 2018 at 7:49 AM - Reply

      It is, Jeff!

  35. Angela@eatlivehappy June 29, 2018 at 1:17 PM - Reply

    This is absolutely lovely! Beautiful photos!

    • chef mimi July 1, 2018 at 9:42 AM - Reply

      Thank you!

  36. Kelly, RD July 2, 2018 at 2:43 PM - Reply

    I want to do that tour! Oh, I’m so jealous! The Sgroppino looks divine! I love lemon!

    • chef mimi July 2, 2018 at 2:47 PM - Reply

      You will definitely love this drink then !

  37. camparigirl July 2, 2018 at 6:31 PM - Reply

    Every time I am in Venice, I end my meals with a sgroppino – and yes, I should replicate it here.

    • chef mimi July 2, 2018 at 6:55 PM - Reply

      Good to know. And Yes, you should!!!

  38. Karen July 8, 2018 at 12:47 PM - Reply

    I know I would enjoy both versions of this refreshing lemony drink.

    • chef mimi July 8, 2018 at 4:12 PM - Reply

      They’re both good and refreshing.

  39. ♥ Jam Tart ♥ July 11, 2018 at 3:32 PM - Reply

    Lovely! The drinks and you and your husband too!

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