The Ve.n.to cocktail blends Italian heritage with modern mixology in a truly captivating way. The distinctive character of grappa, the brightness of citrus, the silky floral touch of chamomile liqueur, and the natural sweetness of honey come together to create a harmonious and refreshing drink. The word “vento,” meaning “breeze” in Italian, evokes an unseen force—much like the cocktail itself. As a result, the Ve.n.to is more than an aperitif; it’s a small journey into the world of Italian flavors.
History
The Ve.n.to cocktail was created in 2019 by Samuele Ambrosi, co-founder of Cloakroom Cocktail Lab in Treviso, inspired by a recipe from Leonardo Veronesi, owner of RivaBar. Clearly a new-wave cocktail, it quickly gained recognition thanks to its exceptional balance, eventually securing a place on the IBA list as the very first grappa-based drink. The name “Ve.n.to” refers to the regions where grappa originates: Ve for Venice in the Veneto region, and N.to for Trentino-Alto Adige. Built on local ingredients and a sense of natural simplicity, the cocktail proudly embraces its roots.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz (45 ml) grappa (preferably white grappa)
½ oz (15 ml) chamomile liqueur
¾ oz (22–23 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ oz (15 ml) honey syrup (a 2:1 mixture of honey and water)
⅓ oz (10 ml) egg white (optional)
How to Make a Ve.n.to Cocktail
Pour the grappa, chamomile liqueur, lemon juice, honey syrup, and egg white (if using) into a shaker. If you choose to include the egg white, start with a dry shake—without ice—to emulsify it; then add ice. Otherwise, shake the drink directly with ice from the start. Shake vigorously so the ingredients combine smoothly and the mixture chills properly, then strain into a glass. Occasionally, a splash of soda water is added, yet this usually disrupts the balance of flavors.
Serving and Garnish
Serve the Ve.n.to cocktail in a coupe glass, which highlights the drink’s understated elegance. Garnish it with a lemon spiral and a few grapes on a skewer; together, they complement the cocktail beautifully.
Calorie Content
One serving of the Ve.n.to cocktail contains approximately 180–190 calories, depending mainly on the type of honey syrup and chamomile liqueur used and their natural sugar content.