Grappa

This week for our Thirsty Thursday blog we are hopping on a plane and landing in beautiful Italy. Here we will sample a drink known as Grappa, and learn about the history of it’s production. Let’s get right into it shall we, so much to drink, I mean learn, so much to learn.

Grappa is a grape based brandy with an alcohol content between 35-60%. It is similar to wine in the fact that depending on the grape used to make it the flavor profile changes. It is made by distilling the skins, pulp, seeds and stems or the leftovers from wine making. Grappa, like many other European alcohols, is now regulated by the European Union if it is to be called Grappa. What that means is to be called Grappa it needs to be produced in Italy, the Italian part of Switzerland or San Marino. It has to be produced from pomace (the leftovers from winemaking) and the fermentation and distillation must occur on the pomace with no added water.

It’s history, like many other alcohols, is confusing and disputed. Some sources trace Grappa back to the 1st century A.D. There is a legend that Egyptians distilled it in the 2nd century in a town in Italy called Bassano del Grappa. Although historians claim the technology was not available at that time to be able to do such a process. Jumping forward a few hundred years to the 1300s and 1400s water as a coolant was created allowing for a correct distillation process. This process was actually used until about 50 years ago, when technology caught up with the distilleries and new more advanced ways were now used.

So, what this means is if you want to try this grape brandy it is time to book that trip you’ve always wanted to take to Italy. Sure you can get Grappa here, but half the experience of drinking these types of alcohols is the setting. Which means it’s time to call Ambassador Travel at 920.236.7777

 

Drinking around the World

Ok I am continuing my love of quizzes this week with one I found about testing your knowledge of drinks from around the world. Since it is thirsty Thursday I figured this would be a great addition to our normal informative blogs. I did take the quiz, like I do all the ones I shared and I got 7/10, not horrible, but some of these questions are real stumpers. One bonus though, a few of the questions that are asked you will know if you read our thirsty Thursday blog frequently! So now it’s your turn, test your knowledge and learn a little at the same time!

http://matadornetwork.com/life/how-much-do-you-know-about-drinking-around-the-world-quiz/

Now that you know so much about the different drinks from all over the world share with us the ones you want to try! I am very interested in the best selling beer! Interested in trying these drinks in their native lands? Contact us today!

Ambassador Travel Ltd. | 920.236.7777 | ambassadortravelltd.com

EM-BAR-we-GO

Now that Americans are officially allowed to travel to Cuba, the door to the mysterious world loved by so many including famed writer and drinker Ernest Hemingway, are now being opened. With this new world of opportunity brings out so much culture that generations of Americans have never had the opportunity of experiencing. Like I have said in many many posts before, culture often relies heavily on food and drink. Cuba is by no means any exception to that rule.

As I was scanning the internet for something to write about for our wonderful Thirsty Thursday post I came across an article about a man named Philip Greene who not only loved Hemingway, but wanted to scour his work in able to recreate all of his favorite drinks. One drink in particular was is his go-to while in his beloved Cuba. Now I wanted to go a step further and find out why Hemingway drank Daiquiris while in Cuba, so I did a little research. Apparently Daiquiri is the name of a beach and iron mine in Santiago, Cuba. It was invented during the Spanish-American war and centers around rum, citrus and sugar as well as other sweeteners.

Now for any of you that know anything about Ernest Hemingway, then you won’t be surprised that his Daiquiri is actually a double. Because if Hemingway was famous for his writing, then he was infamous for his drinking.

PAPA DOBLE DAIQUIRI
MAKES 1 DRINK

3 ¾ ounces white rum

2 ounces fresh lime juice

2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice

6 drops maraschino liqueur

Ice

Blend all ingredients well with ice, and serve in a large chilled goblet.

Now you know the drink to drink while in the newly opened land of beautiful beaches and drinks reminiscent of days past. If you are interested in learning more about Cuba please give us a call 920.236.7777 or visit our website ambassadortravelltd.com to request an appointment with one of our excellent travel consultants.