ON THE GRAPEVINE
BY SAM WYLIE HARRIS
After Italian rock group Maneskin won last year’s Eurovision in Rotterdam, the 2022 song contest will be held in Italy, with 40 countries heading to Turin to take part.
Get your party drinks ready for tonight’s grand final, with these ideas.
THE APERITIVOS
“In Florence, the home of Amaro Santoni, we enjoy aperitivo with the negroni, which was invented in our city,” says Luca Missaglia, managing partner at the brand. “You can make it for your guests with one part Santoni, one part Italian red vermouth and one part gin.
“To complete the aperitivo, you only need some delicious food for your guests. And you can enjoy two classic European traditions together – aperitivo and Eurovision.”
Alternatively, Amaro Santoni (£26.95, 50cl, The Whisky Exchange), can be served in a classic spritz or simple Garibaldi – two parts Santoni, four parts blood orange juice.
THE FIZZ THE COCKTAIL
A pre-mixed cocktail means you won’t risk missing out on a performance – namely UK entry Sam Ryder’s Space Man, and an espresso martini will help pep you up for the party. Andrew Hutchinson, co-founder of Kocktail, says: A beautiful drink that’s full of body, charm and a good amount of caffeine, it’s a popular party pleaser.”
Serve Kocktail’s Espresso Martini (£25, 50cl, Kocktail) straight up in a chilled martini glass.
Meanwhile, no party would be complete without a glass of prosecco. A favourite crowd pleaser, Aldi’s Organic Prosecco Rosé, Italy (£8.49, Aldi) is right on point with its fragrant red berry fruits, gentle hints of acacia flowers and soft creamy mousse.
THE VINO
Now the only thing missing is the vino! Sustainable wine brand When in Rome has launched its first paper bottles made from 94% recycled paper – Mixed Selection Pack, 3 x Paper Bottle Multipack (£31.50 When in Rome).
The alternative format includes a pecorino (one of the brand’s bestselling bag-in-box whites) and rosato from the Abruzzo region on the coast, along with the newest addition to their line-up, a primitivo from Puglia.
What a line-up... much like the song contest, you’ll be spoilt for choice.