Prosciutto di San Daniele, with its delicate flavour and unique texture, is a true star of Italian gastronomy. Everybody knows that it goes well with a good wine, but not everyone knows that cocktails can also enhance its subtleties. Let’s discover five perfect cocktail pairings together that enhance the flavour of Prosciutto di San Daniele, taking the culinary experience to another level.
Negroni – the timeless classic
The Negroni is a cocktail that, thanks to its combination of gin, red vermouth and Campari, plays on bitter and aromatic notes that blend perfectly with the sweet and delicately savoury taste of Prosciutto di San Daniele. The strength of the gin and the complexity of the red vermouth balance out the soft and savoury notes of the prosciutto, creating a harmonious contrast that is surprising yet captivating.
Recipe:
- 30 ml of Gin
- 30 ml of red vermouth
- 30 ml of Campari
- Ice
- A slice of orange to garnish
Method: fill an “old fashioned” tumbler with ice and pour the ingredients. Carefully mix with a bar spoon, then garnish with a slice of orange. Its freshness will accentuate the softness of the prosciutto, creating a pairing perfect for an aperitivo.
Americano – elegance and freshness
The Americano, with its simplicity and freshness, is ideal for accompanying Prosciutto di San Daniele thanks to its light yet bold flavour. The red vermouth balances out the bitter notes of the Campari, whilst the soda water adds fizz, refreshing the palate and making the prosciutto even more irresistible.
Recipe:
- 30 ml of Campari
- 30 ml of red vermouth
- Soda water
- Ice
- A slice of lemon to garnish
Method: Pour the Campari and vermouth into a tumbler with ice. Top up with soda water until the mixture is complete and gently stir. Garnish with a slice of lemon, the acidity of which will lend a touch of freshness that blends perfectly with the flavour of San Daniele.
Gin & Tonic – Lightness that excels
Gin & Tonic is an elegant choice that pairs with Prosciutto di San Daniele in a surprisingly sophisticated manner. The freshness of the tonic and the botanicals of the gin blend perfectly with the delicate savoury flavour of San Daniele, creating an ideal balance of freshness and depth.
Recipe:
- 50 ml of Gin
- 150 ml of tonic water
- Ice
- A slice of lime to garnish
Method: Fill a large glass with ice, pour in the gin and finish off with tonic water. Lightly mix to blend the flavours and garnish with a slice of lime, which will add a fresh note that marries perfectly with the San Daniele.
Old Fashioned – Sophistication of the past
If you’re looking for a cocktail with a bold personality that can enhance the richness of Prosciutto di San Daniele, the Old Fashioned is the perfect choice. The combination of bourbon or rye whiskey with sugar and angostura bitters creates a rich and complex base that pairs perfectly with the flavourful and intense taste of San Daniele.
Recipe:
- 50 ml of Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 drops of angostura bitters
- Ice
- Orange peel to garnish
Method: Add sugar and the angostura bitters drops to an “old fashioned” glass. Add a dash of water to dissolve the sugar, then pour in the whiskey and mix. Fill the glass with ice and garnish with orange peel, which brings out the complexity of the cocktail and will complete the San Daniele taste experience.
Spritz – Unmistakeable oomph
A Spritz, a cocktail that has always been associated with social moments, is a perfect companion for Prosciutto di San Daniele. The freshness and liveliness of the bitter, together with the light fizz of the Prosecco, enhance the sweetness of the prosciutto, whilst its fruity note pairs perfectly with the slight savouriness of the product.
Recipe:
- 60 ml of Prosecco
- 40 ml of bitter
- 30 ml of Soda water
- Ice
- A slice of orange to garnish
Method: Fill a large glass with ice and pour the bitter in first, then the Prosecco and the soda water. Stir gently and garnish with a slice of orange. The high fizz of this cocktail contrasts the soft consistency of the prosciutto, creating a perfect balance.
Conclusions:
Pairing Prosciutto di San Daniele with sophisticated cocktails is a sensory experience that stimulates the palate in a unique way. These five cocktails, each with their own distinctive features, are perfect for bringing out the quality and complexity of San Daniele, making every sip and bite a moment of pure pleasure. All that remains is to try them and discover which is your favourite pairing!
Discover all recipes
