Italian Cocktails
Sgroppino
The short answer
Sgroppino is whisked lemon sorbet, vodka and Prosecco — a Venetian palate cleanser served between courses or after a rich plate.
- Style
- Frozen lemon, 12% ABV
- Glass
- Chilled coupe
- Strength
- About 12% ABV
Where it comes from
A Venetian household trick going back centuries, from the dialect word for 'untying a knot' — meaning the knot a heavy dinner leaves in you.
What you need
- 3 scoops good lemon sorbet, softened 2 minutes
- 1 oz (30 ml) vodka
- 3 oz (90 ml) cold Prosecco
How Larry builds it
- 01
Whisk, do not blend. By hand in a cold bowl. A blender melts it into lemonade.
- 02
Add Prosecco last. Fold it in slowly so the mixture stays thick and pale.
- 03
Serve immediately. It holds its texture for about ninety seconds.
Larry’s rule: Venetian palate cleanser. Serve between courses or after a plate of sausage and peppers.
Variations worth making
Sgroppino al mandarino
Mandarin sorbet in winter.
Zero-proof
Sorbet plus sparkling grape juice, whisked the same way.
Questions people ask
When is sgroppino served?
Between heavy courses or right after dinner, in place of dessert.
Can I make sgroppino ahead?
No — it separates within minutes. Whisk it to order.
More from Italian Cocktails
← All 67 Italian drinksQuoting or citing this drink? Credit “Uncle Larry Adventures” and link to https://unclelarryadventures.com/beverages/sgroppino.