Luce del Sole

Don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright. --Bob Marley The Luce del Sole was inspired by my first encounter with Finlandia’s Grapefruit vodka, which happened while I was attending the Midnight Sun Celebration held each year in Lapland, Finland. Bartenders from around the globe came to shake cocktails, unite with fellow mixologists, eat reindeer sausage, partake of the mandatory sauna, and of course to celebrate the longest day of the year, when the sun never sets. Needless to say it was some party! Being a bit of a Campari fanatic, and conscious of needing to employ alternatives, I was thrilled when Aperitivo Aperol became available in the United States—and I no longer had to smuggle it back two bottles at a time on my rare trips to Italy. Created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers, Aperol is a classic aperitivo and a great match for Finlandia’s honest grapefruit tones. Only 11 percent alcohol and featuring flavors of bitter orange, rhubarb, and gentian, Aperol can be enjoyed alone over ice, or in a classic Spritz, or of course in a cocktail such as the Luce del Sole! I had the great privilege of traveling the country and part of the world with Dale DeGroff, conducting vodka tastings and bartender trainings on behalf of Finlandia (the program was affectionately known as Finnishing School), After 3 years we had visited 42 markets in 6 countries, and the Luce del Sole was one of the many drinks delivered in those seminars.

NotesOld Fashioned Glass:

The Old Fashioned is the namesake vessel for this classic drink. Look for a glass with good heft, a solid shank (bottom), and a capacity of 10 to 12 ounces (300-360). In addition to Old Fashioneds, this glass will serve you well when serving Caipirinhas and Sazeracs, as well as any straight spirit served on the rocks.

CostModerate

Total Timeunder 15 minutes

OccasionCocktail Party

Recipe Coursebeverage

Type of Dishalcoholic beverage, beverage, cocktails