The Christmas music has stopped playing. Decorations have been taken down. NYC has become pretty darn gloomy.
We have a great hotspot to not only enjoy NYC in winter but to actually be able to tolerate Times Square. Head over to 42nd street for a rooftop with the best view of Times Square at The Knickerbockers rooftop – St. Cloud.
Sit inside by the faux fireplace or head outside to sit in their sky pods.
Visiting NYC during the Holiday season? Be sure to stop by Rolf’s, a German restaurant and bar decorated to make you feel like you’re inside the Rockefeller Christmas tree. This little restaurant gives new meaning to “Deck the Halls.”
If you want to enjoy a German feast for dinner make sure to have a reservation as this is the busy season for ROLF’s and it can get very crowded. If you’ve been eating your way through NYC and just want to check out the decorations, find a seat at the bar and enjoy an amazing holiday themed cocktail.
Sgroppino is an alcoholic mixed drink originating in Venice, Italy based on lemon sorbet and vodka, topped up with Italian sparkling Prosecco. Sgroppino can be served as a palate-cleansing aperitif or as a dessert drink after your meal.
The Sgroppino was served in aristocratic Venetian homes back in the 16th century. The Sgropin, as it’s called in the Venetian dialect, means to ‘untie’ such as to untie a little knot in ones stomach following a rather filling meal. It is also to cleanse the palate between the first and second courses.
Even though the drink originates in Italy, as you travel throughout the country you may have some difficulty finding the drink and even local restaurants knowing what it is. This is because further away from La Serenissima it is not a Sgroppino anymore, it is simply Sorbetto.
That tradition continues today, with a few minor tweaks to the centuries-old recipe. As the classic Sgroppino is made with lemon sorbetto, vodka and Prosecco sparkling wine, variations include strawberry, grapefruit or lavender, and sometimes the addition of limoncello.
Sweet and citrusy, this creamy lemon Prosecco cocktail is hands down the best dessert drink ever! Simple ingredients and no special skills required to make.
Could it be? Sgroppino in Las Vegas? And if so, will it be a true Sgroppino like the one found in Italy?
When scoping out the MGM Park we stumbled across a sign saying “Sgroppino.” Our minds were blown. Sgroppino has reached the strip. We found ourselves infront of Primrose, a charming, French inspired bistro. In our excitement, we read on to see if it could possibly be a true Italian Sgroppino… Lemon sorbet – yes! Prosecco – yes! Vodka – yassss! Sounds legit.
Even with all the purple and lavender added, it still sounded like a true Sgroppino just with a fancy remix. We’re in Vegas after all.
We went inside Primrose and ordered our Sgroppino. We saw the bartender immediately grab the cocktail shaker and we cringed. We then knew this would be another Affogato style version of a Sgroppino. Maybe in the states it’s just a scoop of sorbet in alcohol but you guys are really missing out on a true Sgroppino.
Those of you unfamiliar, a Sgroppino is Prosecco, vodka and lemon sorbet whisked together to created a creamy aperitif. It may sound like the texture would be that of a slushy but it is just like a milkshake. It is so creamy you won’t believe it’s not ice cream.
I am starting the petition now to make Sgroppino the new basic bitch drink for brunch. Please start signatures below in the comment section.
Vegas Sgroppino – The purple drank.
Sgroppino in Italy. Salute!
Aperol Spritz was the drink of the summer, tailor made for the social media generation. Originated in Venice in the 1950s with its popularity revived today due to Campari’s aggressive marketing campaign. This drink is more than just the next rosé as Americans conform to the European lifestyle of sipping and relaxing while they drink. There has also been a noticeable shift amongst US palates towards more bitter flavors. This cocktail is here to stay.
Aperol took off in trend-setting cities like New York. They took this already trendy cocktail and reworked it as a frozen version mnemonic of the frosé. The demand heightened for the classic Aperol Spritz so much that bars put Aperol on tap.
Aperol Spritz has made its way to Austin which is no surprise as this growing city is at the forefront in the cocktail scene. Not only is the spritz popular at bars but they have given this drink a southern touch. If you look closely on cocktail menus you will find different variations of this bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb-floral aperitif.
NYC: You can find Aperol Spritz on tap at Dante or The Maritime Hotel. The Maritime also serves frozen Aperol Spritz (credited to creating this frozen drink). If you not only want an Aperol Spritz but also the European vibe to come with it, Bagatelle is your spot. Tip: Aperol has become so popular that if you do not see it on the menu, just ask for it as any bar or restaurant will serve it.
Austin: Find an authentic Aperol Spritz at Italian restaurant Italic on Sixth St. or at Gelateria Gemelli where the founder was inspired by his sojourn in Italy. Get a frozen Aperol pink lemonade at The Line Hotel at Dean’s One Trick Pony.
When you step inside this restaurant and bar, you feel like you’re inside a xmas tree. It’s covered in xmas ornaments from floor to ceiling making a great photo op for the gram. With specialty cocktails for the holiday, it’s a perfect place to meet up with friends to celebrate.
What’s better than feeling like you’re in a Christmas tree? How about being inside a Dr. Seuss book. In Downtown Austin at The W Hotel it’s decorated like a modern Whoville with a bar. The themed cocktails are more than just for the instagram – They are delicious!
Nothing says Christmas more than the leg lamp in the window and that’s how you’ll be greeted at this bar on 5th street in Downtown Austin. Themed drinks with snowballs in them and even the option to do a shot ski. As much as the front of the bar looks, don’t forget to check out the rest of the place and even the ski lodge upstairs.
NYC is at its best during the Christmas season with all the lights and when Bryant Park transforms into a winter village. After some ice skating enjoy hot chocolate, treats or head over to the bar at The Lodge. Grab a great pic in front of the Christmas tree or the iconic Bryant Park fountain as it famously ices over in the winter.
The Pineapple Life 