Also known as sgroppino al limone, sgroppino is an Italian cocktail recipe that is both dessert and cocktail. It's a perfect cocktail for a pre-dinner drink or after-dinner drink. And served in a very small glass or bowl, it could even be served at a dinner party as a palate cleanser between courses since one of the main ingredients is lemon sorbet.
It the perfect refreshing cocktail on a hot summer day and an elegant cocktail for any holiday gathering.
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One of my favorite things about travel is discovering new dishes, and bringing them into my own kitchen. Dishes well-known within a particular culture or region. Dishes with a past that can claim lineage. A perfect example is this Italian cocktail called Sgroppino. It is one of my favorite Italian cocktails, along with the classic cocktail, aperol spritz, served in any Italian bar.
It's refreshing, only need 3 ingredients and about 5 minutes to make. It's perfect for dinner parties, and around the holidays, and is often served as a dessert drink in Italy.
Other refreshing cocktails are this shortcut classic mojito made with mint syrup and this watermelon wine cooler with lime.
🤷♀️ What is a sgroppino?
I've been to Venice a few times, and found this cocktail in a restaurant in Treviso, a nearby town.
A Sgroppino is an Italian cocktail originating in Venice, that's equal parts cocktail and dessert. There are only 3 ingredients, and the recipe takes about 5 minutes to make.
There's no one classic recipe, as the ingredient amounts differ from bar to bar. Some are heavy on the alcohol, others, like this one, are more sorbet and less alcohol.
In Italy, sgroppino is traditionally served after dinner, often frozen, and is the ultimate summer refresher. And it's perfect during the holidays because it's so festive.
🧅 Main Ingredients + Notes
The secret to faster and easier meals often lies in the ingredients. For example, store-bought items and ingredients you make ahead and store in the refrigerator (or freezer) can turn a 60-minute recipe into a 30-minutes meal or less.
For the three simple ingredients' measurements and the directions for making this sgroppino recipe, go to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post. Check out the Ideas for Variations section for other twists on this Italian drink.
- Frozen lemon sorbet (lemon sorbetto) - Sgroppino is traditionally made with lemon sorbet, but you can replace it with lemon gelato, for a creamier texture. Lemon ice cream is fine too.
- Prosecco (an Italian sparkling wine)- since there are only 3 ingredients, use a good prosecco.
- Vodka - you don't need much, but it should be chilled.
- Fresh mint - used as a garnish when served.
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🤷♀️ Is Prosecco the same as Champagne?
No. Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, grown mostly in the Veneto Region of Italy, which is where I first discovered this cocktail. Sparkling wine can only be called champagne when it comes from the Champagne region of France.
Prosecco is also processed in a different way from champagne, which accounts for its lower price.
🔪 Recommended Equipment
- Ice cream scooper
- Whisk
📝 Instructions Overview
Detailed instructions for making this Italian cocktail are in the recipe card below, but here's an overview!
Step 1
Scoop and whisk. Scoop the frozen sorbet into a bowl. Pour in half of the Prosecco and whisk until you have a smooth icy mixture.
Whisk in the vodka and remaining Prosecco.
If you plan to serve later, store in the freezer in an airtight container that's freezer-safe. I use jars.
Step 2
Serve. Pour into champagne flutes or other pretty glasses, and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and a couple blueberries.
💡Ideas for Possible Variations
- As mentioned in the Ingredients section, you can swap out the lemon sorbet for lemon gelato or lemon ice cream. This will give the cocktail a creamier texture.
- I've seen some recipes that use lime sorbet in place of lemon, but I've not done this myself.
- If you don't have any fresh mint sprigs, serve with a twist of lemon.
🤷♀️ Can I make sgroppino ahead of time?
Yes. Just pour the cocktail into jars, or any other airtight container that's freezer-safe, and tuck into the freezer.
🍹 Looking for More Frozen Cocktails?
Frozen cocktails are so popular during the summer and over the winter holidays. Here are a few favorites!
Frozen Margaritas (Using Any Fruit)
Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Slushies
Mango Passion Fruit Wine Slushie
3 Ingredient Sgroppino (Prosecco Sorbetto Cocktail)
Equipment
- Ice cream scooper
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen lemon sorbet (lemon sorbetto) or lemon gelato or lemon ice cream (for a creamier texture)
- 8 ounces Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine a good quality of Prosecco
- 2 ounces chilled vodka
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Scoop the sorbet into a large bowl. Add one-half of the Prosecco and whisk until you have a smooth icy mixture.
- Whisk in the cold vodka and remaining Prosecco. The cocktail should be very slushy.
- Pour into champagne flutes or other cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh mint and a few blueberries.
Manu
Ohhhh Sgroppino is so good! Thank you for sharing such an iconic cocktail recipe! It made me a bit home-sick, but... che buono! 🙂
low carb breakfast
That's a beautiful cocktail and the pictures are fantastic. Can't wait to try this, thank you!
Liz
What a gorgeous, frozen cocktail!!! Bet it tastes amazing.
Hezzi-D
Sorbet and prosecco? You are speaking my language!
Nettie
I have all of the ingredients, can't wait to make these!
Maria
Absolutely lovely. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Amy Barrett
This sounds so refreshing
Renee@Renee's Kitchen Adventures
This look and sounds delicious! It would be awesome on a hot summer day!
Kristen
What a fresh drink to enjoy on a summer evening!
Caroline
I'm pretty sure I have had this but even if not I need to find an excuse to have it as this looks so good!
Barrie
I had never heard of this, but it looks so refreshing and a punch-type of drink so easy to serve at a party- I love this and I love the back-story on it too!
Tara
Beautiful photos! This sounds absolutely amazing!
Rachael
Oh, dear... I think I may well become addicted to this!
Lucy - (Recipes @ Globe Scoffers)
This sounds very refreshing! Can't wait to try. Thanks for sharing ?
DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts
Never heard of it but I can see why it's so popular. The flavors sound refreshing.
monica
We will be making this soon!
Christie
I'm seriously putting this on the menu. It looks and sounds so addictive!! And refreshing.
Edna
I'm surely going to put this thing on my list of "Not to miss" 🙂 Loved to be here on your blog.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much! I hope you like it! It's a favorite of ours 🙂
Lazar
Uhhhhhhhhhhhh, can’t wait to try
Ioana
My birthday is coming. I am so glad I finally found the best cocktail to serve at the party
The Wimpy Vegetarian
It really is an amazing cocktail - dessert!!! I hope you like it!!!
Keto Diet Recipe
One of my favorite drinks. So refreshing and tasty
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Yes!! Me too!!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
I seriously need to give it a try! Looks delicious!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
It's a huge hit anytime I serve it! I hope you give it a try Toni!
Allyssa
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing sgroppino italian dessert cocktail sundaysupper recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Liz
I have never had this before, but it sounds so delicious! Excited to give it a try! Thanks for the share!