10 Italian foods and drink you should try this summer
This post is written in collaboration with Amazon.
Do you enjoy trying different foods, ingredients or drinks from different areas of the world? Here I have a selection for you from the Made in Italy deals on Amazon (click the links for the current offer details) for Italian republic day.
There is so much more to Italian foods and drinks than pizza, pasta and Negroni so here are some I really think you should try this summer.
Balsamic vinegar
I know what you are thinking, you use it in cooking frequently, but you don’t, not proper balsamic vinegar!
There is a huge difference between authentic Italian balsamic vinegar that has been made in Italy and cheap supermarket versions. The flavour is amazing!
Italian coffee
I love coffee but generally drink the simple ones from my Tassimo machine. Have you tried real Italian coffee?
If not, then you really should. It is a whole new taste, and if you try Lavazza or another proper Italian coffee.
Why not also consider making it with a bean-to-cup coffee machine to really enjoy the true taste of that Italian coffee?
For a cheaper option to make Italian coffee, why not try the Bialetti 3 cup coffee maker pictured below?
If you are unsure about the different coffee blends, then a gift set might be perfect.
Italian pasta
Whilst in some respects pasta is pasta, the better quality pasta will always taste better and Italian pasta will too. There is something about fresh pasta that you really need to try.
It is even better if you make it yourself. With 20% off an Italian pasta machine, why not give it a try?
Italian biscuits
I love Italian biscuits; they are just exquisite and so moreish! Have you ever been to an Italian restaurant and had one and then never been able to find anything as good anywhere else?
These Sicilian biscuits are just like those, perfectly tasty and on offer at the moment too, a bonus in my eyes!
If, instead, you would like to buy some almond biscuits, then Cantucci is definitely what you are looking for! I love this 700g box but feel I would eat them all far too quickly!
Olive oil
Olive oil is another of those ingredients, like balsamic vinegar, that is so much better when it is authentic. Coppola is authentic Italian olive oil and is pretty good value too. You can tick a box on Amazon to get 15% off, pop it in your basket, and try it. I am sure you will see the difference between this and the supermarket’s cheap olive oils.
Italian wine
The wine really is one of the best exports from Italy. When you have Italian food and drink, wine is likely to be part of it! Do you have a favourite wine?
I love Pinot Grigio and prefer Italian or French wines, but others may like South African wines or elsewhere. Have you tried many Italian wines?
Maybe you should give a few different ones a try. There really is something for every budget, but with wine, I believe you get what you pay for.
If you have a special occasion or are buying a gift, this aged Italian wine would be perfect.
Italian tomatoes
I must admit I generally buy the cheapest supermarket brand chopped tomatoes and find in many recipes you can’t really tell. Even if you can, I use so many cans of tomatoes I can not justify spending too much on them.
I like to buy nicer tomatoes for a nice treat or when cooking for guests. There are a few Italian brands currently on offer on Amazon. Remember to check the discount box! Coppola tomatoes and peppers or Coppola tomatoes and garlic would be great in a pasta dish.
Do you use Passata (sieved tomatoes)? The Italian versions of passata are better too!
Ice cream
It is summer, and with any luck, we will have some lovely hot days and want to enjoy ice cream. I say this, but as I am typing this at the end of May, it is torrential rain outside!
Homemade ice cream is always so much better than shop-bought ice cream and even better at an Italian restaurant.
If you are considering making your own and buying an ice cream maker, then Amazon offers an Italian one as part of their Made in Italy event. It has £50 off too! Whilst an ice cream maker isn’t cheap, it is an investment that could last years.
Truffle
Truffle has fast become an ingredient used in dishes that really stand out. It is one of the most popular and well-known Italian foods and drinks that everyone wants to try.
It is a sign of class and style and can really transform a dish. If you would like to try truffle salt, then this Italian truffle from the Piedmont region with sea salt from Sicily would be a great buy, whilst it offers a truffle touch to many dishes.
Gin
I love gin, I especially love trying a variety of different gins and when they are on offer, I can’t help myself!
Malfy gin is from Italy, a Sicilian gin which is full of flavour and popular with so many is something you can try with ice and tonic, lemonade or on its own this summer.
I am tempted to treat myself to the Malfy Lemon gin and the Malfy Sicilian blood orange gin whilst they are on offer; it would be rude not to, don’t you think?
Which of these have you tried? Do you have any favourite Italian foods and drink you can recommend? Have you had a look at the Made in Italy promotion on Amazon?
There are some great bargains to be had, so pop and have a look. Do comment and let me know below!
I want to remind you to drink responsibly and know your limits. For support visit DrinkAware.
