Mike's Mix: On the Patio At Nonna Rosa's
Every Saturday, Mike Augustyniak picks up a new cocktail recipe from a local mixologist. This week, he heads to the patio at Nonna Rosa's. More people are discovering a stretch of West Broadway in Robbinsdale as "must-eat" stop for foodies. That's where you'll find grandma's recipes served up on a cozy patio and cocktails inspired by the Amalfi Coast.
Margarita Amalfitana
Rim a tall glass with lime juice and coarse sea salt. Fill with ice, and add:
- 1½ oz. Patron silver tequila
- 1 oz. limoncello (cream by Gioa Luisa is preferred)
- 1 oz. orange juice
- A squeeze of fresh lime
Garnish with a lime wedge.
Amalfi Sunset
In a martini shaker, combine
- 2 oz. of Malibu rum
- A splash of pineapple and orange juice (about ½ oz. of each)
Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Sink a cherry with a splash of grenadine, add a float of Myers Dark Rum, pouring over the cherry (or an upside down spoon) to make sure it stays on top.
Red Wine Sangria
Prepare fruit in advance to marinate:
- Dice fruit into small pieces with rind, and remove seeds:
- Green apple, Red Apple, Lemon and Orange (cut lemons first then apples, make sure to fully mix so apples don't brown)
- Add ½ cup sugar and 1/4 cup triple sec, stir and marinate
Then, in a large wine glass, combine over ice:
- 2 tbsp. of fruit mixture
- ½ oz. of Ruby Port
- 4 oz. of fruity red wine (Lambrusco is a good option)
Fill with soda water or sprite, depending on preference.
Taste Test
All of these drinks are very fruit forward, and pretty sweet. The creamy lemoncello gives the Margarita Amalfitana a smooth drinkability that a lot of traditional margaritas don't have.
Bartender Tina Suglia says that the Amalfi Sunset is essentially a rum martini, meaning it's the most booze-forward of the three recipes here, but the rum still accounts for a sweeter flavor profile.
Traditionally a Spanish beverage, the Sangria is still a great patio sipper made for hot summer afternoons. As a frequent traveler to Spain, my pro tip for you is: don't spend a lot of money on the wine. Sangria is supposed to make use of whatever table wine you have lying around; the secret to this recipe, though, is Ruby Port wine, to add a deeper flavor and body. Cent'anni!
About Nonna Rosa's
La Cucina di Nonna Rossa's Ristorante Italiano offers all of these cocktails for only $7. For the full menu, click here.
