Italian sparklers, Frizzante o Spumante, like Lambrusco, Prosecco, and so many others are great for hot summer sipping but also make cocktails too.

These three are based on the basic Negroni recipe,  served at summer party.

The Base: Lambrusco, Malvasia Spumante, New Amsterdam Gin

The Vermouth: Dolin Rouge, Contratto Vermouth Bianco

The Amari: Campari, Cardamaro Amaro

More: Urban Moonshine Citrus Bitters, Dutch Spirits Boom Town Bitters, Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters

Salone Rive is what we call our outdoor living room which is open from the first warm day in April deep into the fall.

For parties I setup my outdoor bar and the fun begins.

I serve cocktails like these:

Italian Americano, from La Bottega NYC

Lambrusco, Campari, Dolin Rouge Vermouth, From La Bottega NYC

Chill the ingredients well.

Pour in a cocktail shaker or pitcher 2 parts Lambrusco, 1 Part dolin, 1/2 part Campari. stir gently, serve over ice or straight up.

I accented with Urban Moonshine Citrus Bitters

Giorno Celebrazione, my own recipe

Cavicchioli 1928 Malvasia Spumante Demi Sec, Cardamaro Amaro, New Amsterdam Gin,  Dutch Spirits Boom Town Bitters.

I chill all the ingredients for an hour in the freezer.

In a cocktail shaker over good cold ice 2 parts Cavicchioli 1928 Malvasia Spumante Demi Sec, 1 part gin 1 part Cardamaro Amaro, stir gently, serve over big ice rocks, one drop Dutch Spirits Boom Town Bitters.

Giorno Memoriale, my own recipe Cavicchioli 1928 Malvasia Spumante, Contratto Vermouth Bianco, Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters.

In a cocktail shaker over good cold ice 2 parts Cavicchioli 1928 Malvasia Spumante Demi Sec, 1 part Contratto Vermouth Bianco, stir gently, serve over big ice rocks, a quick dash of Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters