Sgroppino

Made with Lemon Sorbet (or gelato), Prosecco and chilled vodka, Sgroppino is a heavenly after dinner cocktail that is extremely easy to make. This drink is perfect for celebrations, served after a heavier meal, as a dessert for lemon lovers or enjoyed at the end of a hot day. 

Sgroppino al Limone garnished with lemon wedges and fresh mint sprigs.

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Sgroppino (aka Dessert Cocktail or Digestif)

Of the many talents that Italians have, their mastery of alcohol and love of lemons are my favorite. (Admittedly, authentic Italian food ranks pretty high on my list also.) When the two talents combine, it is pure heaven. This sweet Italian cocktail is the perfect example of such. Sgroppino (pronounced skuroh-pee-no) originated in the region of Venice, Italy as a digestif, an alcoholic beverage served after a meal to aid with digestion. Because of its bright refreshing flavors, this cocktail has remained popular all throughout Italy over the years.

Two crystal glasses of a Lemon Dessert Cocktail sitting on a white countertop.

 When and How To Serve

Sgroppino is a very easy recipe to make that is also extremely elegant. Because of this, serve in either champagne flutes or crystal wine glasses for fancier dinner parties or more casual glassware for less special occasions. Here are some of the best times to serve this Italian cocktail;

  • After a heavy meal.
  • As a refreshing dessert cocktail at the end of a hot summer day.
  • For New Years Eve celebration.
  • As a treat for lemon lovers.
  • Graduation parties.
  • In between courses as a palate cleanser when having an elaborate dinner party.
Overhead photo of an icy Lemon After Dinner Cocktail that is garnished with fresh mint and lemon zest.

Ingredients Needed

  • Good Prosecco (or dry sparkling wine)
  • Chilled Vodka
  • Lemon Sorbet or Lemon Gelato
  • (Optional) Limoncello
  • (Optional) Lemon Juice

How To Make Sgroppino 3 Ways

In case you haven’t noticed, Italians are extremely passionate people (I can safely say this because I am Italian). Their passion very much carries over into their beliefs on how this dinner drink should be made. I guarantee there will be conflicting opinions on the best approach. However, here are three different options for you to choose from.

  1. The first option for this classic recipe (as seen in the recipe card below) is to place 1 quart of Lemon Sorbet with 4 oz chilled vodka and 8 oz cold Prosecco in a blender. Process until combined and slushy.
  2. Many versions of this drink use gelato (either lemon or vanilla). So for the second option replace the sorbet with 1 quart of gelato. This will create a decadently creamy after dinner cocktail.
  3. Lastly, for an individual portion add approximately 2 oz Prosecco, 1 oz cold vodka and a scoop of lemon sorbet into a fancy wine glass. (These three ingredients can also be added to a cocktail shaker and gently shaken.) Additionally, the larger quantities from the recipe below can be added to a pitcher and gently whisked until combined before pouring into glasses. This approach produces a semi slushy combination of lemon sorbet and the alcohols.

Pro Tip: If using vanilla gelato or ice cream rather than lemon sorbet, replace the vodka with 4 oz of Limoncello or add in 1/2 cup chilled lemon juice. This will help to achieve the bright lemon flavor. Additionally, lemon ice cream may be used as a replacement for lemon gelato.

Garnish Options

Garnishing Sgroppino for fancier dinner celebrations makes this sweet drink extra special. Use greenery such as fresh mint leaves or basil leaves. Also a lemon slice, lemon twist and/or lemon zest is a beautiful finishing touch. Here is a helpful tutorial with instructions on how to make different lemon twists. 

Can Sgroppino be made ahead of time?

Ideally it is best to serve immediately after blending. However if time does not allow, blend the ingredients and place the blender bowl into the freezer until needed. Quickly blend once more before serving. The alcohol content will prevent the mixture from freezing solid and the additional blending will ensure the texture has a slushy consistency.

What to Pair Sgroppino With

Most importantly, this gorgeous Italian cocktail is perfect served by its self. However, here are a few suggestions that pair well with Sgroppino;

Sgroppino al Limone garnished with lemon wedges and fresh mint sprigs.

Sgroppino (Italian Lemon Sorbet After Dinner Cocktail)

Sorbet, Prosecco and vodka combine to create a divine after dinner Italian cocktail. Make this for celebrations, fancy dinner parties or as a treat at the end of a hot day.
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: After Dinner Cocktail, Dessert Cocktail, Sgroppino, Sgroppino al limone
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Calories: 405kcal
Author: Heather

Ingredients

  • 4 oz vodka *chilled, see Note #1 below
  • 8 oz Prosecco *chilled, see Note #2 below
  • 1 batch lemon sorbet *1 quart

Optional Garnishes

  • lemon zest
  • lemon wedges
  • lemon twist
  • fresh mint leaves
  • fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  • Place first 3 ingredients into a blender. Process until just combined and slushy. Serve in wine glasses or champagne flutes. See Note #3 below.

Notes

Pleas use as many organic ingredients as possible. 
Recipe Notes
Note #1– The easiest way to keep vodka chilled is by storing it in the freezer. The high alcohol content will prevent it form freezing solid. 
Note #2– Use a good quality Prosecco that is chilled in the refrigerator or dry sparkling wine. 
Note #3– This is the professional blender that I love. It can also be found at Costco for a fabulous price. 

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 83g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 151mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 79g | Vitamin A: 78IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thefedupfoodie or tag #thefedupfoodie!

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10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Girls Night on my patio last night and I served up this easy and may I say sinfully delicious cocktail! I tested it out on my friends so I could make it for my son and daughter-in-law’s anniversary this coming weekend! She’s Italian and they both love lemon! Can’t wait to treat them to something other than just wine!

    1. That makes me so happy to hear! I adore this sinful drink also. Thank you so much for giving it a try and for rating. Happy anniversary to your son and daughter-in-law.

  2. Yikes, I went from memory and ended up buying lemon ice cream instead of sorbet. Will that still be OK? And do I need to change anything?

    1. Not to worry. Sgroppino can be made with lemon or vanilla ice cream or gelato. The creaminess will make it incredibly luxurious. I hope you enjoy and please let me know how it turns out.

  3. 5 stars
    This is my new favorite cocktail! I have made your lemon sorbet recipe numerous times and just love it. It makes this drink so refreshing not to mention so very pretty!

    1. I am right there with you Patrice. This drink is one of my favorites also during the hot summer months. Thank you so much for making this cocktail and for commenting and rating it.

  4. 5 stars
    I came across this drink when visiting Cairns recently and am now obsessed with it. I’m not blending, just adding the spirit and sparkling to the glass, also a yuzu sochu is perfect, if you have access to japanese or korean alcohol

    1. I have never hear of Yuzu Sochu but I just looked it up and it sounds amazing. Thank you so much for that tip!!! I can’t wait to try.

  5. Can I use Vanilla flavoured Vodka? If so, do I have to use any other ingredients to pair with it?

    1. Hi Linda. Yes, you absolutely can use vanilla flavored vodka. You may find the section within the post titled “How To Make Sgroppino 3 Ways” helpful because it may give you some fun variations to pair with the vanilla vodka.

      I hope you enjoy!

5 from 10 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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