During the warmer weather, there’s nothing like cooling your body down with a tasty, rich iced coffee. But why buy an over-priced, single-serving iced coffee at some chain café— especially in today’s economy—when you can have an authentic and trendy Italian drink right in your own home for a fraction of the price!

The Caffé Shakerato (which means “lots of things shaken”) is one of the most popular iced coffee beverages enjoyed throughout Italy during the summer months. And in order to make this drink truly genuine—for either you or your guests—all it takes is a smooth, high-quality espresso: Italy’s very own Caffé Vergnano.

With its enticing aroma and round flavor, Caffé Vergnano offers an escape to Italy in every steamy serving. Founded in 1882 by Domenico Vergnano, Caffé Vergnano—a fine artisanal coffee from Piedmont Italy—is now operated by the fourth generation of the Vergnano family. Vergnano is best known for selecting the highest quality of Arabica beans from Central and South America. With exacting attention to detail, Vergnano roasts each variety of coffee bean separately before blending them together to bring out the most unique character from each particular type.  Through Vergnano’s slow roasting process—about four times longer than most industrial coffees—the beans take on mellow, subtle and smooth flavors.

Vergnano coffee’s flavor is much more delicate than that of conventional espressos. Plus there’s an amazing health benefit: With lower caffeine content than both drip coffee and other espressos, Caffé Vergnano is ideal for any time of day!

“Quality espresso like Caffé Vergnano is an essential part of every day life in Italy, an appropriate drink for every season and any occasion,” says Carolina Vergnano, family member and Head of Vergnano’s Export Department.

And to top it off, these stylish coffees sell for just $10-$14 (available in specialty stores as well as online at www.dipaloselects.com), making them an affordable every day indulgence, a budget-friendly after-dinner treat for guests, and the perfect gift for any coffee connoisseur or Italophile.

Below is a recipe for the Caffé Shakerato. If you would like more information about Caffé Vergnano, please feel free to contact me.

Recipe for Caffe Shakerato: (1 serving)

Ingredients:
1 serving of Caffé Vergnano espresso
Handful of ice cubes
Cocktail shaker
Sugar syrup (optional)
1 teaspoon coffee liqueur (optional)
A few drops vanilla extract or vanilla syrup (optional)
Twist of lemon or orange peel (optional)

Directions:
*Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Pour the Caffé Vergnano espresso over ice.
*Add optional sweeteners
*Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds.
*Strain into a wine glass, Martini glass or champagne flute

(recipe from epicurious.com)

Amy Capetta
Colangelo & Partners Public Relations (CPR)
26 W. 23rd Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10010
P: 646.624.2886; E: acapetta@colangelopr.com