It's TK-LA Aperitivo Hour: The Almalfi Cocktail and Crispy Prosciutto With Melon
My sisters and I came up with this drink during quarantine. It was our escape to Italy! It has become the official TK-LA cocktail of the summer! We call it The Almalfi Cocktail and it is light, refreshing, fun and easy to make on the spot!
For bites, I made Alison Roman’s version of melon with prosciutto. Instead of the usual soft slices, I crisped the prosciutto in the oven until golden and crunchy, then layered it over sweet melon with a bit of feta or ricotta for extra creaminess. The salty crunch of the prosciutto with the cool melon and tangy cheese is honestly addictive. I rounded it out with some of my favorite new Italian Aperitivo Crackers from Trader Joe’s, called the the Aperitivo Medley , which are perfect for grazing. Between the drink, the bites, and sitting outside by the pool, it really felt like I had transported myself to the Amalfi Coast — no plane ticket required :)
THE ALMALFI COCKTAIL:
Ingredients:
2 ounces of Vodka
2 ounces of Blood Orange Soda
(I use Villa Italia Italian Blood Orange from Trader or any blood orange soda you have around)
A splash or two of Angostura Bitters
Ice
Directions:
Stir all the ingredients together (add more or less vodka and bitters depending on your preference)
Pour into a glass
Add ice cubes
Serve with an orange slice on the rim
How to make Crispy Prosciutto
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the prosciutto slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the slices aren't touching to ensure even crisping.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly. The prosciutto should shrivel and turn golden brown.
- Remove the prosciutto from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.
- Once cooled, break the crispy prosciutto into pieces