Indulge In An Italia 77: The Ultimate Prosecco Cocktail Experience

In a celebratory dinner we had at Telepan, Bill Telepan’s namesake Michelin-starred restaurant a decade ago, we were introduced to what would become our all-time favorite Prosecco cocktail.

“Can I offer you a cocktail?” our server inquired. Expressing our love for Prosecco before dinner, he suggested the Italia 77 cocktail. Intrigued, we agreed to try it.

And it was exceptional. The drink, with its bubbly texture and refreshing citrus notes, perfectly stimulated our taste buds in preparation for dinner. Unfortunately, Telepan closed its doors in 2016, leaving us with fond memories of that remarkable drink and dining experience.

Despite the restaurant’s closure, our love for the Italia 77 cocktail has remained unwavering. We continue to experiment with various Prosecco cocktails, but none have ever matched the perfection of that one at Telepan.

Searching for the Italia 77

While attempting to order the Italia 77, Telepan’s signature cocktail, elsewhere, we discovered it wouldn’t be easy. Each time we tried, we had to provide the recipe to the bartender.

 The only exception was at Sirio Ristorante in the Pierre Hotel, owned by the esteemed Maccioni family. Initially, our server was unfamiliar with the drink but assured us he would consult with the bartender. 

To our surprise, he soon returned with two expertly crafted Italia 77 cocktails. The plot thickened when he revealed that the Sirio bartender had previously worked with Bill Telepan. Coincidentally, Sirio Ristorante also closed its doors in 2016.

One can’t help but wonder if the crafting of this Prosecco cocktail was an ominous sign for restaurateurs.

Sharing the “Secret” Recipe for the Italia 77

When we introduce our fellow Prosecco enthusiasts to the Italia 77, a simplified variation of the French 75, it quickly becomes one of their favorite cocktails. On a barge trip, it was the evening favorite of fellow passengers. Friends we have dinner with also have made it a habit.

The recipe for an Italia 77 is incredibly easy to follow and requires just a few ingredients. They are: 

• 4 ounces of your preferred brand of chilled Prosecco
• 1 ounce of St. Germain liquor (crafted from elderflower blossoms)
• ½ ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice

The preparation is a breeze. Simply combine the St. Germain and lemon juice in a coupe or fluted glass, then top it off with the sparkling Prosecco. Within minutes, you’ll have a refreshing and flavorful cocktail ready to enjoy.

Other Prosecco cocktails, including the French 75

The French 75 cocktail is typically made with gin, lemon juice, champagne (or another sparkling wine like Prosecco), and simple syrup to add sweetness and balance the acidity.

A French 77 is a French 75 without gin and replaces the simple syrup with St. Germain for sweetness.

We also enjoy a Bellini cocktail (which blends Prosecco with white peach puree) and the ubiquitous Aperol Spritz (a mix of Aperol, a fluorescent orange bittersweet Italian aperitivo, Prosecco and soda water). The latter may be the Taylor Swift of Italian Prosecco cocktails because it is so popular around the globe.

Reasons to Love Prosecco

• Prosecco tastes fresh, light, and playful. 

• Prosecco bubbles add a festive air to any celebration, but you don’t necessarily need an excuse to enjoy it!

• Prosecco’s alcohol content (about 11%) is lower than many other wines.

• Prosecco has fewer calories than most other wines. A glass of Prosecco has 80 calories versus 125 calories for a glass of red wine.

• Prosecco is versatile. It is eminently drinkable as an aperitivo (before the meal) or paired with light foods during dinner (such as pasta or seafood).

• Sweet Prosecco (demi-sec, with more sugar) pairs nicely with certain desserts.

• Prosecco is an excellent after-dinner palate freshener or digestivo. 

• Compared to its rich French cousin, Champagne, Processo is relatively inexpensive. It is also a distinctly different drink because it is produced from Glera grapes in the Veneto region of Italy rather than chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier grapes of the Champagne region of France. The two also have different types of production (Charmat method vs. methode champenoise).

• Both the quality and popularity of Prosecco have been soaring in Italy and the U.S.

• There are a variety of interesting Prosecco cocktails to please the palate of any drinker. 

A Toast to the Italia 77: An Unforgettable Prosecco Cocktail

While simple in its preparation, the Italia 77 holds a special place in our hearts, a reminder of exceptional dining experiences. Even though Telepan and Sirio may be gone, their legacy lives on in this delightful cocktail.

Some excellent Proseccos to try when making an Italia 77

BOTTEGA Prosecco DOC

This DOC Prosecco has a bright, straw-yellow hue with aromas of green apples, pear, and citrus. It is soft with a lively yet balanced acidity that ensures a memorable drinking experience. With an elegant gold bottle, this Prosecco makes the perfect gift for dinner or a special occasion.

Dal Bello Asolo Prosecco DOCG

The grapes for this DOCG Prosecco come from the Asoslo Hills. Its color is straw yellow with shiny greenish reflections. Very dry, it offers notes of apple trees, elder, and wisteria. Excellent as an aperitivo or with grilled white fish.

Giusti Asolo Prosecco Brut DOCG

This dry Prosecco is pale straw yellow with greenish glints. Its bouquet is intense and fruity, with hints of green apple and lemon. and floral notes of wisteria and acacia. Perfect for any special occasion.

Villa Sandi Asolo Prosecco Brut DOCG

A winner of numerous prestigious awards, this Prosecco is excellent as an aperitif. But it also goes well with finger food, seafood salads, and semi-seasoned cow cheeses. This well-balanced sparkling wine offers aromas of apple, pear, and citrus accompanied by white floral notes. On the palate, it is fresh, dry, and broad.

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