Sgroppino: The Elegant Italian Lemon Sorbet After-Dinner Cocktail

By Jason Griffith

Light, creamy, and irresistibly elegant, the Sgroppino (pronounced sgroh-PEE-no) is Italy’s best-kept secret when it comes to after-dinner indulgence. Originating in Venice, this simple yet sophisticated cocktail is more than just a drink; it’s a palate cleanser, a dessert, and a celebration all in one.

It perfectly embodies la dolce vita, combining the zesty brightness of lemon sorbet, the fizz of chilled Prosecco, and a smooth kick of vodka into a luxurious, silky-smooth sipper. Forget heavy desserts—this is the refreshing finale your next dinner party deserves. It’s a total game-changer, especially after a rich or savory meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve traveled through Italy countless times, and every time I order a Sgroppino, I’m reminded of how simple perfection can be. It takes about five minutes to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a “wow factor” that rivals the most complicated mixology.

• It’s a Two-in-One Treat: It functions brilliantly as both a digestivo (after-dinner drink) and a light, icy dessert.
• The Texture is Sublime: The blending of the sorbet and Prosecco creates an airy, frothy, and wonderfully velvety texture that coats the mouth beautifully.
• Insanely Simple: With just three core ingredients, it’s one of the easiest “fancy” cocktails you can make. If you can scoop and whisk, you can make a stunning Sgroppino.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone appreciates a citrus-forward, bubbly drink, especially one that isn’t overly sweet. It’s the ideal choice to follow a rich Italian feast, like a big bowl of my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.

---

🍋 Sgroppino Ingredients

This recipe is designed for two servings. Scale up easily for a crowd!

Ingredient	Quantity (2 servings)	Notes
Lemon Sorbet	1 cup	Must be slightly softened for blending.
Prosecco	½ cup	Must be well-chilled; use a good-quality sparkling wine.
Vodka	1 oz	Chilled vodka works best for temperature control.
Limoncello (Optional)	1 teaspoon	Adds a deeper, sweeter citrus complexity.
Cream (Optional)	A splash	For a richer, more velvety, milkshake-like texture.

Export to Sheets

Garnish (Optional)

• Lemon zest twist or candied lemon slice
• Fresh mint leaves
• A small biscotti or wafer on the side

Swaps and Notes

• Sorbet Flavor: While lemon is traditional and highly recommended for its cleansing properties, you can experiment! A raspberry or lime sorbet would offer a bright twist, though it wouldn’t be a true Sgroppino.
• Bubbly Swap: If you don’t have Prosecco, any dry, crisp sparkling wine like Cava or Brut Champagne will work.
• Booze-Free: To make a stunning mocktail, simply replace the vodka and Prosecco with sparkling lemonade or sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon. You’ll still get a wonderful, frosty texture. This reminds me of my favorite refreshing summer drink, This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink For Sunny Days.
• Serving Vessel: Traditionally served in chilled coupe or flute glasses. The chill is essential to slow the melting process.

---

🍸 How to Make It (Steps)

The key to a perfect Sgroppino is working quickly and serving immediately.

Step 1 — Soften the Sorbet

Allow the lemon sorbet to sit at room temperature for about 2–3 minutes. It should be soft enough to easily scoop and whisk, but not fully melted. If it’s too hard, your blender or whisk will struggle.

Step 2 — Blend It Smooth

In a chilled bowl or blender, combine the softened sorbet, chilled vodka, and most of the Prosecco (reserve a small splash for later). Whisk vigorously by hand or blend on a low setting until the mixture is smooth, frothy, and creamy. It should look like a light, lemon-flavored milkshake. If you are using limoncello or a splash of cream, add it now.

Step 3 — Serve Immediately

Pour the mixture into your chilled coupe or flute glasses. If the mixture has deflated slightly, gently top it with the reserved splash of cold Prosecco—this adds a little extra fizz and a beautiful layer of froth on top.

Step 4 — Garnish & Enjoy

Add your desired garnish, like a lemon zest twist or a fresh mint sprig, right on the rim. Serve immediately before the mixture loses its signature icy texture. Salute!

---

💡 Tips for Success

• Chill Everything: This is a frozen drink, so the colder your ingredients and serving glasses are, the better. Chill your Prosecco, vodka, and glasses well in advance.
• Don’t Over-Blend: If you use a blender, blend only until combined and frothy. Over-blending can make the sorbet melt too quickly and thin out the texture.
• The Right Consistency: If you prefer a richer Sgroppino, add the optional splash of heavy cream. For a more intense citrus flavor, add the limoncello. For a simpler, lighter palate cleanser, stick to the three core ingredients.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The Sgroppino is traditionally served as a palate cleanser between courses (often before the main course) or as a refreshing, light after-dinner dessert cocktail.

Pair this bright, citrus-forward drink with:

• Light Appetizers: Serve it alongside a salty starter like prosciutto-wrapped melon or a light cheese board.
• Dessert Alternatives: Offer it instead of a heavy cake. It pairs beautifully with light, flaky biscotti or shortbread cookies.
• Pairing Tip: The bright lemon cuts through rich, savory flavors. It’s perfect after a heavy pasta dish or a roasted meat entree. For other vibrant, boozy dessert ideas, check out The Slippery Drank Is My Favorite Sweet Sipper For Dessert-Inspired Vibes.

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Estimated)

• Calories: 180-220 kcal
• Alcohol Content: Approximately 10-12% ABV
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g (mostly from the sugar in the sorbet and Prosecco)

Note: This is a loose estimate. Nutritional values vary based on the specific brand of sorbet, Prosecco, and vodka used.

🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips

The Sgroppino is a drink that absolutely must be consumed immediately. Its texture is fleeting, relying on the cold, aerated combination of the ingredients.

• Do Not Make Ahead: While you can pre-chill the ingredients, do not mix the Sgroppino until you are ready to serve.
• Leftovers: If you somehow have leftover mixture, you can pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it for icy, boozy slushy cubes later, but it will lose its signature airy texture.

✍️ More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a simple dessert, you’ll want to check out these other favorites:

• For another simple, zesty cocktail: Classic Margarita Recipe: Easy and Delicious
• If you love the dessert-cocktail crossover: This Grasshopper Pie Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert With A Mint Chocolate Twist
• For a different, crowd-pleasing dessert: These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert

Final Thoughts

The Sgroppino is the perfect example of Italian culinary philosophy: simple, high-quality ingredients treated with respect create an unforgettable experience. It’s elegant, fun, and always leaves your guests impressed. Give this recipe a try and transport yourself to a sunny Venetian piazza, one icy, frothy sip at a time.