Bocce Ball Cocktail Recipe

The Bocce Ball cocktail is a popular and refreshing drink that originated in Italy. It is named after the Italian lawn bowling game, Bocce, which has been played for centuries. The cocktail gained popularity in the United States in the 1980s and has since become a staple at many bars and restaurants.

• The Bocce Ball is a favorite among those who enjoy a light, fruity, and refreshing cocktail.
• It is often served at outdoor gatherings and parties, making it a perfect summer drink.
• The cocktail's popularity has led to many variations, with bartenders adding their own unique twists to the classic recipe.

The Bocce Ball cocktail is a light, refreshing, and fruity drink with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The combination of orange juice and amaretto gives it a citrusy sweetness, while the club soda adds a subtle fizz and crispness.

• The Bocce Ball is sometimes referred to as the Italian Screwdriver due to its similarity to the classic Screwdriver cocktail, which is made with vodka and orange juice.
• The cocktail is often served in a highball glass, but can also be served in a Collins glass or even a wine glass for a more elegant presentation.
• Some variations of the Bocce Ball include adding a splash of cranberry juice or grenadine for a pop of color and additional fruity flavor.

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour 1 oz of amaretto over the ice.
3. Add 4 oz of orange juice to the glass.
4. Top off the drink with 2 oz of club soda.
5. Gently stir the cocktail to combine the ingredients.
6. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

• Amaretto: For a richer flavor, try using a premium brand of amaretto.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice will give the cocktail a fresher and more vibrant taste.
• Garnish: When garnishing, make sure the orange slice and cherry are fresh for the best presentation and taste.

Appetizers

• Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses, especially mild ones like mozzarella and gouda, can complement the sweet notes of the Bocce Ball cocktail.
• Light Salads: Salads with citrus dressings or fruit components will pair nicely, enhancing the orange juice's fresh flavor.
• Grilled Shrimp: The smoky flavor of grilled shrimp contrasts well with this sweet and fizzy beverage.

Main Courses

• Chicken Piccata: The lemony sauce in this dish echoes the citrus notes of the cocktail.
• Seafood Pasta: A light seafood pasta with a lemon butter sauce will harmonize with the cocktail's sweetness and acidity.
• Orange-Glazed Pork Chops: The orange glaze will resonate with the orange juice in the Bocce Ball.

Desserts

• Vanilla Gelato: Its smooth, creamy texture makes it a lovely balance to the refreshing zing of the Bocce Ball.
• Fruit Tarts: The acidity and sweetness of the fruit complement the citrusy and sweet flavors of the drink.

• Amaretto: If you don't have amaretto, you can substitute it with a similar almond-flavored liqueur.
• Orange Juice: If you're out of orange juice, try using another citrus juice like grapefruit or pineapple.
• Club Soda: If you don't have club soda, you can use any clear, carbonated beverage.

Bocce Ballista

Ingredients: Swap club soda for sparkling wine. Add a splash of grenadine. Recipe: Follow original, replacing club soda with the same amount of sparkling wine and add a 1/4 oz of grenadine for a luxurious twist. Gently stir and garnish as usual. Flavor Profile: Elevates the cocktail to a more festive level, with a hint of extra sweet vibrancy.

Green Orchard Bocce

Ingredients: Add 1/2 oz of green apple schnapps, replace orange slice with apple slice. Recipe: Add green apple schnapps after amaretto. Continue with the original recipe. Garnish with an apple slice. Flavor Profile: A tart twist that creates an orchard fresh vibe in the drink, for those who prefer a little pucker to their punch.

Sunset Bocce

Ingredients: Add 1 oz of cranberry juice, replace club soda with tonic water. Recipe: Start with cranberry juice, then follow with amaretto and orange juice. Use tonic in place of club soda. Stir gently and garnish. Flavor Profile: Introduces a slightly tangy taste that, combined with the bitterness of tonic, brings a complex, layered flavor to the cocktail.