Ah, the Fourth of July. This year we are lucky enough to have it land on a Saturday, so most of us have Friday off. Which means a long week-end, with a lot of long drinks. Here is Via Umbria’s drink-a-day guide for this celebratory weekend.

THURSDAY 

Tonight, after our final day of work, we are heading over the celebrate the weekend with a Sagra at i Ricchi! We are drinking Birra Perguia beer, of course, as we munch on quality Italian food and a whole lot of pork. The Golden Ale, in particular, is a nice dinner time drink – light and flavorful, it tells our tastebuds the weekend is here.

FRIDAY 

For our first full day off, we are firing up the grill (see our guide to the Perfect Umbria BBQ for inspiration), stirring up this Fernet and Ginger Beer. It is perfect for a sunny afternoon (and can we say the ginger is a bit healthy)? We always reach for J. Gasco’s ginger beer for a drink with no artificial colors or preservatives.

For a delicious pairing with your fizzy drink, munch on some toasted bread with mild spreadable cheese and our organic apricot jam. The weekend is already here!

SATURDAY – THE FOURTH 

Oh the fourth. What are your plans? Are you on a hunt for fireworks, a la the Menards? Watching a parade? Or kicking back around the pool with friends?

While the rest of your friends may be holding Budweisers, reach for something much more classy. A Negroni is surely the most color appropriate cocktail for the day. Of course we love the classic, but the Negroni Sbagliato from Punch Drink is just as tasty, and adds a dash of prosecco to get you in that festive mood. Cheers to America, Italian style!

SUN

Good morning, July 5th! A few years ago, the Menards decided to throw a fully American breakfast in Italy. We love the idea of keeping the Fourth of July fun continuing after the fireworks have gone off.

Need a little something to nurse that headache (from the fireworks, of course!)? Stumptown coffee has just rolled out cold brew tonic, which we are pumped to try in the morning…a little spiked.

To funky for you? You can always make the Bitter Peach Bellini that we sipped on last week.

Shop all of our cocktail items here, and a happy Fourth from the team at Via Umbria!

— Ci Vediamo