Cedrata drink: what it is, how it tastes and why Italians love it

Italy is famous for it’s many wines and delightful, often whimsical cocktails. However, there’s also an array of non-alcoholic drinks which taste delicious and are great at quenching your thirst.

Cedrata is one such drink. It’s been an Italian staple for many years, although it became exceptional well known in the 1920s. If you haven’t yet tried it, it’s time you did, In fact, this Cedrata Tassoni soda is the perfect introduction to this classic Italian Cedrata drink.

Italians love any drink that has both a distinctive taste and is genuinely refreshing. Cedrata fits this description perfectly. That’s why it’s a favorite, particularly in the hot summer months. 

If you’re in Italy during the warmer months, leave a little time to try Cedrata and discover just how good this drink really is. 

What is cedrata

The original cedrata soda was made using citrus medica citrus from the edge of Lake Garda. Today, these are still used, as are the Diamante variety of citrus from Calabria. This drink was first created in a spice shop. By 1921, cedrata syrup became popular, aided by the release of evocative black and white nouveau art posters.

Fast forward 35 years and the syrup was transformed into the Cedrata Tassoni soda, the drink that remains popular today. 

Cedrata drink: flavor and ingredients

Tassoni cedrata offers a sweetness which is balanced against the typical tartness of cedar citrus fruits. You’ll find it a vivid yellow, surprisingly refreshing, and the taste is intriguing. It’s worth trying, you’re likely to find your new favorite non-alcoholic drink. Cedrata drink consists of the classic Cedrata Tassoni syrup coupled with water and carbon dioxide. It gives it a fizz. You can make the syrup at home using sugar, water, and citric acid.  It can be drunk as is, with ice, or you can add the Cedrata soda to a little bitter, ice, and a slice of orange. 

Cedrata soda in Italian tradition

Cedrate drink has earned itself a place in the hearts of Italians and others across the globe. What sets this drink apart is not the fact it tastes elegant, sophisticated, or refreshing. It reflects the Italian love of natural flavors and their natural creativity. This is especially true when it comes to beverage making.  The Italian traditional is to enjoy a glass of Cedrata with friends and family. It’s often drunk as an aperitif, helping to maintain one of Italy’s most important traditional. That’s the importance of time with family and friends. 

Of course, it also helps to clear the palette and stimulate your appetite. 

Cedrata vs chinotto

Chinotto is another popular traditional Italian drink. It looks surprisingly like Coca-Cola, but it’s not the same. Chinotto is a bitter soda. It’s made with sun-ripened oranges, orange blossom flowers, rhubarb cinnamon, and a selection of herbs known only to the manufacturer. To put it mildly, it’s bitter. By itself, it’s not the most desirable . However, it goes surprisingly well with fried fish, puntarella, and even anchovies.

In contrast, Cedrata has a slight bitter taste, but this is balanced out with more than a hint of sugar. It’s best described as bright and refreshing. Cedrata is commonly drank in the afternoon as a refreshment before eating. 

How to serve cedrata

Cedrata is best served in a tall glass. Two-thirds fill the glass with ice, add the Cedrata, and garnish with a slice of lemon. You can also add a little basil or even some lemon verbena leaves. It’s the perfect way to draw out all the desirable flavors.

If you haven’t tried Cedrata before, do it now, it’s definitely worth trying today!