Cocktail or dessert? The new summer trend that won't let you choose.

Cocktail or dessert? The new summer trend that wont let you choose.
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Forget the usual end-of-meal question.
That eternal dilemma between a fresh dessert or a drink to sip.
In the summer of 2025 the answer is simple: both .
Together. In one glass.
Welcome to the world of dessert cocktails : fresh, irresistible hybrid creations that combine the best of pastry making with the art of mixology.
☀️ The sweet revolution of summer
Born between the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera and the coolest Italian rooftops, dessert-cocktails have established themselves on the menus of clubs and restaurants that aim to amaze.
The idea is simple: take dessert ingredients (ice cream, fruit, crumble, cream, spices) and mix them with light spirits or aromatic liqueurs.
The result? A small masterpiece best enjoyed with a spoon... and a straw.
🍹 Three examples to try (even at home)
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1. Mojito Drowned
A tropical twist on the Italian classic:
1. Lime or mint ice cream
2. Light white rum
3. Liquid cane sugar
4. Chopped fresh mint
5. Splash of soda
🧊 Serve in a tumbler with a lime zest and a dessert spoon.
2. Tiramisu Martini
A sophisticated dessert in cocktail format:
1. Coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlúa)
2. Vanilla Vodka
3. Shaken mascarpone cream
4. Bitter cocoa powder
5. Crumbled ladyfingers on top as a garnish
🎩 Serve in a martini glass with a cocoa-dusted rim.
3. Bellini Gelato Float
Homage to the Venetian summer:
1. White peach puree
2. Cold Prosecco
3. A scoop of peach-apricot sorbet
4. Fresh peach slices for decoration
✨ Fresh, elegant, scenic.
Dessert-cocktails even without alcohol?
Absolutely yes!
With fresh juices, non-alcoholic bitters, and fruity bases, you can create mocktail versions that are perfect for kids or those who want to stay sober.
For example, try a grapefruit and rosemary granita with non-alcoholic bitters and lemon foam .
📲 Share it (and personalize it!)
On Gourmet you can save these ideas, customize them, change the alcohol base, or propose your own regional version.
Have you ever tried a Negroni with Sicilian blood orange sorbet ?
Or a Spritz with Trentino elderflower ice cream ?