Gazzosa, the refreshing drink typically for summer.

Gazzosa, the natural and refreshing drink typically enjoyed in summer; with its fruity, sweet, and sparkling aroma, it is an essential companion for beach days. The most well-known gazzosa is definitely the lemon flavor, but today there are many variations, particularly the citrus ones made with fruits grown under the Sicilian sun. What is the origin of this drink that is so appreciated by everyone, adults and children alike? Let's find out together.

Gazzosa: the origins of the drink

Gazzosa is a sweetened, flavored, and slightly carbonated water; hence, its name derives from the term "gas," which gives it its typical fizziness. Once known as the "champagne of the poor," it reminded people of the bubbles in champagne and was consumed on special occasions.

Regarding the origin of the beverage, various testimonies have been collected that trace it back to around the 19th century in Ticino, where a particular method was used to make it, which remained in use until the last decades of the 20th century: the gas was obtained from the natural fermentation of a sweetened liquid, flavored syrup with lemon, scents, and water. This way, homemade gazzosa was produced.

Currently, gazzosa is obtained by adding sparkling water to flavored syrup, a method that became widespread in the second half of the 19th century. The first known gazzosa factory dates back to 1883, the “Fabbrica di Gazose e Seltz,” as illustrated by Sergio Pescia and Marta Solinas in “La sete ha sete in bocca.”

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Beer and gazzosa: the must-have of summer

What could be better than a beer and a gazzosa for a warm summer evening? But it is not just a pairing usually found on the tables of all summer venues; there is much more. Here’s an interesting fact about gazzosa that probably few know.

The original recipe for gazzosa, the homemade kind, included the use of water, sugar, citric acid, and flavors. The syrup was prepared by boiling water and sugar, then filtered with a linen cloth. The syrup was flavored with lemon juice and zest, but also with spices like sage flowers, linden, elderflower, thyme, or lavender.

Normally, a lot of water was added to the syrup, but beware: some recipes included the addition of beer!

Thus, beer was, in some cases, also an ingredient of gazzosa. Today, the classic and non-alcoholic recipe is preferred, and if desired, enjoy a cold beer on the side.

Not only that. Gazzosa is a drink that can be enjoyed on its own, but it is also excellent when mixed with beer or with a light sparkling white or red wine, to lighten it up on hot summer days. Since gazzosa was created, adults enjoyed the mix while children savored it on its own. Try your favorite gazzosa with beer!

The authentic Sicilian gazzosa: Tomarchio drinks

If you want to taste the authentic flavor of true gazzosa, try the Tomarchio drinks, made with the best juices from the oranges and lemons of the beautiful Sicilian land: they have the sun inside!

The juices from the finest selected citrus fruits are added to water taken from the slopes of Mount Etna, rich in minerals and with an unbeatable taste. That’s why Tomarchio gazzosa becomes a real taste experience: savor the freshness of the best citrus on a hot summer day, dreaming of the beautiful Sicilian beaches.

Tomarchio drinks have a long century-old tradition and a recipe handed down for three generations; it’s no coincidence that the company has received various excellence certifications for the completely artisanal production of its products.

In addition to the classic and timeless gazzosa with Sicilian lemons, Tomarchio offers aromatic drinks with the citrus fruits of Sicily, all to be enjoyed.

Gazzosa or gassosa?

Indeed, it is a question many ask. Is the correct noun for this drink gazzosa or gassosa? At first, one might think of a dialectal deviation by referring to it with one term or the other, but in reality, there is no doubt: gazzosa and gassosa are perfectly synonymous, so there is no mistake in calling the beverage one way or the other.

At this point, whether it's gazzosa or gassosa, the important thing is to pop open a bottle and enjoy its wonderful and aromatic freshness. Cheers to everyone!