Farsi una cedrata: How to make a refreshing drink for hot days in July

July in southern Italy, "afa" days - days of extreme heat. But there are several remedies, and some grow right here, or in this case, they grow for the most part in the neighboring region of Calabria. It is a special variant of the citrus plants, the cedro citrus medica. Its fruits are so refreshing when prepared as a syrup - the cedrata.

Fruits and blossoms side by side, as is with all citrus plants

The fruit we use for this recipe comes from the Sorrento Peninsula, though one would expect the cedri to grow most of all in Calabria. In fact, there is one variety called "I Cedri di Sorrento" that is used here and that can be bought right at the center of Sorrento, in one of the many small grocery stores lining Via San Cesareo, that put ther produce and fruit on display.

I Cedri della Peninsola Sorrentina

My recipe is quite simple: use three cedri, biological ones as you will have to use the peel. Just use the outer part of the peel, not the white inner parts. Cut the peeled fruit into slices and cook the slices of fruit with the outer parts of the peel in about 3 deciliters of water. Add 600 grams of granulated sugar, stir well and leave to cool in a dark place for 24 hours. Then strain and pour the liquid into a dark bottle. Keep cool and in the refridgerator once you have opened it. Use a tablespoon of this syrup and fill up your glass with tap water. 

Bar Sirenuse is actually located in the building to the left, from its terrace you have got a good view of the gardens just across (to the right in this picture) and down on the Valle dei Mulini. leading to Sorrento's harbor Marina Piccola.

And here is your cedrata - a typcial southern Italian drink for hot days. Or - you could decide to try one at Sorrento's Bar Le Syrenuse in Piazza Tasso ... this is my favorite place for tasting it. In the cool mornings in summer it is nice to watch the first shoppers pass by on their way towards Via San Cesareo, which is just about one minute from here.