rosolio

Rosolio or rosa solis (sometimes resoil in English) was the original liqueur, said to have been invented in Turin during the early Renaissance, using the pretty carnivorous plant sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) as the base. It was considered a medicine (notably an aphrodisiac or digestive—known in Britain as surfeit water); often gold and pearls would be added to increase its value. They were especially popular in Sicily, where for centuries it was the custom to offer little glasses of rosolio to guests.

Today the classic rosolio is made of macerated rose petals, sugar and alcohol, although any number of ingredients can replace the petals for a surprising variety of flavours. Many people make them at home, but a wide number are commercially available as well, including the trendy turquoise bergamot and and citron Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, a recent revival of a recipe from 1800, that goes so well with Prosecco. Also see concerto.