Shake up a royally approved recipe from the Pasta Queen and CIROC, interview
Even if the Amalfi Coast seems like a distant dream, the flavors and the ambiance of that Italian vista can be enjoyed a little closer to home. The Pasta Queen, Nadia Caterina Munno, and CIROC Limonata have partnered on a zesty cocktail and pasta recipes that awakens both the palate and the mind.
Many people know the Pasta Queen from her popular social media recipes and online presence. Her blend of authentic Italian classics with modern interpretations resonates with a large audience.
Recently, she partnered with CIRCO to create a food and cocktail pairings that capture that vibrant, zesty lemon flavor that is highlighted in many of her signature recipes. During a recent interview with her, Munno shared some insight on the uses of lemon in Italian cooking, why this particular CIRCO vodka has such an enticing flavor, and how to keep pushing creativity in the kitchen.
During a recent conversation with Nadia, aka the Pasta Queen, she explained the nuances of Italian food, culture, and her specialty cocktail. As she said, the “ancient Roman tradition of awakening the appetite” is mixed into many concepts. Whether it is snacking on small bites before the meal or enjoying a cocktail, like the Basil Smash, the idea is to excite the palate for the feast to come.
While Nadia created her fan base from flavorful, yet approachable, pasta dishes, she invites people to discover the vibrancy that lemon and basil offer in Italian cuisine. As she explained, “basil is one of the most common plants used in Italian cooking. It is really versatile and goes well with lemon. Dishes like pesto with lemon peel and basil are delish. Basil has a distinctive flavor and lemon is so Italian. It is very aligned to our food and cooking style.”
Nadia believes that lemon is “an ingredient that suits every need.” From savory to sweet and from dishes to cocktails, there are no shortage of uses. She believes that there is always underlying excitement with lemon focuses recipes. From a recently published lemon cheesecake to this collaboration with CIROC Limonata, people are hungry for more.
For this particular partnership, she created a sun-dried tomato pesto pasta and the basil smash cocktail made with CIROC Limonata. The combination of the herbs, citrus, and Italian vibrancy, the food and beverage pairing is quite enticing.
One of the concepts that the Pasta Queen has celebrated is transforming classic recipes with an approachable vibe. From her carbonara that made her a household name to other Roman-style dishes that people swoon over, it is that sense of familiar and new that makes her culinary approach enjoyable.
While many people are looking for the next big, viral, or trending topic, Nadia appreciates that bringing food and experiences back to the traditional, family history is important. She shared how her journey to explore the past started with a little box of her grandmother’s recipes. Written by hand, those treasures dishes are more than just a step by step list. It is an archive of her family’s story.
Today, she recommends that everyone find a way to journal their food experiences. Whether it is in written form, video format, or however they choose, keeping those flavors, concepts, and sentiments for generations to come is vital to keeping the line between past, present and future strong.
Since life is always about grabbing the most from the experience, why not open a bottle of CIROC Limonata and shake up a new experience and indulge in a delicious meal. While Nadia’s pasta dish and basil smash cocktail are both delightful, they can inspire a multitude of options.
From a sweet, yet slightly tart dessert cocktail to pair with a classic Italian cookie to a splash of that liquor with blood orange granita as a palate cleanser, there are a so many choices to discover. It could be just as simple as boosting the citrus in that favorite spritz.
No matter the concept, a bottle of CIROC Limonata is waiting. Your idea might even get the attention of the Pasta Queen.