The Midnight Sunset balances the sweetness of pineapple with the bitter-herbal note of Punt e Mes – an Italian aperitif based on red wine and herbs. The sparkling wine gives the drink a lively lightness, while the lime provides freshness. A drink that tastes like sunset without the cloying sweetness. Perfect for warm evenings when you want something more complex than a classic fizz but still stay on the lighter side.
And here’s what you need for the Midnight Sunset
1 cl Punt e Mes (Italian aperitif)
1 cl freshly squeezed lime juice
3 cl pineapple juice (cold-pressed, not from concentrate)
6 cl dry sparkling wine or Champagne (well chilled)
Garnish: 1 thin pineapple slice, 1 cocktail cherry
What matters
The trick is in the timing: the Punt e Mes and lime juice should briefly combine in the glass before the pineapple juice is added. This prevents the aperitif from becoming too dominant. Temperature is also important – the sparkling wine should be so cold it’s almost freezing, otherwise the drink loses its fizz. If you prefer it even drier, you can reduce the pineapple juice by 0.5 cl and add a little more sparkling wine instead. The pineapple slice should be fresh, not from a can – its juice slowly drips into the glass and gives the last sip an extra burst of fruitiness.
Variations
- Midnight Sunrise — Replace the Punt e Mes with 1 cl Campari and the pineapple juice with 3 cl orange juice. The drink becomes more bitter and citrus-forward, with a slight bitter orange note. Garnish: orange slice.
- Midnight Fizz — Omit the Punt e Mes and add 1 cl gin instead. The gin gives the drink a spicy depth while the rest of the ingredients remain the same. Garnish: lemon zest.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different aperitif instead of Punt e Mes?
Yes, but the flavor will change. Punt e Mes has a unique combination of bitterness and herbs. Alternatives like Campari or Aperol will make the drink fruitier or more bitter. Cinzano or Martini Rosso would make it sweeter and less complex.
Does it have to be sparkling wine, or can I use Prosecco?
Prosecco works, but it’s often sweeter and less effervescent than sparkling wine. If you use Prosecco, reduce the pineapple juice by 0.5 cl to maintain balance. Dry sparkling wine or Champagne are the better choice because they make the drink lighter and more elegant.
Why is the drink served without ice?
Ice would dilute the sparkling wine too quickly and kill the bubbles. The Midnight Sunset thrives on its freshness and effervescence – both are lost with ice. Instead, the glass should be pre-chilled so the drink stays cold longer.
