People all over Stresa are drinking a coffee drink this summer that takes care of their craving for caffeine but also cools them down. It's called the Shakerato. I've seen it being served in Piazza Cadorna, at the Lido Beach Club in Baveno, and at outdoor seating in coffee bars all around town.

The Shakerato begins with a double shot of espresso (a long espresso). This is poured into a martini shaker. Some ice is added. About two tablespoons of the clear simple syrup is added. And that's it. Put the top on tightly. And then shake. And shake.

The cold Shakerato is then poured, without the ice, into a tall fluted glass in which there is already a small amount of a sweet liquor, usually amaretto. Shaking the coffee and simple syrup mixture has transformed the dark espresso into a lighter, cappuccino color, and the coffee rests above the amaretto layer. Add sugar to taste, if you like.

Maybe this is not for your first cappuccino of the day, but this is perfect for that 11 a.m. one, when the day's starting to heat up, or later in the afternoon, as I saw many do after the pool or the beach.