adventures of an american housewife in the south of france

Hump Day: Italian Aperitivo

During our road trip through Italy, I became pretty obsessed with the Italian tradition of the Aperitivo Hour(s).  Usually between about 5-7pm, many bars and cafés will offer a variety of free finger foods with your pre-dinner drink.  We had a great time munching on the little bruschettas, mozzerella, marinated artichokes, and crudités.  While I bounced back and forth night after night between Prosecco and Brachetto, Michael stuck to his first and only choice:  The Negroni.

our aperitivo in Siena. Negroni on the left.

The actual origins of the Negroni, a gin based cocktail, are unknown but it's rumored to have originated in Florence.  How fitting!  Eventually, the Negroni family decided to capitalize on the drink's popularity and opened a distillery in 1919 that produced a ready made version.  As Michael described, this is a man's drink.  It's strong!  And in my opinion, the bitters make it an acquired taste. Here's how you can make your own Negroni today. You'll Need:
  • 1 oz. good gin
  • 1 oz. vermouth
  • 1 oz. campari
  • ice cubes
  • orange peel for garnish
Directions:  Place first 4 ingredients in a cocktail shaker.  Shake (or stir, depending on preference) and strain into a cocktail glass.  Garnish with the orange peel. Enjoy!

2 Responses to “Hump Day: Italian Aperitivo”

  1. Devon says:

    This is my Uncle’s favorite drink too :) It’s not really for me…too bitter!

  2. Greer says:

    I would love to live in a place where they give you free food with the purchase of a drink…snackers paradise! yummmyyyy!

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