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. 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:

   January 5, 2012 at 9:12 pm

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

   Reply
2. Greer says:

   January 11, 2012 at 4:16 am

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

   Reply