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Cocktail Book Will Transport Readers To Rome With A Thirst

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by Shaun Layton | Sometimes you have to visit a particular place to understand its traditions. This was definitely true for me the first time I visited Italy, and Rome in particular. In the late afternoon, locals and tourists walk the narrow streets to the nearest piazza, where light, bubbly cocktails are all the rage. I always thought Negronis would be the drink of choice, but with the heat, availability of ice (asking for more ice in Italy is like asking for a latte after noon) and pending multi-course dinner, a Spritz makes a lot more sense. The refreshing cocktail is perfect after a long days’ walk or work, and classically incorporates something bitter, like Campari, served over ice, and topped with something bubbly, like Prosecco.

The appropriately named Spritz, a book by Talia Baiocchi and Leslie Pariseau, dives into the history of not only the category of cocktail but also the lifestyle of the drink itself, detailing the ways in which it has inspired bartenders across the globe. The book doesn’t get too nerdy, and is a good mix of history, people, cocktails, and even food recipes. The majority of the cocktails are approachable enough for the home tender, yet there are some to satisfy all the cocktail gurus out there.

A Negroni Sbagliato is one of the best pre-dinner cocktails out there, and modern twists like the Americano Perfecto (Campari, sweet vermouth, pilsner) sound mighty tasty. The recipes for food are easy and would suit your next home cocktail party; fancy snack food with an Italian twist!

Until a few years ago, bartenders here in Vancouver didn’t even have any Aperol to play with. The light Italian bitter is best known for the key role it plays in the Aperol Spritz, the recipe for which you’ll find below. Pick up a copy on Amazon for $24.99, and the next time you hit that patio – some time this summer, hopefully – skip the Mojito and enjoy one of these…

Aperol Spritz

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60 ml Aperol
120 ml Prosecco
60 ml club soda

Method – Build ingredients over ice in a large wine glass. Add ingredients, stir, garnish with a slice of orange.

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