Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE EMMERMAN (COPPA) GUIDE imbibe the art of the apéritif THESE LIGHT AND REFRESHING EUROPEAN- INSPIRED COCKTAILS ARE THE PERFECT BEFORE DINNER DRINKS. BY BRANDY RAND A Tavola T he Americano is a classic Italian cocktail that was named for its popularity among thirsty American expats during Prohibition. No passport is needed to enjoy this refreshing on-the-rocks mix of Campari, sweet vermouth, a splash of soda water, and twist of lemon. 34 Church St., Winchester, 781-729-1040; atavolawinchester.com Coppa A s Italian as it gets, the wildly popular Aperol Spritz is a bubbly orange concoction of Aperol, Prosecco, and club soda, garnished with an orange slice. At this bustling South End enoteca they're served by the pitcher to be shared with friends. 253 Shawmut Ave., 617-391- 0902; coppaboston.com Ducali Pizzeria & Bar O wner Philip Frattaroli says the Negroni Spagliato—a bitter blend of Campari, vermouth, and Prosecco—is very popular in the town of Sulmona, located in the Abruzzo region of Italy, where his family originated. Savor one before a slice of his award- winning authentic pizza. 289 Causeway St., 617-742-4144; ducalipizza.com Erbaluce A t this Italian gem known for a seasonally inspired dinner menu, the cocktails take a cue from the kitchen. The herbal Isabella 146 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM (Amorati) combines the chef's house-made vermouth, green Chartreuse, lemon juice, and soda water, topped with a sprig of lovage and a slice of cucumber. 69 Church St., 617-426-6969; erbaluce-boston.com Gaslight P retend you're in Paris and say oui to a Madame Lillet cocktail, made with Lillet rouge—a slightly fruity, bitter French apéritif wine—and elderflower liqueur, of course with a champagne float. 560 Harrison Ave., 617-422- 0224; gaslight560.com L'Andana T he Amarini, which translates to "the little bitter ones," is a citrus- herbal mix of Hendrick's Gin, Aperol, limoncello, and a splash of fresh-squeezed orange juice, garnished with a dried orange slice and a lemon twist. Cin cin! 86 Cambridge St., Burlington, 781-270-0100; landanagrill.com Minibar S ettle into a sleek leather 508-778-8588; paindavignon.com banquette at this perfectly chic spot in the Copley Square Hotel and order up an ATL. The complex mix of St-Germain, Aperol, lemon cordial, and Belvedere vodka goes perfectly with people-watching. 51 Huntington Ave., 617-424- 8500; minibarboston.com Pigalle A n amalgamation of flavors will excite your palate with the first The Salty Pig T he lively pinkish sparkler called the Colore Rosa is a simple but thirst-quenching combination of blood orange, grapefruit, sparkling wine, and orange bitters—a smart choice before diving into a savory plate of charcuterie and cheese. 130 Dartmouth St., 617-536- 6200; thesaltypig.com BC Aperol Spritz cocktail at Coppa sip of a Backwoods Reverie, made with LeCompte Calvados 5 year, Cocchi Americano, Lustau Dry Amontillado Los Arcos Sherry, Rothman & Winter Orchard Apricot liqueur, and Smoke Gets In Your Bitters. 75 Charles St. South, 617-423- 4944; pigalleboston.com Posto T oast the impending arrival of autumn—perhaps even al fresco on the patio—with the Antonio, a farm-fresh blend of Lillet blanc, Honeycrisp apple-infused rum, and allspice simple syrup. 187 Elm St., Somerville, 617-625-0600; pizzeriaposto.com Pain D'Avignon B ar manager and sommelier Brendan Draper created a twist on the Negroni called the Holly Berry, using Ethereal Gin and Bière d'Épinette, a spruce beer, along with Campari. We promise it will make those late summer trips to the Cape and Islands even more enjoyable. 15 Hinckley Rd., Hyannis, COCKTAIL COMBOS Pairing drinks and cuisine with Erbaluce Chef Chuck Draghi. As both chef and mixologist, is it the same? Chefs are uniquely suited to this, since we spend years training our palates to create a harmony of flavors that pass over the course of a meal. What's the role of the cocktail in dining? Apéritifs clean the palate and prepare the diner for the meal ahead. Vermouth-based drinks are perfect for this, as are drinks based on fruit, like the Bellini. What ingredient is best suited for food and drink? The rose or rosewater is perfect for both savory and sweet foods, and cocktails. A table at Erbaluce