Go Orange this Valentine’s Day (and Beyond)
by David Klemt
There’s a new, exciting aperitivo from the House of SAVOIA, and it’s flavor profile and color are perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day.
In fact, SAVOIA Orancio is ideal for celebrating life on any day. Slowing down to appreciate and enjoy is the purpose, after all, of aperitivos and aperitivo culture.
I had the opportunity to chat with Giuseppe Gallo, founder of CASA-SAVOIA (and ITALICUS), about the new Orancio expression, and more on the Bar Hacks podcast.
The orange hue comes from this aperitivo’s base: natural orange wine. This wine is combined with Italian white wine, and spices that pay tribute to the famed Silk Road. These include cinnamon, ginger, and saffron.
Regular readers of KRG Hospitality articles, and listeners of our Bar Hacks podcast, are aware that I’m a strong proponent of bar programs executing an aperitivo hour in place of a traditional happy hour (if it meshes with the concept, of course).
Aperitivos aren’t simply a drink; they’re an integral element of socializing, and Italian drinking culture. Whereas a happy hour is often perceived by some guests as a window in which to visit a bar for discounted drinks and dishes, an aperitivo hour centers largely around bringing people together.
Whether friends or strangers, the key difference is that rather than focusing on downing many “cheaper” drinks before time runs out, the focus is on slowing down, letting go of the stress of the workday, gathering, and preparing for dinner.
To learn more about SAVOIA Orancio and aperitivo culture, listen to Bar Hacks episode 130 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Cheers!
Orancio Spritz
We can trace the origins of the Spritz to 1800s Veneto, one of the 20 regions that comprises Italy. The Spritz evolved in the 1920s, adding bitters, soda, and ice. In the 1970s, as the story goes, the cocktail evolved again, calling for Prosecco rather than still wine.
- 2 parts SAVOIA Orancio
- 2 parts Prosecco
- 3 Green and red grapes to garnish
Add ice to a wine or balloon glass, then add equal parts SAVOIA Orancio and Prosecco. Garnish with the grapes, and serve.
Orancio & Soda a.k.a. L’Americano
Proof that some of the best, most-refreshing cocktails are the simplest. The Americano is described as the link between Italian aperitivo drinking culture and American cocktail culture.
Fun fact: We’ve all come to understand that James Bond has an affinity for Vodka Martinis (as well as other Martinis). However, the first drink 007 ever orders in the first-ever James Bond novel is an Americano.
- 2 parts SAVOIA Orancio
- 2 parts Soda water
- 3 Green and red grapes to garnish
Fill a highball glass with ice, and then add SAVOIA Orancio and soda water. Garnish with grapes, then serve.
Orancio Negroni
Yes, I’m aware that a traditional Negroni is an equal parts combination of Campari, London dry gin, and sweet vermouth. Trust me—and more importantly, trust Giuseppe Gallo—that this Negroni version is worthy of the name.
- 2 parts SAVOIA Orancio
- 1 part London dry gin
- 3 Green and red grapes to garnish
- Garnish alternative: Orange wedge or peel
Add ice cubes (or one large cube or sphere) to an Old Fashioned glass. Then, add SAVOIA Orancio and gin, and stir. Alternatively, add the two liquid ingredients and ice to a mixing glass for a more traditional preparation. Stir, and strain into a prepped Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with grapes, or with an orange peel to more closely resemble a Negroni. Alternatively, set an orange wedge on top for more of a Sbagliato presentation.
Orancio Margarita
Looking to offer your guests something a bit different? The Orancio Margarita is an Italian twist on one of the most-iconic cocktails ever created.
- 1 part SAVOIA Orancio
- 1 part Tequila blanco
- Half-part fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 1 barspoon Agave nectar
- Lime wheel to garnish
Prepare a rocks glass by adding ice. (I also suggest experimenting with a salt rim.) Add ice and all liquid ingredients to a shaker, and shake well. Strain into the prepped rocks glass, and garnish with a lime wheel.
Image provided by SAVOIA
Note: Neither the author nor any representative of KRG Hospitality received compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this article.
