A huge part of Italian living is the love of food, drink, and conversation coming together during the 5-8 p.m. pre-meal ritual. You can enhance the richness of the unique aperitivo experience from the comfort of home with the new Martini Fiero. This wine-based aperitif combines a refreshing blend of citrus and bittersweet orange with crisp white wines.
There are tons of fun ways to bring a little touch of Italy to your Montreal apartment.Â
Enjoy Cocktails Like A VenetianÂ
Enjoy the "golden hour" as a Venetian would. Here's your chance to explore the heart of Italian living through great food, drinks, and conversation.
While the Spritz is a famously celebrated Venetian cocktail, that comes in many variations, Martini Fiero is the natural way to spritz and made with 100% natural ingredients. The Martini Fiero Spritz signature serve is a delicious way to transport you to the floating city.
Martini Fiero Spritz recipe:
- 2 oz Martini Fiero
- 2 oz Martini Prosecco
- 1 oz soda water
Combine the ingredients and serve over ice in a balloon glass before garnishing with an orange slice. Who knew a drink could match the extravagance and glamour of a city where people go around in boats instead of cars?
Host A Virtual Neapolitan Cooking Class
Organizing a cooking session is even more entertaining when it involves Italian food. Start a group Zoom call and have some friends follow along with you, so everyone can enjoy a little taste of Italy. After all, coming together over good food is at the heart of Italian tradition, right beside this dish.
Pizza actually originated in Naples, so it's definitely a classic Neapolitan dish that absolutely embodies the warm, passionate spirit of its native city. To make the closest thing to real Neapolitan pizza, you're going to need:
- 1 ball of pizza dough
- 1/3 cup marinara sauce
- 3 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (or about 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella)
- Kosher salt
- 2 basil leaves
- Semolina flour or cornmeal for dusting the pizza peel
Once you've gathered your ingredients, have everyone follow this easy recipe so you can all dig in at the same time.
Give Your Kitchen Some Tuscan-Inspired Style
To transform your kitchen into a Tuscan dream, focus on old-world design. Stick to materials like wood, metal, stone, and fancy mouldings.
The colours that represent Tuscany come from nature, inspired by the brilliant hills of the region, which roll into the sea: yellows like the sun, greens like the sea, blues like the sky, reds like the earth. Choose your accents in these tones, as well as an embellished tile backsplash, and you'll nail the Tuscan vibe.
Once you've achieved the look, take in the beauty of your kitchen makeover with some savoury fettunta and a glass of citrusy Martini Fiero.
Have An Amalfi Spa Day With Your Amiche
If you and your roomie deserve anything after a workday, it's to indulge in a luxurious Italian-inspired spa experience. Set up some snacks, mix up a drink, and treat yourself to Amalfi Coast-worthy levels of relaxation. And if you live alone, you can always invite your friend to do this virtually with you.
Call up your bestie, get your fluffiest robe on, throw your hair up in a bun, and slather on a clay facial mask. Head to your kitchen and whip up a delicious antipasto-style charcuterie board. Try some bruschetta, bocconcini, provolone, prosciutto, salami, artichoke hearts, mixed olives, and toasted focaccia.
Run yourself a warm foot bath, kick back, and catch up with a Martini Fiero and Tonic to complete the perfect girls' (and guys') night in. As your feet soak and the water fizzes from those soothing salts, you may even start hearing the cries of the seagulls and the humming of the distant waves as they release a fragrant mist into the air.
Martini Fiero and Tonic recipe:
- 2.5 oz of Martini Fiero
- 2.5 oz of tonic water
- 1 slice of orange for garnish
Combine the ingredients in a glass filled with ice, garnish with a slice of orange, and cheers to your friendship!
Spruce Up Your Living Space With A Florence-Style Renaissance Makeover
Borrowing some renaissance interior design ideas is a gorgeous, Florence-esque way to switch up your setting. Attaining this style involves the use of old furnishings such as antique furniture and accents.
Although you can't necessarily change the architecture of your apartment, you can still update your decor, which will tie everything together.
Objects made of special metals, ivory, and porcelain will give you an authentic look. Search for items like candelabras, carved boxes, vintage vases, and gold ornate frames to really pull this look off. For the final touch, include reproduction paintings or sculptures of the Renaissance masters to make your home feel organic.
Incorporate Sicilian Siesta Into Your Everyday Routine
Ekaterina Bolovtsova | PexelsSicilian siesta, when museums, churches, and shops close midday, is all about unwinding and recharging. It's essentially an extra-long lunch break used to nap and relax during the hottest hours of the day.
Whenever possible, you should consider incorporating this into your own lifestyle. Siesta in Sicily is roughly between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., but you can choose whatever timeframe works for you. Try adding this to your weekend schedule and see the wonders it can do for you.
Use this time to reflect, read, eat some arancini, drink a zesty Martini Fiero Garibaldi, rest, and ultimately enjoy life's quiet moments.
Martini Fiero Garibaldi:
- 2 oz Martini Fiero
- 2 oz orange juice
- A splash of simple syrup
Combine the ingredients and serve in a glass filled with ice before adding a slice of orange for garnish.
Turn Your Patio Into Positano Perfection
No matter the size of your balcony, there's always a little room for Italian comfort. The Amalfi Coast is all about heightening the senses, from beholding vibrant colours to breathing in captivating scents. The Italian palette is defined by shades and hues that emulate the luscious and dramatic natural landscape of this coastal region.
To give your patio a Positano moment in the winter, add brightness and warmth with thick red blankets and a mini heater to keep you cozy. Incorporate a garden of herbs like mint and rosemary, and definitely plant a little lemon tree for a touch of greenery later in the warmer months.
Use boldly coloured placemats and napkins while enjoying some focaccia with fresh tomato. Sit yourself down on weather-resistant materials such as rattan, while avoiding anything too modern.
Explore The Romance Of Verona With Your Partner
MartiniHaving an at-home date night can be special, especially when inspired by Verona, one of Italy's most romantic cities. This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your significant other.
Start the evening by making some mini pizzas with peppers and olives together. Throw on some Andrea Bocelli or Luciano Pavarotti to set the mood. Once you're done cooking and dancing in the kitchen, pick out a romantic film.
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet took place in Verona, so it's only natural that you might choose this flick (preferably the iconic version starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes). End the night with a fresh and fruity Spagliato.
Martini Spagliato recipe:
- 1 oz Martini Fiero
- 1 oz of Martini Bitter
- 2 oz Martini Prosecco
- A lime wheel or berries for garnish
In a wine glass, add the Martini Fiero and Martini bitter. Fill the glass with ice and stir gently to dilute and chill. Top the cocktail with the Martini Prosecco and stir again, up and down this time, just to mix the ingredients. Garnish with orange zest OR a fresh orange slice in the glass.
A big part of transforming your apartment into an Italian vacation spot is more about setting the right ambiance rather than design elements. Great food, cocktails, and company (even through a video call) are the essence of Italian living.
With drinks like Martini Fiero, you can recreate Italian-style classics that will pair perfectly with aperitivo time and get conversation flowing! Life is much more exciting with a little taste of European culture.
