There are countless rituals associated with spending time outside. You need big groups of friends, stylish, casual and in the know. You don’t need to ask for a menu -Italians know what they like. They want to smoke? Sure, why not? Cinnamon on their cappuccino – what’s the point?
There’s no rush home to prepare for work the next day… social intercourse is more important. Early night… no such thing; the evening surely begins at midnight.
My favourite spots to hang out are the traditional pastry shops and bars. Institutions that have been in families for generations, staffed by the same efficient people year in year out and decorated with incredible chandeliers and ancient worn sofas. Bars that take you back to another era where life was more elegant and savoured. Bars where the coffee is coffee, the cakes are irresistible and the cocktails are perfect.
Ingredients
(per glass)
3 ice cubes, crushed,
37.5ml peppermint syrup;
chilled full fat milk;
a sprig of fresh mint.
Preparation
Add the ice cubes and mint syrup to a tall glass and pour over the chilled milk...
