Campari, Vermouth
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A harmonious blend representing the essence of two cities. The herbaceous bite of Campari meets the sweet depth of Vermouth, capturing the heart of Italian aperitivo in one drink. A tribute to tradition and simplicity.
When find yourself in the mood for something classic, pour yourself a Milano-Torino and take a sip of history.
Milano-Torino: The Drink That Merged Two Cities
History
1786
In the heart of Turin, Antonio Benedetto Carpano crafted the perfect blend for his Vermouth, combining herb infusions with white wine.
Fun fact: this drink wasn't first called Vermouth.
It got its original name: "Punt e Mes".
"Punt e Mes" is a Piedmont’s dialect phrase that means: [one] point and [half] point.
It indicates half point of bitterness and 1 point of sweetness. A combination of taste and ingredients considered as perfect aperitif or appetite stimulator.
Punt e Mes became the drink's call sign. To order it, patrons would give a thumbs-up (for "Punt") and draw a horizontal line in the air (for "Mes").
Over in Milan, they weren't just sitting and wait.
Gaspare Campari went to Piedmont to learn the art of liquor distillation. By 1860, with his son's help, he introduced his bitter aperitif, the Bitter Campari. He showcased this creation in his bar "Il Camparino" located in Milan's famous gallery.
Both Vermouth and Campari quickly became Italy's most beloved booze.
Together, they gave birth to a cocktail that symbolised a young and vibrant Italy: the MiTo, a blend of Milan (Milano) and Turin (Torino). In this drink, the sweetness of Vermouth harmonises with the bitterness of Campari, with an orange slice adding the finishing touch.
Through the years, the MiTo has seen many versions, but its charm remains timeless. And its legacy doesn't stop at cocktails! The name "MiTo" was so iconic that Alfa Romeo even named a car after it.
In the late 19th century, when international travel was a luxury, visitors to Italy would often travel between these two cities. As they traveled, they'd get a taste of this delightful concoction, which was as much a part of the journey as the scenic Italian countryside.
Flavour Profile
The Milano-Torino is a harmonious blend of bitter and sweet. The herbaceous bite of Campari, with its unmistakable red hue and complex flavor profile, meets the sweet, spiced depth of Vermouth. Together, they create a dance of flavors – a bittersweet symphony that teases and tantalises the palate.