L’Americana – a Cocktail for Amanda Knox
Oh, how I waited on this one. Don’t confuse this with the classic cocktail, The Americano. No, I did not misspell anything. For four years I have followed the saga of Amanda Knox, the young American student jailed in Perugia, Italy for the November 2007 murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher. I followed Amanda through her original trial, her incarceration and appeal, and finally through this last most excruciating weekend. I emailed with friends halfway across the globe. We agonized for Amanda, her co-defendant Rafaelle Sollecito and especially for the Kercher family. Lady Justice, as they say, grinds slowly, but she grinds finely, and she freed Amanda Knox. Even now, Amanda is most likely on her way back home. Amanda’s home now.
A letter to Amanda – Each time I saw you I was impressed by your youthful strength and backbone in the face of utmost adversity. For you I have created this celebratory cocktail based on citrus juices, club soda and liquors from the country you have now left behind. It starts with Solerno, a sunny orange liqueur perfumed with the scent of orange blossoms. From today onward you can smell the blossoms yourself. Outside. Wherever you want. Whenever you please. The orange juice will remind you of that. The tart lemon juice and Aperol will remind you of the bitter years in jail. A dash of club soda will lighten the mood. Finally I added a rock candy swizzle stick. Sweet freedom can be hard won. Congratulations, Amanda, and welcome home. We’re glad you are back.
L’Americana
makes 1
1 ounce Solerno
2 ounces Aperol
2 ounces fresh orange juice
1/2 ounce lemon juice
generous splash of club soda, OR to taste
Fill a Highball glass 2/3 full with ice. Add all ingredients, and stir. Garnish with a rock candy swizzle stick.
Cin! Cin!
Tags: Amanda, Amanda Knox, Rafaelle Sollecito, Meredith Kercher, Kercher, Perugia, Solerno, Aperol, orange juice, lemon juice, club soda, rock candy, swizzle stick, rock candy swizzle stick, cocktail, Italy, Lady Justice
Monday, October 3rd 2011 at 8:12 pm |
Hi Adri! Still love your blog and the drink looks amazing! 🙂
Monday, October 3rd 2011 at 9:11 pm |
And hi to you – it’s great to hear from you. I just could not resist doing something on the occasion of Amanda’s release. This case got to me. So I was feeling pretty celebratory once I heard the decision. I hope you are well, and thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, October 4th 2011 at 3:03 am |
Great opportunity to celebrate with a new cocktail.
Tuesday, October 4th 2011 at 9:18 am |
Absolutely!
Tuesday, October 4th 2011 at 12:46 pm |
Adri,
I just love that you are celebrating Amanda Knox’s freedom with this beautiful drink! I especially appreciate the significance of each ingredient. How wonderful! Please continue your blog. I love it, all of it. Keep blogging! Janet
Tuesday, October 4th 2011 at 3:02 pm |
Celebration is definitely in order for Amanda. I enjoyed doing this one. Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, October 4th 2011 at 3:25 pm |
My wife and I think this drink looks yummy! We will definitely try one (or maybe a couple?). As for Amanda, sometimes justice prevails!
Tuesday, October 4th 2011 at 10:23 pm |
Oh, I am so glad you two like it. It is really tasty. Solerno and Aperol were made for each other, most definitely. It is indeed good to see justice prevail. She is young, and has her whole life ahead of her, along with a TV movie and a book, no doubt! Thanks for stopping by – I hope you return often.
Friday, March 27th 2015 at 7:04 pm |
It is time for The Cocktail!
Friday, March 27th 2015 at 9:24 pm |
Ciao Margaret,
Yes, indeed. Cheers!