Books and Booze: Let’s Pretend This Never Happened and an Americano

This weeks book is Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir by Jenny Lawson. This book is full of stories about Jenny Lawson’s colorful and hilarious life. I love Jenny Lawson’s writing, and I’ve actually been saying this book for when I really need something that’s going to make me laugh so hard that I cry. Lately, I have put down more than one book because I can’t handle anything even remotely depressing while being stuck in the house with my children for way too long. If you want to find out how roadkill hand-puppets are funny, and be inspired by someone overcoming all of the bullshit that life can throw at them, read this now! Also, you’ll laugh until moisture drips from your eyeballs… I guarantee it.

I really have no basis for choosing an Americano to go with this book except that Jenny Lawson is American… and I’m pretty sure she would tell me to do what ever the fuck I want. According to thespruceeats.com the Americano was originally created in the late 1800’s at Gaspare Campari’s bar in Milan, Italy. The Americano, originally named a Milano-Torino, is the laid back day drinking version of the Negroni. Equal parts Sweet Vermouth and Campari topped with soda water make this a lighter, brighter version, renamed after its popularity with American tourists. A Negroni is one of my favorite cocktails, so it’s highly embarrassing to admit that not only had I never made one, but I had never even tasted an Americano before. Luckily, I have remedied this and just in time, because I’m pretty sure this is my new favorite summer cocktail!

Scroll down for the recipe to make your own Americano. Next weeks book will be Lethal White by Robert Galbraith if you want to read along. I would love any book suggestions or classic cocktail requests if you’ve got them, leave them in the comments.

Americano

1.50 oz. Campari
1.50 oz. Sweet Vermouth
3.00 oz. Soda Water
Garnish with half orange slice

Pour Campari and Vermouth into and old fashion glass filed with ice and top with soda water.​

Cheers!