Tropicál

• • • Makes 1 serving • • •

The evening passeggiata, or promenade, is a ritual in Italy. Clusters of friends, arms linked; parents with toddlers in strollers; groups of signori (spry older men and women) all take to the piazzas and streets to walk and talk. Sometimes the passeggiata happens before dinner; sometimes afterward (sometimes both). It’s a wonderful habit that helps to keep the population fit. And, depending on the time of day, it usually includes a small cone of gelato or a beverage—coffee or an aperitivo. On evenings when I accompanied my parents on the promenade in our beach town (before I was old enough to go out with friends), we would sometimes end up at the bar of a local hotel, where I would order this children’s drink. Almond syrup sweetened the rich milk, and a glug of mint syrup turned it a pretty shade of green. The tropicál at the bar, made with commercial syrup, was good, but the drink is even better when the syrup is homemade. Homemade mint syrup lacks that bright green color, though; you can add a couple of drops of green food color to the milk if you like. I do, for old times’ sake.

1½ cups (360 g) cold whole milk

3 tablespoons Orzata (page 240)

3 tablespoons Mint Syrup (page 239)

A few drops green food coloring (optional)

Take a nice walk. When you get home, combine the ingredients in a large glass and stir well. Enjoy.