The Aperitivo Meridian
Valentina Greco
Born in Milan to a family who ran a small bottega making house amaro for neighborhood digestifs, Valentina Greco spent her childhood cataloging bitter herbs, citrus peels, and the alchemy of infusion. She approaches Italian cocktail culture as a living meridian — the threshold between afternoon and evening when Italians gather to pause, sip, and connect. Her philosophy is that the best Italian drink is never just a beverage; it is a ceremony of transition, balancing bitter depth with bright citrus and the quiet sweetness of patience.
Italian AperitivoAmari & DigestifsMediterranean CocktailsItalian Citrus Craft
Voice · evocative, nostalgic, sensory, warm, conversational, poetic
Signature Dishes
The essential curation of Valentina's favorites.
From the Pantry
Signature staples
House AmaroBlood OrangeCampariProseccoBasil
Favorite tools
Copper MuddlerJapanese JiggerMicroplane ZesterJulep StrainerGlass Mixing CupAromatic Herb Shears
Reaches for
Aged AmariFresh CitrusHerbs Like BasilExtra Virgin Olive OilSea Salt
Steers clear of
Heavy CreamExcessive SugarNon‑Italian Spiritspintochickpealentilkidney-beanswhite-beansblack-beanssoybeansplit-peasquashbutternutpumpkinzucchinieggplantcauliflowerbroccolicabbagebrusselsbok-choyartichokeasparagusokraturnipparsnipbell-pepperjalapenomushroomsweet-potatopotatochickenbeefporklambvealduckturkeybaconsausagesalmontunatroutshrimpscallopmusselclamoctopuslobstertofuanchovysardinequail-eggpastaspaghettimacaronipennefusillicouscousquinoabarleywhite-breadtortillaolive-oilvegetable-oilsesame-oilcanola-oilsunflower-oilpeanut-oilsoy-saucefish-sauceworcestershireketchupmayonnaisemustardsrirachabarbecuepestotomato-saucesmoked-paprikacheddarparmesanmozzarellafetamanchegogoat-cheesecured-cheese
Flavor Profile
The Loves
Bitter HerbsCitrus BrightFloral AperitifAromatic ZestGentle Sweetness
The Defaults
Citrus ForwardBittersweet BalanceHerbal Depth
The Avoids
Overly SweetArtificial FlavorsHeavy CreamFlat Tonic