by Arrigo Mongini

Our September 20, 3:00 pm social meeting at the Friendship Heights Village Center: LET US CELEBRATE THE TRADITIONAL DRINKS OF ITALY WITH A TASTING

We all know about the many varieties of Italian wines, but how many of us know much about the other drinks that Italians take for granted every day, and how many of us have actually tasted them? They range in alcohol content from the hundreds of completely alcohol free mineral waters, through the flavorful "analcolici" or summer drinks such as Amarena, Tamarindo, Latte di Mandorla, and Chinotto, through the various mildly alcoholic drinks like Punt e Mes, Campari, and Cynar, all the way to spirit drinks like Limoncello, Amaro delle Sirene, and even Grappa.

You can discover them and taste some of them if you come to the September social of the Italian Cultural Society, where we will celebrate and taste these drinks. You will meet our special guest Adam Benavides, of Don Ciccio e Figli , DC's own distillery featuring spirit drinks derived from old recipes from the Amalfi Coast.

Join us Sunday, September 20 at 3:00 PM at the Friendship Heights Village Center.

Come early and watch the Italian Movie at 1:00 PM or join an Italian conversation class at 2:00 PM.

After the tasting we will have our usual social hour with light refreshments.

All are welcome – members and non-members alike. More details, including how to reserve your place and pay (members of ICS:$5.00; non-members:$10.00), can be seen by going to www.Italianculturalsociety.org/traditionaldrinksofItaly

We hope to see you on Sunday, September 20.

Enjoy the rest of the summer.

Arrigo Mongini, ICS president