In Brescia, I kept seeing signs for pirlo.
Stuck between trains, we popped into a bar and I couldn’t resist it any longer.
Ordering a pirlo, I learned that it is Brescia’s version of the spritz.
Located in Lombardy, but bordering Veneto, Venice’s famous drink has been adopted in Brescia.
It is best enjoyed in a nameless bar, with a simple salted chips on the side.
However, if you would like to make it at home start with a few ice cubes and flat white wine. Top half a glass of white wine with acqua gassata, and color with Campari or Aperol. (The pirlo gets its name from the red liquor ‘falling’ into the white wine, because the word mean “fall” in Brescian dialect).
Garnish with a slice of orange and enjoy.
To learn more about spritzes of all kinds, I recommend the book Spritz: Italy’s Most Iconic Aperitivo Cocktail, with Recipes
