For centuries following the decline of the Roman empire, Italy, as we know it, was divided into several small kingdoms and autonomous states. It was not until the 1800’s that attempts at unification began to take root. Corresponding with a global shift towards industrialization along with a growing resentment towards absolute monarchs, Italy in the 19th century experienced vast new changes in all aspects of life. Spanning over 600 miles (1000 km), Italy is accustomed to various cultural differences from region to region. In fact, these differences have become a part of the modern Italian identity. In the 1800’s technological advancements in communication and travel, such as electricity and railroads, helped connect people throughout the peninsula while also expanding economic opportunity. It was in this context that Ugo Borghetti created his famous recipe for Borghetti Espresso Liqueur at his bar, Caffé Sport, in Station Square in Ancona, Italy. Originally aimed at invigorating the workers of the Adriatic Railway, Borghetti Espresso Liqueur has grown into one of Italy’s most recognizable brands creating a taste of Italian culture for the world to enjoy. Inspired by the railroads' revolutionary ability to connect people, I sought to create a cocktail that represents a journey through Northern, Central, and Southern Italy. While highlighting Borghetti, I integrated aspects of Italian culture that I’ve personally experienced while traveling through the country’s various regions by bus and train. Today, Northern Italy remains the economic center of the country, offering a gateway to Europe. It hosts two of the largest metropolitan areas including Milan, where Borghetti is currently made. The Central region holds a strong link to Italy’s past via Rome and Florence, the birthplace of the Catholic Church and the Renaissance. Finally, Southern Italy shines with its beautiful coastal communities, moderate climate and fresh citrus fruit. Regardless of where you find yourself, Italian culture maintains a strong connection to food and drink. Regional ingredients are commonly utilized to create delicious dishes along with fine wines, aperitivos, digestives, and liqueurs. My cocktail, “Cacio e Caffé,” represents the blend of these regional aspects of Italian life and culture. To represent Northern Italy, I use two products from the Branca portfolio. Highlighting the significance of coffee in Italian culture, I chose Borghetti Espresso Liqueur as the cocktail’s main ingredient alongside Carpano Bianco Vermouth infused with a classic Italian espresso by Strongtree Coffee Roasters in Gainesville, Florida. This is a great opportunity to increase sustainability by working with a local coffee roaster to foster a relationship with another local business. Additionally, local coffee roasters tend to work with smaller farms who use ethically sourced beans. Adding an egg provides a delicate creamy texture reminiscent of sipping your cappuccino while waiting to catch your morning train. Italy’s connection with food was a huge inspiration for this cocktail. While traveling through Central Italy, I fell in love with Cacio e Pepe, a simple comfort dish consisting of fresh oil, cheese and pepper atop delicious homemade pasta. To capture its essence, I first washed a navy strength gin with Italian olive oil which was later infused with Pecorino Romano cheese. Washing the gin with olive oil adds depth and improves the mouth feel of this drink, while Romano cheese provides a hint of salinity with a savory finish. The higher proof of the gin perfectly balances with the rich sweetness of the Borghetti Espresso Liqueur. To round out this Italian regional journey, I utilized a delicious amaro from Southern Italy, Amaro Lucano. The strong citrus notes and slight herbal bitterness of the amaro, along with the inclusion of a lemon peel garnish, are reminiscent of my time wandering through ancient ruins along the sunny Amalfi coastline sipping on amaro’s and limoncello. I finish the recipe with a couple dashes of Mole bitters which adds a subtle spice to bind this cocktail together perfectly. Serve in an Irish Coffee Glass to maintain the allure of drinking a latte, and enjoy. Salute!