The Spritz is in fact the favorite drink not only of the young people from here in the Veneto region, but also of many people in Italy, especially in the north.
Entering the lobby of the august Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter—conference headquarters—I found myself sampling drinks even before I checked in. Dashing to a seat in my first seminar, I heard the promising rattle of ice behind me, and sure enough, there were several cocktails to be served during the hour.
