Ep 5. Rome

Chug is a travel series that follows Zane Lamprey as he journeys across the globe exploring the culture, cuisine, and drinks of each country he visits. In season 1 episode 5, titled "Rome," Zane travels to the historic Italian city to experience the way Italians drink.

The episode starts with Zane wandering the streets of Rome, admiring the stunning architecture and soaking up the local culture. He visits several iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon, before heading to his first stop of the day: a small cafe in the heart of Rome.

Here, Zane meets with a local bartender who shows him how to make the perfect espresso. He explains the Italian philosophy behind coffee - it's not a drink to be gulped down quickly, but rather savored and enjoyed slowly. Zane then tries some of the cafe's delicious pastries, including a tasty cannoli.

Next, Zane heads to a traditional Italian market to explore the flavors and ingredients of Rome. He samples fresh olives, prosciutto, and cheese, and even tries some homemade pasta. He also stops at a stand selling limoncello, a popular Italian liqueur made from lemons. The vendor tells Zane about the history of limoncello, and how it's traditionally served as a digestif after a meal.

After touring the market, Zane heads to a local winery to learn about Italian wine culture. He meets with the winemaker, who guides him through the process of making red wine. Zane also visits the vineyard and learns about the different types of grapes used in Italian wine production.

Later in the day, Zane visits a popular speakeasy in Rome. The bartender shows him how to make several classic Italian cocktails, including a Negroni and an Aperol Spritz. He also introduces Zane to a unique Italian liqueur made from artichokes - a taste that takes some getting used to!

To wrap up his day in Rome, Zane heads to a local piazza to experience the traditional Italian method of drinking. He meets with some of the locals, who explain the Italian concept of "aperitivo" - a pre-dinner drink and snack meant to whet the appetite. Zane tries a few different aperitifs, including a refreshing glass of prosecco.

Throughout the episode, Zane makes sure to highlight the importance of drinking responsibly. He encourages viewers to enjoy alcohol in moderation, and to always drink water and eat food while consuming alcohol.

Overall, "Rome" is a fun and educational episode that showcases the unique drinking culture of Italy's capital city. Zane Lamprey is a charming and knowledgeable host, and the episode is sure to leave viewers craving a trip to Rome.