You guys, I can not believe it is still 110 degrees here in Phoenix. It is like the heat followed us to Europe and came back with us. So in order to cool down I remade my favorite cocktail from our travels in Italy the Aperol Spritz.
Literally every café and restaurant you went to this drink was front and center on the menu, it is extremely popular in Italy and Southern France. When you are walking around the little towns like San Gimignano or larger cities like Florence in 105 degree weather, sitting at a nice outdoor café sipping one of these tasty treats is exactly what we needed. After drinking several glasses of cold water of course!
In case you have never heard of Aperol it is an Italian apéritif made of bitter orange, and several herbs among other ingredients. It has a slightly bitter taste but not overwhelming, when mixed with the sweet Prosecco it is the perfect refreshing summer drink. Aperol has an interesting history dating back to 1919 and the Spritz gained popularity back in the 1950’s, it is a true classic cocktail. It can be hard to find Aperol at your local grocery store, I found it at Total Wine. Any specialty liquor store should have Aperol in stock.
Let me be honest I am not a big fan of any liqueur that is bitter, when I see that a cocktail requires a drop or 2 of bitters I run the other way. When my lovely sister said that I just had to try a Spritz I was apprehensive because Aperol is described as a bitter aperitif. I am soooo glad I tried it because now this is my favorite Summer poolside cocktail! Not bitter at all in my opinion, just fantastic!
Enjoy this taste of Italy! Salute!
Ingredients:
- 5 oz Prosecco
- 1-2 oz Aperol (depending on your taste preference)
- Splash of plain sparking mineral water
- Ice
- Orange slices
Directions:
Fill a rocks glass or large wine glass halfway with ice.
Pour in Prosecco, then Aperol and Sparkling water. Stir gently.
Add a slice of orange for flavor and garnish.
Enjoy!
- 5 oz Prosecco
- 1-2 oz Aperol (depending on your taste preference)
- Splash of plain sparking mineral water
- Ice
- Orange slices
- Fill a rocks glass or large wine glass halfway with ice.
- Pour in Prosecco, then Aperol and Sparkling water. Stir gently.
- Add a slice of orange for flavor and garnish.
- Enjoy!
Love this one! I have been into trying aperol lately so this seems like the perfect refreshing cocktail to try out.
Thank you! Trust me you will not be disappointed with this cocktail!
I’m with you on avoiding cocktails that have anything bitter associated with them. Like you, I seem to be bitter sensitive (one of the reasons I am 100% NOT a coffee drinker.) But given your stamp of approval. . .I definitely am going to need to give this cocktail a try. It truly does look refreshing.
Hi Lynn, Yes I feel you. The only way I can drink coffee is with cream and sugar! I would definitely start out with just a splash of Aperol maybe then work your way up to a desired level of flavor! I hope you enjoy them!