Classic Italian Aperol Spritz Is The Perfect Summertime Cocktail

Cocktails with Lisa

photography by www.laylamays.com

Warm weather has arrived in Texas and before the sweltering heat sets in we cherish our evening happy hours in our backyard at home on the patio.

You are only three ingredients away from a refreshing cocktail and you don’t really even need a recipe. And, you can make a cocktail for one or cocktails for a gathering and always have the ingredients on hand.

There are many cocktails to be enjoyed in the evening but this one is at the top of our list for go-to cocktails. We really enjoy sipping on a refreshing beverage that is lower in alcohol than a typical mixed drink and not as sweet. The slight bitterness from Aperol and citrusy bubbles from Prosecco is the perfect evening cocktail.

We enjoy sipping on a glassful of cold, bubbly cocktail with lots of ice. As the ice melts, it dilutes the cocktail just right for a nice balance of slightly bitter, slightly sweet and citrusy coolness.

If you aren’t familiar with Aperol the summertime is the perfect time to become acquainted. Aperol is an Italian spirit apertivo that is less bitter and lower alcohol than another Italian spirit Amaro. It is brilliant orange in color made with bitter and sweet oranges, tangerines, a hint of vanilla and a concoction of herbs and spices.

Prosecco, a popular sparkling wine from Veneto, Italy is refreshing unto itself. Because it is steel tank fermented clean, crisp and citrusy flavors and hints of apple are present. A splash of sparkling mineral water topped with a juicy slice of orange is all you need to cool down and relax at the end of the day, appetizers or enhance a weekend brunch without needing a nap afterwards.

Any ice will do but I love my Opal ice maker. This ice maker creates pellet or nugget ice like Sonic ice and will help dilute the cocktail evenly. And, an orange slice rather than lemon or lime is preferred because it does enhance the orange flavors from the Aperol.

My wine refrigerator is always stocked with a couple of bottles of Prosecco because is a great way to celebrate everyday and always have a sparkling wine on hand for guests that may stop by. For this recipe, I used Il Prosecco. It is light, dry and bubbly on the palate with hints of pear, apple, lime zest and floral aromas and honey. This makes it a perfect complement to the bitters in the Aperol.

CHEERS!