The Aperol Spritz was the perfect choice to cool down, refresh, and relax after a sizzling day at the beach.  It quickly became our Happy Hour go-to–at least while we were at the beach. It’s not too sweet, which is perfect for me.  It isn’t exactly bitter but has an edge, which pairs perfectly with a creamy cheese board featuring our Pimento Cheese and Beer Cheese, fruit, Italian meats, and nuts.  It’s also the perfect drink for brunch so move over mimosa!

The Aperol Spritz recently found itself in the limelight after being prominently featured in the HBO series, “White Lotus”  enjoyed by native Italians and tourists alike on the show. But that makes sense. After all, its origins are deeply rooted in Italy.  The original cocktail, an Italian wine-based beverage, was called a Spritz Veneziano and created in Venice in about 1920 but the first official recipe was found in an ad for the liqueur used to make it–Aperol–in the 1950s.  It was first used as a way to battle the intense heat and humidity of the hot Italian sun.    

And while I wasn’t in the hot Italian sun in South Carolina, it was definitely unusually hot and humid so this ultra refreshing cocktail was perfect and it looks like an Amalfi coast sunset.

INGREDIENTS

Ice

3 ounces Aperol

3 ounces dry Prosecco

2-4 drops Orange Bitters

Splash Club Soda or orange-flavored soda

Fresh orange slices or dried orange slices (I pulled these from my stash)

DIRECTIONS

1. Add ice to the wine glass until almost full. Pour in Aperol.

2. Pour in Processo and Orange Bitters.

3. Stir with a bar spoon and top with Sparkling Soda.

Makes 1 cocktail

For another refreshing summer cocktail try our Frozen Watermelon Mint Julep.