APEROL SPRITZ
It's no mystery why spritzes are the darlings of Italian aperitivo (similar to American happy hour). With their effervescent nature and low-alcohol content, merrymakers can enjoy a spritz or two and feel refreshed and relaxed without stumbling into the dinner hour. I mentioned in last week's post that we mixed up a batch of Aperol spritzes for recent guests before sitting down to a summery risotto, so this week I thought I'd share the recipe with you.Aperol is a classic Italian apéritif that looks like a fiery sunset and tastes of mandarin orange, spices, and pleasantly bitter herbs with a kiss of rhubarb. And when mixed with prosecco and a spritz of sparkling water (hence the name), it is positively addicting. I don't know how many warm summer evenings we have left, but enjoying one of these will be a part of my weekend ritual until sweater weather sets in.
APEROL SPRITZ
serves one
INGREDIENTS
3 ounces chilled prosecco
2 ounces chilled Aperol
orange peel or orange wheel
1 splash sparkling water or club soda
INSTRUCTIONS
Pour prosecco into a wine or rocks glass with large ice cubes, add the Aperol, then top with orange peel or orange wheel and sparkling water.