Aperol Ehshpreets

When I was in Palermo over the summer, I became acquainted with Aperol.  It's a close relative of Campari, but quite a bit rounder and it tastes of orange and herbs.  It is, in a word, delightful.  While staying at the Hotel Mercure, my colleagues and I on occasion would enjoy an Aperol sprintz (pronounced "ehshpreets" by Antonio, our intrepid bartender.)

Upon my return to the states, I started noticing the infiltration of Aperol-it is on the rise, my friends.  I think this will be a fun new staple in a very short time (as it already is in many places.)  I'm happy to do my part to spread the word, because I find it a wonderful alternative to Campari, which can sometimes be a bit too much for me.

While I normally enjoy cocktails that have a bit more bite and less sweetness (a bump of bourbon or a Manhattan) there are times when only eshpreets will do.  This is a particularly fun and flirty drink to serve at happy hour.  Why not grab a bottle on your way home from work and throw an impromptu cocktail party?

Aperol.  To me, the bottle itself looks like a party!

Ingredients

Ice

2 ounces of Aperol

3 ounces of Prosecco or other sparkling wine

Orange Slice

Splash of soda water (optional-I often just use a bit of extra prosecco)

Method:
1. Combine ingredients in a wine glass.  I don't ever recommend shaking carbonated beverages...unless you want to wear them (though that can be fun too, in the right context.)
2. All jokes aside, place the ice in your wine glass, then add the Aperol, Prosecco and club soda (if using.)
3. Garnish with an orange slice.
4. Imbibe greedily.

Eshpreets!  Are you feeling Italian yet?  No?  Have another!  :-)