Which Spritz Are You?
Find Your Perfect Aperitivo Match this Summer!
It's 5 pm on a Friday, a perfect evening in the middle of May just warm enough that you can sense that summer is near. Heading downtown to Perry Street, you find yourself at Roey’s, your favorite happy hour spot. Here, you join your friends to unwind and recap the week’s work drama over their $5 spritz special and small bites. Could there be a more perfect way to spend the evening?
Italy’s Favorite: The Aperol Spritz
Originating from Northern Italy, the Aperol Spritz has become a staple aperitif and one of the country’s most renowned cocktails. Its charm lies in its simplicity – just half a glass of prosecco, a third glass of Aperol, ice cubes, and a splash of seltzer. Garnished with an orange slice, these are the only ingredients needed to craft this delicious drink. The Aperol Spritz is the ideal cocktail of choice for the girl who has her dream European getaway booked to the Amalfi Coast. Its lively orange hue paints the picture-perfect moment, set against the stunning backdrop of the glittering sea. This cocktail is the perfect finishing touch to her outfit, complementing her wide-brimmed sun hat and maxi dress she bought from a local boutique. If you’re seeking a refreshing, subtly sweet sip for the summer ahead, let the Aperol Spritz be your go-to beverage, whether you’re out on the town, hosting at your apartment, or embarking on a vacation abroad.
Ingredients
3 OZ PROSECCO
2 OZ APEROL
1 OZ SODA WATER
1 ORANGE SLICE (garnish)
How to Make It!
Add your prosecco, Aperol and club soda to a wine glass filled with ice and stir.
Garnish with an orange slice to enjoy!
The Delight of a Hugo Spritz
But if your palate leans more towards the minty freshness of mojitos, then you don’t have to limit yourself to an Aperol Spritz. Consider indulging in a Hugo Spritz, another beloved aperitif. Also using sparkling wine as its base, the other main ingredients are soda water and St. Germain, providing a distinct herbal taste. Garnished with mint, it delivers that crisp, summer feeling with every sip. If you happen to find yourself wandering through the farmer’s market on Sunday mornings with a matcha latte in hand, indulging in a Hugo Spritz is the ideal way to kick off your evening plans. This drink is a relatively new find, crafted as an even more refreshing substitute for the Aperol Spritz. Its straightforward recipe makes it a breeze to prepare, perfect for those who appreciate life’s simple delights.
Ingredients
1/2 OZ ST. GERMAIN
1 MINT SPRIG
4 OZ PROSECCO (chilled)
1 OZ SODA WATER(chilled)
Lemon wheel and mint sprig for garnish
How to Make It!
In your glass add the St. Germain and mint sprig and muddle.
Add ice, the prosecco and the soda water, then stir to combine.
Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon wheel to enjoy!
The Bittersweet Campari Spritz
Seeking a drink with a bit more kick than an Aperol Spritz? Try a Campari Spritz. This Italian aperitif swaps Aperol for the bitter complexity of Campari, also made with Prosecco and grapefruit sparkling water to create another bubbly cocktail option. Campari is made from a blend of herbs, spices, and fruit peel, with a unique bitter taste that is bolder compared to Aperol. If you appreciate the bitterness of black coffee, you’ll likely find similar satisfaction in this cocktail. It’s a classic choice if you’re the mysterious person at a hotel bar, dressed in all black, captivating everyone’s curiosity.
The Campari Spritz is garnished with green olives, perfectly enhancing its tangy flavor. For a delicious combination, consider pairing your spritz with an assortment of meats and cheeses. Europeans have mastered the art of an aperitif. Enjoying a drink and a light snack before dinner, especially outdoors on a beautiful summer day, encapsulates the true essence of living. It’s a moment to savor, free from rush, just the pure joy of being in the moment.
Ingredients
2 OZ CAMPARI
3 OZ PROSECCO
1 OZ SODA WATER
1 ORANGE SLICE OR OLIVE TO GARNISH
How to Make It!
Pour in the prosecco, campari, and soda water into your glass and stir.
Garnish with an orange slice or olive and enjoy!
