Ahhh, summer in Tuscany… There’s nothing quite like it. On our last day in Florence, we spent the afternoon on the rooftop of Hotel Continentale sipping on Italy’s signature summer cocktail, the Aperol Spritz. And we weren’t the only ones — it seemed like everyone in sight also had a bright orange cocktail in hand. After Camille and Adam raved about the beautifully garnished spritzes they had at La Menagere, I was excited to try my hand at creating my own version to bring that dolce vita back to the States.
This simple recipe is a perfect base for adding any combination of garnishes that you’d like. I kept mine fresh with clementines, blueberries, cucumber, and basil.
Cut thin slices of your favorite citrus fruit and place around the inside of your glass for a pretty finish. Fill the glass with ice cubes to keep the citrus slices in place, and top with a cocktail pick full of garnishes.
I love how light and not-too-sweet this Aperol Spritz is — it’s my new favorite cocktail to serve this summer. Scroll down for the full recipe, which makes enough for six guests, and try it out at your next pool party!
Photography by Kristen Kilpatrick
Ginger-Citrus Aperol Spritz
Serves 6
Ginger-Citrus Aperol Spritz
Categories
Ingredients
- 375 milliliter of Aperol
- 375 milliliter of Prosecco
- 12 oz. of ginger ale
- ice
- citrus slices, cucumber ribbons, blackberries, and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
In a large pitcher, mix together Aperol, Prosecco, and ginger ale. Cut citrus slices and place them up against the inside of the glass, then fill with ice. Pour cocktail into glasses and garnish with a blackberry, cucumber ribbon, and basil leaf.
“I kept mine fresh with clementines, blueberries, cucumber, and basil.” Those are blackberries, as listed in the ingredients.
Not an Italian spritz recipe.