THERE’S A SIMPLE SAYING THAT YOU HEAR IN THE MENSWEAR INDUSTRY, “THE ITALIANS DO IT BETTER”. THEIR SUITS, THEIR FOOD, THEIR CULTURE… IT’S ALL BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR A VERY LONG TIME. IF YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE RIGHT AND OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY, MAKE SURE IT COMES FROM ITALY. THE ITALIANS’ CULTURE IS ONE OF TRADITION. FAMILY IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AND THEIR LOVE OF FOOD AND DRINKS THAT THEY SHARE TOGETHER IS JUST AS IMPORTANT. OUR LATEST STIFF DRINK WAS MADE POPULAR BY THE ITALIANS AND ACTUALLY SERVES A SIGNIFICANT PURPOSE. THE APEROL SPRITZ OR SPRITZ AS IT IS TYPICALLY LABELED, IS AN LIGHT ALCOHOLIC DRINK, CONSUMED BEFORE A MEAL TO STIMULATE THE APPETITE. THIS PARTICULAR DRINK IS SERVED COLD (WITH A LOT OF ICE TO BOTH CHILL AND DILUTE THE DRINK) AND TYPICALLY SERVED WITH HORS D’OEUVRES. WHILE SOME MAY NOT BE THE WINE DRINKING TYPE, WE WOULD CAUTION YOU THAT THIS TRADITIONAL ITALIAN DRINK SERVES MORE AS REFRESHMENT THAN A DRINK THAT YOU’LL HAVE ESPECIALLY DURING THE SUMMER TIME. DON’T THINK OF IT AS YOUR TYPICAL GLASS OF WHITE OR RED WINE, IT MUCH LIGHTER AND THOUGHT OF AS A STARTER FOR THE NIGHT. ITS PURPOSE IS TO PREPARE YOU FOR THE COMING ONSLAUGHT OF MEATS, CHEESES, ANTIPASTO AND OF COURSE, PASTA. IT MIGHT NOT BE EVERYONE’S CUP OF TEA, BUT FOR AN ASPIRING ITALIAN, IT’S AS COMMON AS AN EARLY MORNING CAPPUCCINO. GIVE AN APEROL SPRITZ A TRY. GRAZIE.

INGREDIENTS:

Ruffino Prosecco (Any type of Prosecco will do)
Aperol (you can substitute Campari here but it has a higher alcohol content and a bit more bitter)
Seltzer or sparkling water (Some people like club soda for the added flavor)
Orange
Lots of Ice

TOOLS NEEDED:

Paring knife or peeler
Large wine glasses
Cutting Board
Jigger
Ice trays (if you don’t have an ice maker)

INSTRUCTIONS

- In your large wine glass, fill the glass completely with ice, add a half slice of orange and pour over about 3 parts Prosecco (pour over, wait till the bubbles are gone and fill the glass to about 60%)
- Next pour over 2 parts Aperol, using a circular motion to distribute evenly throughout the cocktail.
- Final step, top with 1 part soda/sparkling water.

TIP: THIS DRINK IS SOMETIMES SERVED WITH A STRAW. AS A GUY, YOU SHOULD NEVER DRINK FROM A STRAW, BUT A SIMPLE TIP IF YOU CHOOSE TO KEEP THE STRAW. DRINK ABOUT HALF OF YOUR DRINK, THEN USE IT TO STIR THE DRINK WHEN IT DILUTES A BIT. TOSS IT WHEN YOU’RE DONE.