Give your Aperol spritz a spring makeover with a splash of rosé! This Rosé Aperol Spritz is just the cocktail you need for al fresco dining with friends!
What’s a party without some cocktails?
Just a meeting?
Although according to Julia Child there should be some cake involved too.
We already have the cake – ish. Now it’s time to finish our party with a drink!
Like most (I assume), my love for the spritz cocktail was discovered during my trip to Italy a few years ago. This simple, Italian cocktail is found everywhere in Italy and served with aperitif (aka little bites) . Wine based – usually prosecco, with a mix of Aperol and a wedge of orange tossed in, this refreshing cocktail is easily sippable during those hot days and long walks when you’re visiting a new city.
Aperol unlike Campari is far less bitter, although both are an aperitif – Aperol is made with a mix of herbs, roots an a lower alcohol content. It’s brilliant color comes from bitter orange and rhubarb tossed into the mix. It has that beautiful combination of tasting bitter and sweet and a perfect introduction to Italian cocktails.
Taking into consideration that the original version of this cocktail is already a perfect summer sipper for lazy afternoons, picnics and parties. How do you even improve on it?
By adding a splash of rosé and not the super sweet, pink stuff that mom’s all over the place love to drink (including my own)!
I’m talking about the type that’s dry and fruity with a subtle natural sweetness. Here I’ve gone with a still rosé but feel free to up the ante and pick up a sparkling variety to really get the full effect of swapping out the prosecco in this drink.
Toss in a few strawberries to compliment the rhubarb flavor in the Aperol, finish with a splash of club soda and your new [pink!] summer drink has been discovered.
And with that our Spring Garden Party has come to an end! I hope you enjoyed each moment as much as I did! With now warmer weather and beautiful days ahead of us, I hope these recipes give you inspiration for a delicious spring and summer season!
Tuesday April 18 – Spring Garden Party Menu
Sunday April 23 – Greek Quiche
Tuesday April 25 – Prosciutto and Melon Zucchini Noodle Salad
Thursday April 27 – Raspberry Frangipane Tartlets
Ingredients
- 4 ounces dry rosé wine, chilled
- 2 1/2 ounces Aperol
- club soda
- sliced strawberries for garnish
- ice
Instructions
- Divide 2 ounces of rosé between two wine glasses filled with ice, pour in 1 1/4 ounces of Aperol in each and top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with sliced strawberries and serve!
- Makes 2 cocktails
Boy, I could go for this! And your pictures are exquisite!