Spiced Spritz

After a bad experience years ago, I never gave apéritif cocktails a second chance.  But when I told Christian about my latest partnership with Aperol, he wanted nothing more than to change my mind with one of his signature drinks.   Inspired by the classic Aperol spritz -- a simple concoction which includes 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 splash of soda or sparkling water -- this alternative cocktail is elevated with a combination of spicy ginger and fresh grapefruit.  It's not as sweet as I imagined it to be and doesn't have that overpowering herbal flavors you'd normally expect.  It's well-balanced and completely refreshing, and is now a welcomed addition to my list of favorites alongside the classic 3-2-1 spritz.

Together, we hosted a Spritz Break to celebrate summer.  We prepared a few light bites including an assortment of cheeses and crudité, mussels in a curry bacon broth (recipe coming soon), grilled flounder filets, and a simple chopped salad.  A perfect marriage to the variation of spritz cocktails served.  We turned up the music, and spent the hot summer afternoon eating, laughing, and drinking with friends.  Truly, a perfect summer afternoon.

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Spiced Spritz makes 1 cocktail

2 oz Aperol

Fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced

1 oz fresh grapefruit juice

3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

Prosecco, to top

Ice

In a shaker, muddle a few pieces of ginger until juices are released. Add grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and aperol, and fill half way with ice. Shake briefly and strain into a high ball or Collins glass filled with ice.  Top with Prosecco.

Garnish with a lemon wheel, optional.