Thursday, August 4, 2011

Spritz Cocktail


Now that I'm feeling better, it's time for a cocktail!

This delightful and refreshing aperitif cocktail was introduced to me by my daughter who had first tasted 'Spreeeets' (as they pronounce it) in Venice, Italy on her honeymoon in 2007. At that time, Aperol was difficult to find here, but now, it's becoming more readily available if you live in an area with a well-stocked liquor store. If not, perhaps the store manager can order it for you.


Look at that gorgeous, orange color! Aperol is an Italian aperitif originally produced by the Barbieri company, based in Padua, Italy and is now produced by the Campari company. Similar to Campari but not nearly as bitter, Aperol has a wonderful, slightly bitter and tangy orange flavor and its alcohol content is only 11%. In its list of ingredients are, bitter orange, gentian and rhubarb. It's easy to understand how it became Italy's number one selling spirit and, it is becoming more and more popular worldwide.


To make an Aperol Spritz, first fill a glass with ice, squeeze the juice of a large slice of orange over the ice, plop that slice of orange into the glass then add 1-2 ounces of Aperol and fill with Prosecco (Italy's version of champagne). It makes a delightful summer aperitif cocktail on a hot, summer night!

Cheers!


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Follow me over to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum and On the Menu Monday at StoneGable.

44 comments:

  1. The photos alone are incentive enough....I see Foodgawer material:)...then of course your daughter's recollections(I remember)..

    We enjoy Prosecco..If I can find this I will get a bottle for Jacques..I bought him Ricard...and a Fraises Des Chanmps liqueur..the latter he finds too sweet..

    Thanks for the recommendation and tip!

    I bet she pines for Venice as I do..

    has she watched The Tourist?

    Wings of the Dove?
    Casino Royal?

    (our home movies?:) )

    I miss that feeling.
    It was so magical..I remember being on a Ponte:) at night after a leisurely canal front dinner of pasta.. looking at the twinkling lights..taking photos..thinking ..paradise.

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  2. This looks wonderful. I love Prosecco in the Summer. Thanks!
    -Lynn

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  3. Gorgeous pics Susan! Wouldn't mind having a spreeets with you, glad you're feeling better:@)

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  4. I tried Aperol for the first time several years ago. It is great with prosecco or a nice Spanish cava. Even in Gingerale for a non-alcoholic "spreeets" love it! :) xo

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  5. So refreshing on a hot summer evening!

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  6. ~~~ i am getting in the car and heading over to the liquor store !!!!!

    kary
    xx

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  7. That does look and sound so good and refreshing! Thanks for sharing.
    Glad to hear you are feeling better.

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  8. What a great looking cocktail! I enjoy Prosecco......it's so good. I will keep my eyes open for the Aperol. I would love to try your cocktail:)

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  9. The color alone makes me want to try it! I hope I can find the Aperol. Glad you are feeling better@

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  10. This looks so delightful! I am familiar with Campari spritzers but Aperol is new to me. I love oranges so I know I'd like it.

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  11. This looks delicious and I will have to try this. We most often drink Italian wines and I am sure I will enjoy this as well. I will be on a quest tomorrow to find Aperol.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  12. oh, I'm sorry you were feeling under the weather Susan. this humidity would wear anyone out. but this spritz cocktail looks like a real refresher. take good care, and I hope you have a fun weekend.

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  13. Oh my goodness - I'm am definitely buying some of this tomorrow, if I can find it!

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  14. Perfect! I must try to find Aperol. This sounds wonderfully refreshing.

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  15. Refreshing for hot summer nights and your pics are fabulous!

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  16. Susan,
    I hope I can find this. Looks wonderful. Your photographs are just beautiful.

    Carol

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  17. What a lovly drink; I do find Campari bitter but this Aperol looks so good. I will look for it next visit at our liquor store.
    Rita

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  18. I have to make a run across the state line for Aperol~ but it is worth it!
    I've taken to mixing mine with a 'single serving' bottle of dry champagne... It saves me from feeling the need to finish a whole bottle of prosecco :-)

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  19. Happy Cocktail Friday!! I really need to get some Aperol in my liquor cabinet :) This looks SO good!

    Sues

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  20. Where did you find the Aperol? I live in the Milwaukee area, too! Love your blog!!!!!
    Terry

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  22. Thank you, all, for the great comments and I hope you all are able to find Aperol! Remember to request it if your store doesn't stock it.

    Monique, I'll give her those titles :)

    Great idea to use Gingerale, Barbara!

    Hi Terry, so pleased to meet another Milwaukean! I bought it at Discount Liquor - I think they have 2 locations now. It's also available at Thief Wine in the Public Market downtown but it's more expensive there (by $5). My daughter used to have to buy it the Cafe and Grocery associated with Trattoria Stefano in Sheboygan! Aperol has come a long way in 4 years :)

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  23. I agree... the photos are spectacular... like a sunset. I have heard about aperol a lot lately but have never tried it... you make me want to change that. I love the nasturium in the glass... it's the tastiest flower on the planet... have you ever made capers with the buds/?

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  24. The photos are something else! The drink looks fantastic. Great treat for the summer.

    Hope you have a great weekend.

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  25. Glad you are feeling better, but knock off the booze! :)
    Great pictures as always!

    Have a great weekend!

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  26. Stunning colour! Love bubbling stuff in hot summer time...so delightful and relaxing!

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  27. You're feeling better? I'll drink to that!

    Have a great weekend.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  28. Oh my! Looks so good! Wish I have a glass right now!
    Wishing you a beautiful Sunday!

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  29. Aww I'm definitely glad you're better! Celebratory cocktails are certainly in order. This sounds fabulous!

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  30. Fabulous cocktail, very pretty color! Glad you are feeling better now :)

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  31. i love seeing all your cookbooks on your header...looks just like my bookshelf !!!

    happy to stop by today

    kary
    xx

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  32. Looks delicious! So happy to hear you are all better! Good way to kill off any lingering germs too, with a nice cocktail! Cheers!

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  33. I've never heard of Aperol, but it sounds interesting.

    - The Tablescaper

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  34. Spritz is very popular in Trieste!
    Glad to hear you are feeling better, a hug.....

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  35. Susan, I didn't know you were under the weather! I'm so sorry but glad you're feeling better...

    Aperol looks gorgeous. That color! Mixing with Prosecco is sort of like a bellini, which I love. Will definitely check my liquor store ASAP.
    And there's rhubarb in the ingredient list? That's the topper!

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  36. Beautiful presentation! Loving Prosecco as much as I do, I can't imagine this would be anything but wonderful!

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  37. This is a beautiful summertime cocktail and I'm so tempted to try it. I never cared for Campari, too bitter for me, and Aperol sounds delicious. Can't imagine that my small town liquor store carries it but they may surprise me. Great photos, Susan.

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  38. This drink looks absolutely beautiful and by these temperatures over 105F every day! it is ideal!

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  39. Exquisite to look delicious, a luxury cocktail, hugs.

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  40. I will have to go with the gingerale version, thanks Barbara for suggesting that! Always such pretty photography!

    I grew up in Madison and we always went to Milwaukee for shopping and fun! Miss that.

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  41. This I would try!! Will have to ask at the local liquor store, I already have the Prosecco on hand..love it!

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  42. Thanks! I checked my Sendiks and they did not have it, so off to Discount Liquors or the Wine Thief! Cant wait to try this! Always nice to have something different to offer in the summer besides sangria. I also have the cookbooks from Ravinia and wanted to thank you for reminding me to look at them. It's great to have such a good blogger right in my neighborhood!

    Terry

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  43. It looks delicious and beautiful, love it.

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