Classic Summer Cocktail:: Aperol Spritz

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As you might know by now, I am the entertaining editor for Atlanta Magazine’s HOME. It’s a role that I truly love because it allows me to tap into my hostess side. After all, who doesn’t love planning a party?

The summer issue of the magazine featured a party showcasing Italy’s cocktail culture, aperitivo, and my new book, Cocktail Italiano. If you haven’t snagged a copy by now, today’s recipe might make you add it to your cart.

The Aperol Spritz is a classic summer cocktail. It’s refreshing and quintessentially Italian – the perfect drink to whet your appetite before a meal. Let me know if you add it to your classic summer cocktail arsenal. I know you’ll love it as much as I do.

Cin Cin!

Aperol Spritz
serves 1

You will need:
– 3 ounces prosecco
– 2 ounces Aperol
– 1 ounce soda
– 1 orange slice

To prepare:
In a glass filled with ice, pour Aperol and prosecco, and finish off with the soda. Serve in a large wine glass. Garnish with a slice of orange.

xx Annette

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aPOPitivo:: An Aperitivo Recipe Perfect for Summer

Boozy popsicles are such a fun twist on typical summer desserts, especially since they’re a dessert and a cocktail in one!

Typically, I make this recipe as a gelato, but a few years ago, I tested turning it into a refreshing summer popsicle aperitivo, and it worked! While I haven’t revived the recipe this summer, I think it’s about time to do so.

When you serve them, pour a thumbs height of Campari in a pretty glass and place the pop into the glass. The melty pop mingles with the Campari to create a delicious and very Italian Apero. Divine!

Cantaloupe Campari Pops
Makes 10 popsIngredients:

– 1 Cantaloupe, cut into pieces*
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup Campari

*Note: you can substitute 3-4 cups of passion fruit (about 15 passion fruits)

Preparation:

Make a simple syrup combining the sugar and the water using a small sauce pan on medium heat. Turn off the heat once it starts to boil and set aside to cool.

Blend the cantaloupe and the syrup in a bowl using a hand blender, or blender. Add the campari and put into popsicle molds*.

*Note: I like to pour the puree into the molds using a pitcher; it’s easier.

Freeze for at least 5 hours. Place into warm bath for about 30 seconds to unmold and wrap individually in parchment and place back into the freezer. They can be stored for up to a month, although ours are gone in a week.

Cin cin!

Annette

Recipe adapted from: People’s Pops

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Summer Cocktails: Americano Shakerato

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Today I’ve got a fun summer cocktail for you, the Americano Shakerato. Shakerato simply means “shaken.” Shaken vigorously. The agitation of drinks forms a desired foam, and this technique is used in many classic drinks to add a little foam. Almost anything can be a shakerato!

Give it a try, or any other recipes from Cocktail Italiano, and let me know what you think!

American Shakerato
serves 1

You will need:

1.5 ounces sweet vermouth
1.5 ounces campari
– 1 orange peel

To prepare:

Chill a martini glass with ice, then discard the ice.

Place the vermouth and Campari into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake, and strain into the chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

xx Annette

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Cookout Cocktail:: Negroni Fizz

Ciao from Italy! As you might already know, I arrived in Italy last week. Since then, I’ve been welcoming guests, preparing our commercial kitchen and guests quarters, and getting ready for a summer of workshops. Needless to say, it’s been a bit crazy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend back in the states. Memorial Day weekend often marks the unofficial start to summer. I’m sure many of you will be spending the weekend enjoying cookouts with friends and family.

If you’re entertaining, I’ve got a wonderful festive summer cocktail for you: the Negroni Fizz. Not only is this drink a bold red (perfect for Memorial Day), but it’s a crowd pleaser too.

Mix-up a big batch without the rose and put it in a cute drink dispenser. Then, allow guests to fill their glasses at will. Leave ice buckets of rose nearby for attendees to top their drinks. This will keep the bubbles fresh and add a fun little DIY to the party.

To really make a statement, find some cute blue and white paper straws, too. Super festive and fun.

Negroni Fizz
Serves 1

You will need:

– 1 ounce Gin
– 1 ounce Martini Sweet Vermouth
– 1 ounce Campari
– 1 1/2 slice of orange for garnish
– Ice cubes
– Martini Sparkling Rose

Instructions:

Combine Martini Rosso and Campari Gin in a shaker filled with ice. Strain into an ice filled tumbler 3/4 full and top off with the Martini Sparkling Rose. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy.

Photographs by Kathryn McCrary

This recipe first appeared on Camille Styles.

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Great Barware Picks, for your Summer Aperitivo Parties from Cocktail Italiano

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I thought I would pull together my favorite bar supplies, so you can have everything you might need for your epic aperitivo parties this summer. When sourcing items for your home bar, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. I’ve found some of my favorite items on Amazon!

Beyond necessary barware and glassware, you’ll also need the ingredients. Pick up your favorite spirits for your bar, and make it a point to stock popular liquors that can be used in multiple drinks. A local bottle shop is one of my recommended places to look. They always have the best selection and the most unique bottles.

Of course by now you have my book, Cocktail Italiano. It’s full of authentic Italian aperitivo cocktails and snacks (in some cases snacks so filling you probably will skip dinner). Having a fully stocked bar is imperative for getting the perfect cocktail again and again. Here are some great barware picks for your bar cart:

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Metallic Rimmed Cocktail Glasses: vintage inspired for a classic look
Cocktail Sticks: pick-ture perfect for snacks or garnishes
Cocktail Napkin Roll: these make great gifts, especially for summer!
Italian Glassware Set: a set of 6 and such a steal
Deco Tools: a must-have for DIY mixology
5050 Bar Set by Alessi: for shaking OR stirring
Gilded Beer Glass: zhush-up your craft beer with a chic glass

What are your must-haves? Let me know in the comments!

xx Annette

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