Cocktail culture in bars in America is back at an all time high. Everything from old fashioned cocktails like a Manhattan to new fangled versions with things like basil simple syrup added to them. And some mixed drinks pack an astonishing amount of alcohol into a single drink (Long Island Iced Tea, for example). I’ve never been one to go for cocktails, concerned that sweetness and added flavors added often mask the alcohol content, and therefore I just stick to wine. But I read about a trend to offer lower alcohol cocktails, so on a hot summer night in Denver I tried making one of my own. I think you’re going to like this!A colleague in Denver posted a traditional Aperol Spritz recipe on my site a couple of years ago. And while I often order this drink while traveling or dining out, I’ve never bought Aperol and never made it at home. This recipe is simply a lightened version of the traditional drink. And it’s cool and refreshing for a hot summer day. Give it a try and then let me know if you have any other cocktail recipes that are lower in alcohol so that I can share them with my readers.
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 1½ ounces Aperol
- 4 ounces lemon lime club soda
- Orange slices, for garnish
- Combine the prosecco with the Aperol and club soda and gently stir together. Fill a tall glass with ice and pour the mixture over the ice; garnish with sliced oranges.