CK'S KITCHEN: Cool off during the hot summer with some classic Aperol Spritz

With summer upon us, I can't help but feature this recipe for one of the adult bevies that we've been serving up at my craft-cocktail loving abode lately! I give you the Aperol Spritz, a bubbly, bittersweet Italian apertif that is super easy to make and absolutely refreshing on a warm day or night. A palate-pleasing combo of Aperol, prosecco and soda water, it doesn't have to be after 5 o'clock for this golden orange beauty, at least not at my house, where it takes the typical prosecco mimosa to a new level of delightfulness. Aperol and sparkle Its origins dating back to Padua, Italy, in 1919, this sparkling wine cocktail gained popularity around the world in the late 2010s. I had my first Aperol Spritz at Easter and immediately loved the bright orange flavor mixed with my two favorite bubblies, Italian sparkling water and prosecco from Costco, which I almost always have at the ready in my kitchen! Thanks to its low ABV of 11 percent, I could buy Aperol at my local Target but it can be found by the liqueurs or amaros at the liquor store. I then grabbed a single orange for my garnish purposes and I was ready, set and go to mix one up at home as my reward during a Memorial Day weekend packed with home and garden projects. Imbibe and nosh Normally consumed as an aperitif which is meant to stimulate the appetite, this trendy spritz is typically consumed before dinner. Some may call Aperol and its more potent cousin Campari an acquired taste, its flavors are described officially as "zesty orange with complex herbal scents harmonized with a touch of vanilla." This featured recipe varies slightly being equal parts Aperol and prosecco. The Aperol website offers up the 3-2-1 ratio of 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part soda water/unflavored sparkling water and the most common concoction. You can easily customize to your palette, adding more or less of all three ingredients, and make the perfect cocktail in less than a minute. And after just one sip, it's not hard to understand why this light libation is one of the most popular in Italy! It is hands-down my go-to cocktail at home or when I go out, especially to Italian restaurants. In fact, I'll be serving it up as the signature cocktail at my upcoming Fourth of July bash. Make yourself an Aperol Spritz at your next summer party — you won't regret it! Contact Chrissy Kadleck at ckadleck@sbcglobal.net. Classic Aperol Spritz Per cocktail: Ice 3 ounces (1 part) Aperol 3 ounces (1 part) dry prosecco 1 ounce (a splash) club soda or unflavored sparkling water Orange slice, for garnish 1. Add ice to a wine glass until it is nearly full. Pour in the Aperol (I usually eyeball this and pour until I've filled about one-third of the glass). 2. Pour in an equal amount of prosecco. Top your drink off with a splash of club soda and add a slice of orange. Enjoy! Make it less bitter: Use less Aperol and more Prosecco. Make it less boozy: Use more club soda, and less Aperol and Prosecco. SOURCE: cookieandkate.com/classic-aperol-spritz-recipe