Check out this seemingly off-season Aperol Spritz! Every food blog post this week starts off with the obligatory acknowledgement of an “autumn chill in the air”. While all the other food blog posts turn toward stew recipes and all manner of dishes ably prepared on stovetops or in hot ovens I’m serving this refresher! For all others, the calendar has spoken! Stop grilling! Come inside! I say live your own life.
My geographic location is having a heatwave. Its hotter than Bejesus here. As you know, Bejesus is very hot indeed so go ahead and enjoy your fall food while I cling to summer just a tiny bit longer. If its going to stay 95 degrees outside I have no choice but to decree it “OK” to toss seasonal rules aside. At least until it cools down a bit more. I will continue to wear my white jeans with sandals and sip my favorite summer drink at the end of the day. Wear your sweaters and make pot roast later. Seasonable bourbon obsessions can wait as well.
This extra time allows me more enjoyment of the apertivo ritual I brought home from Rome with me each summer vacation we spent there. Apertivo seems to have more authenticity when its hot outside — even if I can sense the days are getting shorter.
Aperol Spritz
For those not in the know, Apertivo refers to both to the ritual/time of day as well as to the drink style that accompanies it. Apertivo is that peaceful moment right before evening begins but at which time it is too premature to say “good evening”. Italians refer to this very specific period of respite as secondo pomeriggio or the ” second afternoon”.
A light drink refreshes the spirit worn down by the day and prepares the taste buds for a future dinner which often can be more than a few hours away. A Campari and soda or a prosecco are considered appertivo classics. The bitter Negroni, while certainly not light, has enough bitter to be the exception that proves the rule and practically defines the genre.
Stuzzichini, or light snacks, are served with the drinks. In our house stuzzichini this means a small dish of stuffed olives and some salty crunchy snack such as a small bowl of fancy chips, or roasted, salted almonds will do just fine — and won’t spoil our dinner.
A view of the Roman skyline while enjoying apertivo Aperol Spritz isn’t a requirement but it certainly won’t hurt.
Aperol's bright orange color is custom made to usher in a gorgeous sunset. Its 11% alcohol content ensures you'll enjoy its flavorful effects without getting too wrecked for dinner. While certainly a cousin of Campari it enjoys a much less bitter flavor profile which focuses on bitter orange and rhubarb.
This is what you will need: This is how you make it:
https://sisboomblog.com/aperol-spritz/
People are mad for these in Vienna, where I was introduced to them. I love them and would drink one even if it was snowing outside. Love that photo of you – quite the bell’uomo!
Ha! I love that you’re still in the hot zone. I know I did the autumn chill post, but it’s refreshing to see your post and your drink!
A lovely drink and tradition beautifully described.
-bg
My favorite aperitivo! Love it!
oooohhhh, now I have a decision to make because this sounds lovely as well….. and I of course have everything I need for it.