Aperitivo: fun to say and even more fun to enjoy. This evening tradition began in Italy—as the good ones often do. Essentially a prelude to dinner, the idea is to relax after a day of work, stimulate your appetite, and create an opportunity to socialize. That’s a tall order for a drink, right? Not with these six refreshing (and low-ABV) aperitivo recipes for spring! Check them out here.
Rosé Spritzer
Say santé to spring as you sip this crisp and fruity rosé spritzer from The Sweetest Occasion. The light and refreshing combination of dry rosé, muddled strawberries, and lemon make it the perfect aperitivo for a warm evening. Just as pretty to look at as it is to drink!
Lavender Blanc Cocktail
Truly as pretty as the picture shows. Imbibe’s Lavender Blanc cocktail recipe is clean, crisp and oh so refreshing. It’s low on alcohol, but big on taste with the lavender bitters adding a soft floral note. Garnish with a lavender flower and this isn’t just an Aperitivo; it’s a conversation piece!
Americano
The quintessential aperitivo is the Americano. And this Esquire recipe is particularly “aah”-inducing with the vermouth adding just the right amount of sweetness to cut Campari’s bitterly fruity flavor. In a highball glass over ice, it’s quite sophisticated—even James Bond–worthy, as the first drink he ordered in Casino Royale was actually an Americano instead of a martini!
Aperitivo Frizzante
Thank goodness aperitivo is before dinner, because you certainly wouldn’t want to wait until after to enjoy this recipe from Food52. The Aperitivo Frizzante is so simple with just three ingredients: (1) an Italian liqueur like amaro, (2) Prosecco, and (3) and orange twist for garnish … and—voilá—delicious! For those warm spring evenings, add ice for an extra chill to cool you down before dinner.
Red Texas Spritz
This recipe from Abigail Gullo, head bartender at New Orleans’ Compere Lapin, featured in Punch takes a classic aperitivo, the Aperol Spritz, and infuses it with springtime deliciousness; namely, lemongrass and blackberry. The Texas name comes from the Houston-made beer Gullo prefers, Berliner Wiesse, which has a tart, fruity flavor, but any sour beer can be substituted. Pro tip: Steep the lemongrass and blackberries in Aperol for 3 hours, then strain and funnel into a bottle (make sure to cap tightly) to fully bring out the flavors.
Lillet Spritzer
This beautiful aperitivo tastes as good as it looks, making it perfect for spring entertaining. The recipe from Better Homes & Gardens combines white Lillet, Prosecco, lemon and orange slices, and mint sprigs. It’s light, bubbly, tart, and citrusy all at once. What’s more, it’s so easy to make … and then make again and again.
Where are the recipes with quantities of the ingredients you’ve listed? I’d love to try some as I’m a big spritz fan.
Click each drink’s title and you’ll be taken to the recipes.