An Aperol spritz is made using prosecco, club soda or seltzer water, and the Italian bitter apéritif Aperol, which has a gorgeous orange hue and bitter and sweet oranges among its ingredients. “Cocktail it” by adding watermelon juice, and both the color and the taste become even brighter. (The name Aperol comes from “apero,” the French slang word for apéritif.)
Ingredients:
Serves 1 (Serving more than one? Just multiply until you reach the number you want)
3 ounces watermelon juice*
2 ounces of Aperol
3 ounces of prosecco
Splash of club soda or seltzer water
Orange slice for garnish (optional)
Fill a glass with ice and add the watermelon juice, Aperol, and prosecco. Add a splash or two of club soda or seltzer water and, if desired, garnish with an orange slice.
*To make watermelon juice, place pieces of watermelon in a blender and puree until liquified. Press the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the pulp.
Recipe tested by Ellen Ficklen; email questions to hello@watermelontimes.com