Once upon a time, I lived in a world where spritzes weren't the quintessential aperitif. In retrospect, it was a sad life.
Then
I went to Italy and discovered that a simple mix of Campari (or Aperol)
and white wine could really brighten my day. Not that my days needed
much brightening; I was on vacation in Italy, for crying out loud.
Personally,
I prefer the Aperol Spritz to the Campari. It's less bitter, smells
refreshing, and the colour of the drink, topped off with an orange slice
really makes it the summer beverage. It has become the cocktail
that reminds me of laid-back summer days and terraces on bustling
streets. A spritz would mark the end of another day in Italy, but it
also represented a great evening (and meal) to come.
It's a tradition I'm definitely bringing to Canada.
For a spritz, you'll need:
1 part white wine or sparkling wine
(I opt for Prosecco, just 'cause it's Italian)
1 part Aperol or Campari
(you can also try fizzy non-alcoholic bitters to add some bubbles if you go with flat white wine)
And that's it, folks! Just that easily, you can be sipping on a spritz, just like they are wont to do in northern Italy.
 |
| An Aperol spritz in Venice near Piazza San Marco |
 |
| Campari spritz at Il Calandrino in Padova |
{photo credit: my flickr}
