If you haven’t yet become acquainted with the aperitif — an alcoholic drink meant to be sipped before a meal to stimulate the appetite — the Aperol Spritz is a great place to start.

One of the most popular and beloved aperitif cocktails out there, the Aperol Spritz is light, herbal and slightly bitter. The Cupcake Prosecco used in this recipe is not too dry, nor too sweet, making it the ideal foundation for the bitter orange flavors of Aperol. Crisp and refreshing, this prosecco also carries aromas of white peach, grapefruit and honeydew melon.

It’s the perfect complement to what many consider to be the perfect aperitif.

Ingredients

2 oz. Aperol

3 oz. Cupcake Prosecco

1 oz. club soda

Orange slice for garnish

Method

Build over ice, stir and serve in a white wine glass. Garnish with an orange slice.

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Cocktail created by Francesco Lafranconi, Executive Director of Mixology and Spirits Education at Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits.