The Lush Chef

Last week, I was recounting my vacation to Italy and fond memories of Aperitivo time.  Before I even left for the trip, I bought a bottle of Aperol (yet another bottle to add to my amari collection) because I anticipated I would be craving Aperol Spritzs upon my return.  Aperol Spritz is probably one of the most popular cocktails served during aperitivo.  It's slightly bitter and slightly sweet and oh so refreshing.  I still have no idea why it's served in a wine glass, but just roll with it.  My family and I had one of these nearly every day.  Making this drink at home helps me relive the memories of that trip, and now that summer is nearing, it's the perfect cocktail for those summer afternoons and early evenings.

Aperol Spritz
Ingredients:

• 3 parts prosecco (I used La Marca)
• 1 part (about an oz) Aperol
• Club soda 
• Orange slice, for garnish.

- In a wine glass filled with ice, fill about 2/3rds way with prosecco.
- Add about an ounce of Aperol.
- Top with about an ounce of club soda, or to taste.
- Garnish with an orange slice.

Continuing with the brunch theme this week, I offer one of my new favorite cocktails to serve.  About a month ago, I was having brunch with my girl friends at Milo & Olive in Santa Monica.  I'm a fan of any restaurant with Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb involved.  Since we had waited a while for a table in this tiny, neighborhood spot, we all decided we needed a drink by the time we sat down.  We each ended up ordering a round of their Grapefruit Sparklers.  It was just a simple drink with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, prosecco and a fruity red wine float, but I was truly impressed.  The flavors were bright and clean and a red wine float always looks impressive.  Here's my version of that cocktail.  Use a fruity red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel.

Grapefruit Sparkler
Ingredients:

• Chilled prosecco (I used LaMarca)
• 3 oz fresh-squeezed pink grapefruit juice
• Fruity red wine (I used Beaulieu Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon)

- Fill a glass halfway with prosecco and top with the grapefruit juice.
- Hold the back of a spoon over your glass and slowly pour a little bit of the red wine over the back of a spoon.  I poured just enough to create about 1/2 inch of the float.