Aperol Aperitivo
THL: What is it?
Aperol is an aperitif similar to the sugary tartness of Campari, but with half of the alcohol content.
THL: Why should you try it?
This Italian aperitif has a pleasantly bitter bite, rather than being syrupy.
THL: Who makes it?
Aperol was produced by the Barbieri company, and has since been acquired by the Campari company.
THL: What does it taste like?
It’s a little on the sweet side, with a tart, orange rind flavor.
THL: How should you drink it?
Here at the Fat Goose in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, we make a cocktail called Heavy Sunrise, a fun Aperol-infused variation on the traditional Negroni.
For the Heavy Sunrise, take 1-1/2 ounces of Bulldog or Hendricks gin, 1 ounce of Aperol, and a 1/2 ounce of Lillet. Combine in a mixing glass, and stir. Strain over ice, and garnish with a long grapefruit twist wrapped around the inside of the glass. Add two short cocktail straws, and you're done.
You can also try the Aperol Spritz (Aperol, lemon juice, and Champagne), which is phenomenal.
Other suggestions:
You can drink it on the rocks with an orange twist, or you can add it as a highlight or a base note in pretty much any drink.
