Low-Proof, Bitter Cocktails to Take on the Heat

By Chilled Magazine

Looking for the latest trend in summer cocktails? Try low-proof cocktails with bitter attributes.

Simply opt for recipes with a dash of bitters or bitter liqueur like Aperol for a balanced cocktail that’s refreshing and light enough to take on the heat.

Classic example, The Aperol Spritz. More than 300,000 Aperol Spritzes are consumed in Venuto region of Italy every day. With this summer’s low-proof, bitter trend the Spritz is gaining popularity here in the US with its simple 3-2-1 recipe (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part Prosecco.)

For a twist on the classic, try a summer riff with the recipes below.

Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz

Photo Courtesy of Giacomo Fortunato

Aperol Spritz

Sipping with friends? Simply multiply each step of the recipe by the number of people in your party to create a large format Spritz.

Ingredients:

  • 3 parts Cinzano Prosecco
  • 2 parts Aperol
  • 1 dash Soda
  • Ice and a Slice of Orange

Preparation: Pour in the Prosecco, Aperol and soda into a punch bowl. Stir gently and top with orange slices. Serve in stemless wine glasses over ice.


Blame it On the Aperol

Blame it On the Aperol

Photo Courtesy of Epicurean Group

Blame It On the Aperol

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz. Martin Miller’s Gin
  • 1 oz. Aperol
  • 1 oz. Lemonade
  • Seltzer
  • Cubed Ice

Preparation: Fill a rocks glass with ice and add Aperol, gin and lemonade; stir to combine. Top with seltzer and garnish with orange slice.


Mix Tape Punch

Mix Tape Punch

Photo Courtesy of Nick Settle

Mix Tape Punch

By the Glass

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Vodka
  • 1/4 oz. Aperol
  • 1 oz. Dry Vermouth
  • 3/4 oz. Watermelon Juice
  • 3/4 oz. Lime Juice
  • 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
  • Top with Sparkling Wine

Preparation: Build in a wine glass and stir. Top with sparkling wine.

Mix Tape Punch in Serving Bowl

Mix Tape Punch in Serving Bowl

Photo Courtesy of Nick Settle

Mix Tape Punch Bowl Serving

Punch Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz. Vodka
  • 1 oz. Aperol
  • 4 oz. Dry Vermouth
  • 3 oz. Watermelon Juice
  • 3 oz. Lime Juice
  • 2 oz. Simple Syrup
  • 6 oz. Sparkling Wine

Preparation: Build ingredients in a punch bowl and stir.

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