Italy's most popular spirit....

I’ve got to promote a product I sell, because: 1) it has little or no awareness in the midwest, 2) it’s pretty damn good (I drank the Kool-Aid, and I liked it!).  My company just started importing a spirit brand from Italy last year.  It’s like Campari, but not as bitter and herbal.  If you chill it, and serve it over ice, it’ll taste like Sunkist Orange soda (what kid didn’t love that sugary drink growing up?).  It’s name: Aperol.  Aperol is the #1 selling spirit in Italy!  The #1 brand in the US is probably Bacardi, Smirnoff, or Absolut.  As we know, those brands carry some big weight!  Aperol was developed in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers who lived in the northeastern part of Italy.  They concocted a drink using special herbs and citrus flavors to enjoy as an aperitivo.  Through the course of the last 100 years, this brand has become increasingly popular through that part of Italy.  In fact, when you travel to the Veneto, Aperol cocktails are EVERYWHERE.

Okay, how does this translate to us in the United States?  Here is what I did, and I suggest you try the same:  play with the brand.  What I mean is, go to the store and buy a bottle.  On a Friday or Saturday night, play “mixologist” and try to incorporate this into your favorite cocktail.  It, surprisingly, works and puts a refreshing twist on the drink. 

I have a friend, who recently became a huge bourbon fan…Maker’s Mark specifically.  Here’s what I did bourbon & Aperol. 

Aperol Old Fashioned

• 2 parts bourbon
• 1 part Aperol
• 1 orange slice
• 2 marischino cherries
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• A splash of ginger ale/Fresca

Shake this in a cocktail shaker, and serve over ice.  Aperol acts as the bitter component, and makes this a strong, yet refreshing drink.   

Who doesn’t like sparkling wine?  Prosecco is the hottest sparkling wine category right now.  Next time you head to the grocery store pick up a bottle, and try this out:

Aperol Spritz (Italy’s most famous drink)

• 2 parts Aperol
• 3 parts Prosecco
• 1 orange slice

Serve in a red wine glass, and over ice.  Try it out, and tell me what you think.  This is also a staple in my household. 

Go to your local liquor store, pick up a bottle, and have some fun!  This spirit will not disappoint!