Spring Aperol Cocktails for Spring Entertaining

The spring season has long been a time for joy. In nature it is a season that ushers in new life and the end of the dormant winter, and in society it is often marked by festivals and celebrations. While there are always a lot of factors that make a good party, it is often the right cocktail that your guests will remember. In honor of the spring season, here is a short introduction to one of the greatest cocktail ingredients around. It is an ingredient that is both memorable and versatile and made up of many of the aromatic flavors that spring brings to mind. This year’s favorite spring cocktail ingredient is Aperol.
Aperol is an Italian bitter made of orange and rhubarb, among other ingredients, and is used in a number of cocktails. It is bright red color and bittersweet flavor profile make it a great addition to a range of drinks but here are some of the best:
The Negroni

  • 1 Oz. Gin
  • 1 Oz. Vermouth
  • 1 Oz Aperol
  • Ice

Combine and stir, do not shake, in a glass with ice.
The Negroni is the perfect nighttime cocktail and can stand up both at a casual backyard gathering and a more formal seated dinner. It is a strong drink though having no mixer to cut the booze so serve them sparingly.
The Aperol Spritz

  • 4 Oz. Prosecco
  • 2 Oz. Aperol
  • Splash of Soda

Mix the Prosecco and the Aperol in a tall cocktail glass and top with the splash of soda.
The Aperol Spritz is a simple but easy spring cocktail that can suit most anyone’s tastes. The sweet and bubbly Prosecco is the perfect match for the bitter orange liquor and with the entire drink getting freshened by a splash of soda water, it can be enjoyed at anytime of day.
Springtime Aperol Punch

  • 5 Cups Gin
  • 3 Cups Aperol
  • 1 Cup Chartreuse
  • 1 ¾ cup lime juice
  • 2 ½ cup grapefruit juice
  • 1 Bottle sparkling wine
  • Ice

Mix all of the ingredients in a large punch bowl and garnish with orange slices.
This is the perfect spring cocktail to serve at a large gathering, especially an early season pool party. Because it is a punch, all of the ingredients, minus the sparkling wine, can easily be mixed ahead of time in jars and then quickly added to the punch bowl to replenish as your guests polish it off.
While celebrations are definitely great times to imbibe, remember to always drink responsibly and provide alternative transportation options for those guests that need it.

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