The beginning of August was gloriously cool and breezy—not Iowa State Fair weather by any stretch of the imagination. Mom’s cozy front porch is underused, so one day I welcomed her home from work with a mini porch party. It was a snap to organize this tiny gathering:
–I mixed up a pitcher of Aperol Spritz—a refreshing and slightly bitter Italian apéritif we drank during our trip to Florence a few years back. Happy memories of relaxed, buoyant terrace restaurants!
–I picked up some nibbles at the local grocery—pitted olives, bocconcini (bite-sized mozzarella) marinated in olive oil, parsley, and red pepper flakes, roasted and salted pistachios.
–I pulled out Mom’s most colorful glassware, which are works of art in themselves.
Our porch party required a little thought but not much action. It came together quickly and allowed us to have a relaxed, lighthearted moment together, enjoying the flowers and the late summer light.
Aperol Spritz
I go heavy on the soda in this recipe, making the cocktail a little lighter in alcohol. I use Perrier or San Pellegrino.
- Category: Tea and other Drinks
Ingredients
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 splash soda
- orange slices
Instructions
- Add first three ingredients to pitcher. Stir.
- Pour into glasses, over ice cubes.
- Garnish with orange slices.