hello aperol spritz

​Spring and Summer - my two favourite seasons.  What is the first thing that comes to mind when I feel the warmth of the first Spring day? Weekend BBQ's on the back deck, afternoon drinks around the pool, hot summer days and nights at the beach.  I mean seriously, what else are weekends for? 
 
Every year I look for the trending warm weather beverage that will quench my thirst and accompany me on the many social weekends that lie ahead.  
 
2018 - Hello Aperol Spritz.
 
Ingredients: 90ml Prosecco (does not have to be an expensive Italian sparkling), 60ml Aperol, Splash of Soda water
 
Served: On the rocks
 
Garnish: Orange Wedge (in Italy it can be garnished with a salty green olive as well) 
 
Drinkware: Tall, short - as long as it looks fancy.
 
Preparation: Pour all ingredients into glass over ice, garnish and serve.
 
This coral coloured, Italian aperitif is reminiscent of the seasons - the colour is the combined energy of red and the happiness of yellow.  
 
It's strong - but fresh, bittersweet taste pairs well with snacks and appetisers - perfect for those afternoon drinks around the pool.  Also is known to prime your appetite for dinner.
 
And you know what I love about this drink? Unlike beer and wine (and even for me champagne), being low in alcohol (therefore less sugar) it's light, refreshing taste doesn't leave that heavy, bloated feeling.  
 
Even better if you are in for a marathon session - you can easily have 10 of these and still be standing at the end of the race. (Ok 10 might be pushing it)
 
Lastly, I have the perfect appetizer – found on https://www.platingsandpairings.com (def worth a follow) to serve with this quintessential cocktail. Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Cherry Peppers.  Can be made ahead of time and they are insanely tasty.
 
A hot appetizer may not seem like the right match for this refreshing drink on a warm day, but trust me, they go down very well.
 
INGREDIENTS

• ·       12 sweet cherry peppers pickled or fresh
           (stems removed and seeded)
• ·       ½ cup extra sharp cheddar
• ·       ¼ cup goat cheese
• ·       6 strips bacon halved

·       1 Tablespoon chopped Italian parsley for garnish
 
INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 205°
• In a small bowl, combine the cheddar and goat cheese.
• Stuff each cherry pepper with a heaping spoonful of the            cheese mixture and wrap with a slice of bacon; secure with a toothpick.

​Arrange the stuffed peppers on a tray with baking paper. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly. Serve warm.  

So there you have it, the perfect combination for your next spring/summer hosting.
 
Both are so easy to make, are crowd pleasers and Martha Stewart will become your second name. 
 
Buon appetite
 
Love
YF