Aperol is a bitter orange aperitif that manages to be fruity and herbaceous simultaneously.  It also makes a fantastically refreshing and simple cocktail.  Enjoy a few of these over Labor Day weekend, and you’ll SWEAR you’re sitting in an outdoor Venetian cafe taking in the sunshine instead of watching your kids play on the trampoline in your backyard in Iowa.  It’s all about perspective, baby.

APEROL SPRITZ

1.5 oz. Aperol

2 oz. sparkling wine or Prosecco (something inexpensive; you’re mixing, after all)

2 oz. club soda

2-3 thin slices of orange or lemon

Make it:

Combine all ingredients over lots of ice in a big-ass wine glass.  DRANK.

Seriously — that’s it.  Why haven’t you made one already?!!?!?