Aperitivos for Summer 2021

Contrary to some, who consider the Dry Martini as an Aperitif, I consider a good Aperitivo a low-ABV cocktail. When the drink also includes wine or beer, it is tempting to already sip them in the afternoon. However, even if you do not want to promote day drinking these light refreshers are also perfect for hot summer nights. In this case, I picked two easy recipes which use just a small amount of ingredients.

Off to the Amalfi coast

First, I want to talk about the Campari Amalfi. Andreas Till created this easy and refreshing Aperitivo at the Pacific Times Bar in Munich.  The simple summer drink combines Campari, a splash of grapefruit juice and bitter lemon. In my case, I went for the organic San Pellegrino La Limonata. If you want a sweeter and less sour drink, you probably should use something like Thomas Henry Bitter Lemon. Yet, if you use the Limonata the resulting drink is very refreshing with a bunch of citrus from the Campari and the lemonade. It is quite a pleasant sip which does exactly what it was supposed to do!

Next, Alsace

Second, we take a look at a drink probably only folks in Europe can mix. The reason for that is the Amer Picon used, which is even hard to get by here in Germany. No, I am not talking about the low ABV versions, but the original 21 % ABV bottling. Luckily, my local supermarket carries it so I always have plenty of resupply. Besides the famous Brooklyn Cocktail, I quite enjoy the simple combination of Amer Picon and beer, called Amer Bière. In this case, I used a local Helles from the Hertl brewery to mix with the amaro. Contrary to the Campari Amalfi, the Amer Bière is darker with a lot of herbal notes. Nevertheless, the beer cocktail still is very refreshing.