Intro to Aperol

The Washington Post, November 4, 2009

• • Course: Beverage
• • Features: Fast

Summary:

It's a rare cocktail in which Aperol (a bright orange, low-proof Italian aperitivo) takes center stage. A version of this is a mainstay on the menu at the famed Pegu Club, where the drink's garnish of orange peel is flamed before it is dropped into the drink.

1 serving

Ingredients:

• • Ice
• • 2 ounces Aperol
• • 1 ounce gin
• • 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• • 1/4 ounce simple syrup (see NOTE)
• • 1 dash Angostura bitters
• • Twist of orange peel, for garnish

Directions:

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the Aperol, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters. Shake well, then strain into a chilled cocktail (martini) glass. Twist the orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it into the glass.

NOTE: To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a slow rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes. Transfer to a heatproof container and let cool to room temperature. Cover tightly, and refrigerate until chilled through; store indefinitely.

Recipe Source:

From Audrey Saunders, mixologist at the Pegu Club in New York.

302 calories, 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 28g carbohydrates, 0g dietary fiber, 27g sugar, 0g protein.