It seems Aperol cocktails have been on the tips of many tongues lately, including my own. I had just finished reading Boozehound: On the Trail of the Rare, the Obscure, and the Overrated in Spirits by Washington Post coumnist Jason Wilson and was curious about Aperol, an old world, low-proof orange-flavored aperitivo. Then Molly Wizenberg, of Orangette fame, waxed on about an Aperol Spritz she had in New York and then she adapted another Aperol-based drink called Pamplemousse (you know, French for grapefruit). And last week, Martha (yes, that Martha) tweeted about enjoying an Aperol and sparkling lemonade. Well, hello Aperol!

So what's the deal with Aperol, you ask? It's a bitter liqueur, but not nearly so dry and pungent as Campari or Cynar (an artichoke liqueur). Aperol is sweet and tastes bright and sharp like a freshly peeled orange. So I bought a bottle and I was surprised how inexpensive it was—a low price point due to its lack of alcohol punch? Perhaps. 

Stealing all the best parts from both Orangette and Martha, I created my own Aperol cocktail which I will christen the Sparkling Pamplemousse. There are two versions: one with gin that packs a wallop, and one without. While the ingredient lists are similar, the addition of gin does really change the drink. One's gentle, the other is a giant.

Both are nice and balanced cocktails—tart and refreshing without being cloyingly sweet. Perfect for summer sipping. 

The Spruce Pamplemousse
I used Spruce Gin from Oregon's Rogue Ales but Hendrick's gin would be lovely here as well. 

1 1/2 oz Aperol
1 1/2 oz Spruce Gin
3 oz freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice
1/2 oz fresh meyer lemon juice
3 drops orange bitters
top with sparkling lemonade

In a cocktail shaker, add the Aperol, gin, juice and bitters along with some ice and give it a really good shake. Pour into a glass and top with sparkling lemonade. 

The Sparkling Pamplemousse
This is a drink that keeps the party going. Light and bright, like the best of summer. 

1 1/2 oz Aperol
3 oz freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice
3 drops orange bitters
top with sparkling lemonade

In a cocktail shaker, add the Aperol, juice and bitters along with some ice and give it a really good shake. Pour into a glass and top with sparkling lemonade. 

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