A few months back I shared my love of Aperol. I have an update on my Spritz cocktail. Just when I thought the drink couldn’t get any tastier, I subbed San Pellegrino’s Aranciata (are-un-CHOT-uh) for regular old orange juice.

My tasty Italian trio
The proportions remain the same – 2 oz. Aperol, 2 oz. Moscato d’Asti, 1 oz. Aranciata – and so does the process – mix all ingredients together, shake with ice, strain and serve over ice in a rocks glass. The original calls to be topped with club soda, but I hated to dilute this drink. I tried a few itierations (in the name of blogging) and preferred either no topping off or a small bit of Aranciata on top. I attempted an orange wheel garnish but my orange was too big and it looked ridiculous.
It tastes like a creamsicle! In addition to being very refreshing, it’s great for a hot afternoon because it’s low in alcohol – Aperol is 11% abv and the Moscato d’Asti I used clocks in at 5.5% abv.
The additional carbonation from the Aranciata also helps to make this drink light on its feet. Drinks with bubbles are usually more fun.
Aranciata only contains 18% orange juice, so this version is a bit less sweet, too.
Salute!