Cappelletti Spritz

There are many reasons why a spritz is the perfect way to end the work day. First off, spritzes are undeniably refreshing — they have bubbles, often feature fresh citrus, and should be served nice and chilled down, just as you'd want to be after a day online. Second, a spritz is lower in alcohol compared to popular cocktail alternatives like a Martini, Negroni, or even an ice-filled Mai Tai. This last reason, though, is arguably the most attractive quality of a spritz: They are unbelievably easy to make and can come together in just a few seconds. 

The Cappelletti Spritz from Bar la Fête in Birmingham, AL is the perfect representation of how a simple spritz can pack plenty of complexity and flavor. The key to this magical balance is in carefully choosing a few ingredients that go a long way. For the Cappelletti Spritz, you'll unsurprisingly need Cappelletti Vino Aperitivo, rose-scented lemonade, and club soda. The result is a gorgeous red-hued spritz that is bitter and slightly sweet, with floral notes and plenty of bright, citrus flavor.

Cappelletti takes center stage here. The wine-based aperitif has a lovely red color with herbaceous aromas and lemon, orange, and grapefruit on the palate. “Think of it like Campari’s even more drinkable cousin,” write Carey Jones and John D. McCarthy. Unlike Campari, Cappelletti has a more gentle, mellow flavor profile — think of it as a less sweet Aperol — which makes it a great contender for mixing into a spritz or even enjoying it on the rocks.

To round out the cocktail, Bar La Fete adds a splash of rose lemonade. Their brand of choice is Fentiman’s which features pure rose oil which gives the lemonade just enough rose flavor without veering into potpourri territory. The last component of this three-ingredient spritz is a splash of club soda and, if you’re feeling fancy, a wheel of fresh lemon to play off the citrusy notes in the drink. –– Lucy Simon