Wow, this weekend has been a bit of a scorcher in Portland. As I write this now, we have the doors open, the fans going and the sun isn’t even all the way down. I think the high was around 90. They have a saying around here that summer begins July 5th (just in time to be cool for July 4 parties). This year summer came early – no complaints here – but whew. It is hot.

I was prepared, though. A few weekends ago we bought a bottle of Aperol and I’ve been waiting to try out the Aperol spritz. It’s a very, very basic cocktail – it’s even on the bottle’s label – but darn it if it’s not refreshing. Aperol has a very strong bitter orange flavor that pairs perfectly with a hot day and a little fizz.

And I like that illustrates something that I often forget about cocktails: they don’t have to be complicated.

Here’s what you need, per drink:
Ice
2 oz. Aperol
3 oz. Prosecco
Splash of soda
Slice of orange

Fill rocks glasses with ice, then pour the Aperol over the ice. Add the Prosecco, then a splash of soda to top it off. Stir gently and garnish with a slice of orange.