I’m sure there are already 19,000 cocktails named this, but given my use of not one but two Italian liqueurs, I feel that it’s appropriate. I couldn’t tell you why, but the other day at Trader Joe’s I was struck with the desire to get a bottle of Aperol, something I’ve never actually owned before. I’ve had a few Aperol Spritzes before, and Negronis (I know, technically that’s Campari), but I’m not really super familiar with Aperol. I had to Google to even figure out what it was made of (gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, if you’re wondering). The touch of Aperol gives this cocktail a really pretty pink/peach-y color that is piuttosto adorabile, if I do say so myself.

This drink tastes like heaven. It’s sweet without being too cloying—like a melted lemon popsicle on a summer day. I don’t know if this is just a regional thing, but it’s like getting Richie’s Italian Ice from a cart in Boston Common. You can tweak the proportions however you like to make it more or less sweet (or potent). I never measure anything, so the recipe is actually just approximations, but it was roughly equal parts of all 4 ingredients, maybe a little heavy on the limoncello.

La ricetta:

1/2 oz. Aperol*

1/2 oz. limoncello*

1/2 oz. vodka*

1/2 oz. lemonade*

*or just equal parts of each, depending on how much you want to make

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously until very cold. Strain the liquid into a martini glass. Top with a club soda float (if desired) and garnish with a slice of lemon.

Happy summer sipping!

(My martini glass is from Anthropologie. I got it right before my wedding in 2016, but there’s similar here and here. Also these coupe glasses are to die for.)