Summer in a Glass

Sabato Sagaria is the food and beverage director at The Little Nell in Aspen. He has worn several hats during his career as cook, restaurant manager, professor, author and most recently, master sommelier. He’s currently spreading the summer cocktail gospel to the masses…

An Aperol Spritz on the patio of Ajax Tavern

I fell in love with aperitifs on a trip to Fruili, Italy.  While walking through the piazzas, I saw these wine glasses ablaze with an orange beverage and was intrigued. It appeared to be the national afternoon libation, so of course I had to see first-hand (first-mouth?) what it was.

It was an Aperol Spritz, and I was in love at first sip. Built around Aperol, the blood orange-infused little brother to Campari, the drink is bitter, refreshing and delicious. In my mind it is the ultimate summer sipper that awakens the palate and calms the soul.

I put the Aperol Spritz on the menu at Ajax Tavern that June, and on the first day of the Food & Wine Classic, every table on patio had one. The color orange is very contagious. It was then I realized that sunsets never looked more beautiful than through an Aperol Spritz.

You can order a glass this summer at Ajax Tavern, or you can make your own to enjoy wherever you are…

Aperol Spritz

  • 2 oz Aperol
  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 1 oz Soda Water

In large wine glass filled with ice, pour the Aperol and top with prosecco and soda. Garnish with a slice of orange.