10 Aperitivi that aren’t the Aperol Spritz

We’re in the height of summer now and must savour each and every precious day of sunshine. Is there any better way to do so than by adhering to and revelling in the tradition of the aperitivo? True, this is a yearlong ritual, but doesn’t it taste so much sweeter in the summer when the days are longer and the weather begs you outside? Whether you’re spending your time in a southern European piazza or respecting this pre-dinner tradition at home, its fun to mix up your flavours every now and then. The Aperol Spritz has gained its worthy title as King of the Aperitivo but its time to give credit to some further, lesser known contenders. Here are 10 cocktails to consider for your next round of drinks.

1. Limoncello Spritz
2 parts limoncello, 3 parts prosecco, 1 part soda water, dressed with mint (or basil if you’re feeling fancy), sliced lemon, served over ice.
The most zingy and refreshing alternative to the Aperol Spritz, the limoncello spritz tastes just like summer. The Mediterranean citrus game is unparalleled so why not make the most of it? Like Aperol, the limoncello creates the perfect bitter-sweet balance but tastes less artificial and syrupy especially if you go for a good quality version or a home-made blend. 

2. Montenegro Tonic
2 parts Amaro Montenegro, 4 parts tonic water, served with ice and an orange wedge.
This Amaro comes from Bologna and is deeply aromatic concocted with over 40 different botanicals. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret but flavours like eucalyptus, vanilla, nutmeg and orange peel combine to make a complex profile. The result is a refreshing but warming liqueur that is spruced up by ice and tonic which creates this stylish aperitivo. The Montenego Tonic is perfect to enjoy in those last summer evenings where a slight chill begins to undercut what seemed like endless balmy days.

3. Cardinale
2 parts gin, 1 part Dry Vermouth, ¼ part Maraschino Liqueur, served with ice and a lemon peel for garnish
Invented in Rome at the Hotel Excelsior’s storied bar, the name most likely derives from the drink’s deep red colour which matches the robes of the Vatican’s Cardinals. As sophisticated as it is lethal, the dryness of the gin and vermouth harmonis beautifully with the sweetness of the cherry liqueur to create quite the religious experience! If you want to enhance its strength (tread with caution), you can up the amount of Maraschino.

4. Boulevardier
1.5 parts bourbon,  1 part sweet vermouth, 1 part Campari, served with ice and an orange twist or a cherry
The Boulevardier has a legendary beginning having been invented in 1920s Paris at the iconic Harry’s Bar. It was created for the American writer Erskine Gwynne who was living in Paris. He was the founder of a monthly magazine directed towards fellow expats from across the pond which was called ‘The Boulevardier.’ The sweet bourbon blends with the vermouth and Campari creating a transatlantic relationship within the glass. It is not dissimilar to the Negroni, though the Boulevardier is richer in taste. Whilst the drink fell somewhat into obscurity in the latter half of the 20th century, its deserved revival is slowly taking place. Why not be among those to bring the Boulevardier back?

5. Rosato Tonic
2 parts Martini Rosato, 4 parts tonic water, served with ice, a grapefruit wedge and a sprig of rosemary
Light, refreshing, citrussy and herbaceous, the Rosato tonic almost feels like a health drink…almost. It’s tempting pink hue looks like a milky Mediterranean sunset and the specific garnishes taste like summer in the south. The alcohol content isn’t as extreme as other aperitivi so the Rosato tonic is a perfect way to revel in chic European summer without the very un-chic hangover the next day.

6. Bicicletta
2 parts dry Italian white wine (eg. Pinot Grigio, Soave, Vermentino), 1 part Campari, a spritz of soda water, ice, garnished with an orange slice
From sight alone, you might be fooled into thinking that the Bicicletta is an Aperol spritz because the Campari combined with the white wine creates that same brilliant orange colour. But this classic Italian cocktail is far less sweet than its doppelganger. This is a laid-back drink, invented in rural northern Italy and designed to enjoy en masse. You can play around with the measurements, rules don’t apply. Nobody quite knows where its name (meaning ‘bicycle’) comes from but the anecdote recalls gentlemen drinking this aperitivo after work and then cycling home, rather haphazardly, after a few to many.

7. Tinto de Verano
1 part red wine, 1 part lemon soda, ice, lemon.
For the child in all of us, the Spanish Tinto de Verano (meaning ‘red wine of summer’) feels extremely nostalgic. This is the younger cousin of the sangria, less complex and lighter but still packs a punch. When picking your ingredients, you shouldn’t destroy any special red wines – this is an easy cocktail and you can use a cheap, table wine to make it (it’s amazing what lemon soda can mask). The Tinto de Verano is an ideal accompaniment to tapas nights as it’s a counterpart to the intense and varied flavours which your meal will offer.

8. Mezcal and Dry Vermouth
2 parts mezcal, 1 part dry vermouth, 1 dash of orange bitters, served with ice and an olive.
Summer’s answer to a martini, this concoction brings together smoky Mexican flavours with Mediterranean herbs, citrus and the salty sea thanks to the olive garnish. This should be served in a chilled coupe for the most heightened levels of refreshment and refinement. The dash of the orange bitters lightens the flavours, and the saline touch of the olive ensures that the best part of a dirty martini can be enjoyed all year long.

9. Martini Royale
2 parts Vermouth (sweet or dry), 4 Brut method sparkling wine, served with ice, lemon or lime, and mint for garnish.
You don’t want to waste your best champagne here, but you do want a dry sparkling wine and the brut method will deliver. This isn’t your most historic cocktail; its only graced the bars in more recent years but the Martini Royale has earned its spot among the best aperitivi on the menu. The vermouth provides the something old, the lemon and mint something new, and the sparkling wine something borrowed from other popular pre-dinner tipples. It feels elegant yet accessible, hearty yet refreshing; a drink fit for royalty indeed.

10. Rebujito
3 parts sherry, 3 parts lemon soda, served with ice, mint and lemon.
Deriving from the Andalusian dialect verb ‘rebujiar’ meaning ‘to mix’ or ‘to stir’, this Spanish delight was born out of the vibrant summer festival culture from the southern provinces. The rebujito quenches more than just your thirst; it’s a sociable, easy-to-drink cocktail which focuses on togetherness. Traditionally, huge pitchers will be prepared in seconds so that multitudes can raise their glasses together amidst music, dancing, and happy chaos!