Looking for the perfect holiday cocktails? Aperitivo drinks are light, flavorful, and ideal for festive gatherings. This list features eight easy-to-make classics, each with a balance of bitter-sweet flavors and simple ingredients. Using Asterley Bros' handcrafted spirits, you can create everything from a refreshing Spritz to a bold Negroni. Here's a quick rundown:
- Asterley Aperitivo Spritz: Bright and botanical with Prosecco and soda water.
- Classic Negroni: A rich, bitter-sweet mix of gin, vermouth, and Aperitivo.
- Negroni Sbagliato: A sparkling twist with Prosecco instead of gin.
- Milano-Torino: Equal parts Aperitivo and vermouth, garnished with orange.
- Americano Cocktail: A bubbly, lighter option with soda water.
- Peach Bellini: Fruity and festive with peach purée and Prosecco.
- Asterley Bros Vermouth Spritz: Botanical vermouth with sparkling wine.
- Dispense Amaro Spritz: Bold and complex with Amaro and rosemary.
Each recipe is simple, scalable, and pairs well with light snacks like olives, cheese, or charcuterie. Whether you prefer bold flavors or a lighter fizz, these cocktails will elevate any holiday gathering. Start mixing and enjoy the season!
How to make Italian Aperitif
1. Asterley Aperitivo Spritz
The Asterley Aperitivo Spritz strikes a fine balance between simplicity and elegance, offering a bright, botanical flavor that's ideal for festive gatherings. It's refreshing, easy to make, and sure to impress.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 50ml Asterley Original Aperitivo
- 100ml chilled Prosecco
- 25ml soda water
- Orange slice for garnish
- Large wine glass filled with ice
To prepare, start by pouring the chilled Prosecco into the glass. Next, add the Asterley Original Aperitivo, then top it off with a splash of soda water. This layering technique keeps the fizz intact and ensures the flavors blend beautifully.
For a festive twist, garnish with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. Hosting a party? Chill your ingredients and prep the garnishes ahead of time, then assemble the drinks just before serving to keep the sparkle alive.
This spritz pairs wonderfully with light canapés or antipasti, making it the perfect choice for pre-dinner drinks. Its light, refreshing character sets the tone for lively conversations and whets the appetite.
Up next: a fresh take on the Classic Negroni, featuring Asterley Bros' signature spirits.
2. Classic Negroni
The Classic Negroni is a go-to cocktail for aperitivo moments, offering a perfect mix of flavors and sophistication. With Asterley Bros' spirits, this classic gets a rich, modern update.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 25ml premium London Dry gin
- 25ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- 25ml Asterley Original Aperitivo
- Orange peel for garnish
- Large ice cubes
To prepare, combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir well, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, and finish with an orange peel garnish.
The Asterley Original Aperitivo and ESTATE Sweet Vermouth add a bold, bitter-sweet depth to this iconic drink, making it a great choice for pre-dinner gatherings. Hosting a larger group? Pre-batch the spirits (skip the ice) to make serving easier.
Looking for something lighter? Try the Negroni Sbagliato for a sparkling twist on this classic.
3. Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato, which translates to 'mistaken' in Italian, came to life when a bartender accidentally swapped gin for sparkling wine. The result? A happy accident that turned into a celebratory classic.
What You’ll Need:
- 25ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- 25ml Asterley Original Aperitivo
- 50ml sparkling wine (Prosecco or Cava work perfectly)
- Orange slice or peel for garnish
- Large ice cubes
How to Make It:
Start by filling a large wine glass with ice. Pour in the ESTATE Sweet Vermouth and Asterley Original Aperitivo, then top it off with chilled sparkling wine. Stir gently, and finish with an orange slice or peel for garnish.
This version of the Sbagliato, featuring ESTATE Sweet Vermouth and Asterley Original Aperitivo, adds a British twist to the Italian classic. The sparkling wine brings a lively touch, making it a lighter, more celebratory take on the original bitter-sweet flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Serve:
- Use chilled ingredients and fresh ice for the best results.
- Pre-mix the vermouth and aperitivo if serving a crowd, but add the sparkling wine just before serving to keep the bubbles intact.
This drink pairs wonderfully with light appetizers, making it ideal for pre-dinner gatherings. Its lower alcohol content ensures guests can sip and enjoy it throughout extended celebrations without feeling overwhelmed.
Looking for a more traditional aperitivo? The Milano-Torino is always a reliable choice.
4. Milano-Torino
The Milano-Torino is a classic Italian aperitivo cocktail that blends Asterley Original Aperitivo with ESTATE Sweet Vermouth for a rich, balanced taste. Asterley Bros' carefully crafted spirits bring a refined twist to this timeless drink, making it a great choice for your holiday celebrations.
What You'll Need:
- 50ml Asterley Original Aperitivo
- 50ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- Large ice cubes
- Orange twist for garnish
How to Make It:
Fill a wine glass or tumbler with large ice cubes. Add equal parts Asterley Original Aperitivo and ESTATE Sweet Vermouth over the ice. Stir gently for about 30 seconds. Take an orange twist, squeeze it lightly to release its oils over the drink, and place it as a garnish.
Tips for Serving:
- Use chilled ingredients to keep the drink refreshing.
- Opt for large, clear ice cubes to slow down melting and maintain the flavor.
- Always garnish with an orange twist for that finishing touch of aroma and elegance.
This cocktail can also be pre-batched, making it perfect for serving a crowd during festive gatherings.
Pairing Suggestions:
The Milano-Torino's bitter-sweet profile pairs wonderfully with small bites like marinated olives, aged cheeses, roasted nuts, or light charcuterie. These snacks not only enhance the drink's flavors but also bring a festive vibe to your table.
If you're in the mood for a lighter, sparkling version, give the Americano Cocktail a try - it’s a refreshing variation worth exploring.
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5. Americano Cocktail
The Americano Cocktail combines bittersweet flavors with a touch of fizz, making it a go-to drink for holiday gatherings. It's a lighter, refreshing option for anyone looking for something less intense than spirit-heavy cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Asterley Original Aperitivo
- 25ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- Soda water (to top)
- Large ice cubes
- Orange slice or twist (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in the Asterley Original Aperitivo and ESTATE Sweet Vermouth.
- Top with chilled soda water.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice or twist.
Make sure all the ingredients are chilled to keep the drink crisp and refreshing. This cocktail's bittersweet and bubbly nature makes it ideal for whetting your appetite before dinner.
Variations to Try:
- Add a dash of orange bitters for a seasonal flair.
- Play with the Aperitivo and Vermouth ratios to tweak the sweetness or bitterness to your liking.
Pairing Ideas:
Serve alongside Parmesan crisps or light bruschetta to enhance the bittersweet flavors of the Americano.
If you're after something fruitier, consider adding a Peach Bellini to your holiday drink lineup for a sparkling alternative.
6. Peach Bellini
The Peach Bellini is a Venetian favorite that brings together fruity sweetness and sparkling Prosecco, making it a fantastic choice for festive gatherings. Its light, bubbly character fits perfectly with pre-dinner celebrations, even though it's a bit fruitier than classic aperitivo cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 50ml peach purée
- 100ml chilled Prosecco
- Fresh peach slice (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Pour the chilled peach purée into a champagne flute.
- Slowly top with Prosecco, stirring gently to mix.
- Garnish with a fresh peach slice.
Tips for Getting It Just Right:
If you’re making the purée yourself, blend peeled and pitted peaches until smooth, then strain for a silky finish. In colder months, frozen peaches (thawed), high-quality bottled purée, or white peach purée will work just as well. Keep everything chilled to ensure the drink stays fresh and bubbly.
Perfect Pairings:
The Peach Bellini pairs wonderfully with light, savory bites like:
- Smoked salmon canapés
- Fresh oysters
- Mild cheeses
Hosting Made Easy:
Make the peach purée in advance and refrigerate it. Add the Prosecco right before serving to keep the fizz intact. This prep method ensures each drink is fresh while giving you more time to enjoy your guests.
Looking for something with a herbal edge? Check out the Asterley Bros Vermouth Spritz for your next round of drinks.
7. Asterley Bros Vermouth Spritz
Elevate your holiday celebrations with a refreshing take on the classic spritz. SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth adds a layer of botanical depth, making this drink an ideal choice for festive gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 50ml SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth
- 100ml sparkling wine
- 30ml soda water
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice or green olive for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a large wine glass with ice. Pour in SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth, followed by sparkling wine and soda water. Stir gently, then garnish with an orange slice or a green olive.
Why It Works
The botanical notes in SCHOFIELD'S Dry Vermouth pair effortlessly with the crisp bubbles of sparkling wine, creating a drink that's light yet full of flavor.
Serving Tips
To get the most out of this cocktail, keep all ingredients chilled, use clear, large ice cubes, opt for a dry sparkling wine, and serve in stemmed glasses to maintain the drink's cool temperature.
Food Pairings
This drink shines when served alongside light appetizers, such as:
- Marinated olives
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon
- Soft cheeses with crackers
- Smoked almonds
Add a Festive Flair
Give your spritz a seasonal twist by adding rosemary sprigs or a few cranberries. Hosting a crowd? Pre-mix the Vermouth and soda water, and top with sparkling wine just before serving.
For a bolder option, consider trying the Dispense Amaro Spritz for a richer flavor profile.
8. Dispense Amaro Spritz
The Dispense Amaro Spritz offers a bold, bittersweet taste that's ideal for festive gatherings. It's the most intricate option in this lineup, delivering rich, layered flavors that add a special touch to holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Dispense Amaro
- 100ml sparkling wine
- 50ml soda water
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice or lemon wedge
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
Instructions:
Fill a large wine glass with ice. Add the Dispense Amaro, then pour in the chilled sparkling wine. Top it off with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with a slice of orange or lemon, and a sprig of rosemary for an extra festive flair.
The Perfect Serve
This cocktail's botanical complexity makes it a great choice to kick off holiday meals. Pair it with aged cheeses, cured meats, spiced nuts, marinated olives, or even dark chocolate truffles for a refined aperitivo moment.
Pro Tips
Using chilled ingredients ensures the drink stays flavorful and bubbly. Hosting a larger group? Scale up the recipe while keeping the proportions consistent (e.g., 500ml Dispense Amaro, 1L sparkling wine, and 500ml soda water for 10 servings). You can mix the Amaro and soda water in advance, but add the sparkling wine just before serving to preserve its fizz.
Customisation
Want to tweak the flavor? Adjust the Amaro-to-wine ratio to control the bitterness, or add extra soda water for a lighter version. For a seasonal twist, garnish with a cinnamon stick or fresh cranberries.
The Dispense Amaro Spritz is a standout addition to your holiday cocktail menu, leaving a memorable impression on your guests.
Conclusion
Aperitivo cocktails bring a mix of tradition and celebration to holiday gatherings. These eight classic recipes highlight the charm of pre-dinner drinks, each offering its own character to enhance your festive moments.
With just a few high-quality ingredients and straightforward preparation, these recipes are perfect for any skill level. Asterley Bros' handcrafted spirits add depth and flavor, making these cocktails stand out.
These drinks are easy to scale for any group size and can be partially prepared ahead of time, leaving hosts with more moments to share with their guests. Aperitivo is all about enjoying drinks, conversation, and the connections they create.
The true magic of Aperitivo lies in the atmosphere it fosters - pair these cocktails with light snacks, great company, and time to savor it all. Rob & Jim Berry of Asterley Bros have shown that Aperitivo is about more than just drinks; it’s about embracing quality, tradition, and the joy of gathering.
Let Aperitivo cocktails bring ease and cheer to your celebrations this holiday season. These recipes are designed to make any occasion special. For tips and tricks on crafting these drinks, check out our FAQs below.
FAQs
What cocktails are made with vermouth?
Vermouth plays a key role in many classic aperitivo cocktails, adding depth and balance to every sip. If you're planning holiday gatherings, here are some popular cocktails featuring vermouth:
- The Negroni
- Milano-Torino
- Americano
- Vermouth Spritz
Tip: Store vermouth in the fridge and use it within 4-6 weeks after opening to keep its flavor fresh.
Whether you're hosting a small dinner or a lively party, vermouth-based cocktails bring a touch of tradition and flair to your drink menu. Its rich flavor makes it a perfect addition to any aperitivo moment.
For recipes and serving ideas, check out the cocktail sections above. These drinks can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings while keeping their signature flavors intact.