Aperitivo cocktails can be both flavorful and eco-friendly when you focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Here's how to create delicious drinks while reducing waste and supporting local farmers:
- Spring & Summer: Use fresh herbs (basil, mint), berries (strawberries, raspberries), and vegetables like rhubarb and cucumber.
- Autumn & Winter: Opt for tree fruits (apples, pears), citrus (blood oranges), and preserved summer produce.
- Sustainability Tips: Minimize waste by using whole ingredients, composting leftovers, and growing your own garnishes.
Whether you’re crafting a spritz, Negroni, or a simple soda-based cocktail, seasonal ingredients elevate the flavors and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, brands like Asterley Bros offer spirits and classes to help you master sustainable cocktail-making.
The Ultimate ZERO WASTE COCKTAIL INSPIRATION: So ...
Why Use Seasonal Ingredients
Using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients not only supports local farmers but also helps cut down on transport emissions - making your aperitivo cocktails more eco-friendly.
Spring & Summer Ingredients
Warm months are perfect for incorporating fresh, vibrant flavors into your cocktails:
- Fresh Herbs: Basil, mint, and thyme are in their prime during late spring and summer, adding fragrant, aromatic notes.
- Summer Berries: Strawberries (June–August), raspberries (July–September), and blackberries (August–September) bring natural sweetness and color.
- Garden Vegetables: Cucumber (June–September) adds a refreshing touch, rhubarb (April–June) offers a tart kick, and garden peas (May–July) bring a hint of sweetness.
These ingredients pair beautifully with Asterley Original Aperitivo, highlighting its botanical essence.
Autumn & Winter Ingredients
Cooler months call for flavors with more depth and warmth:
- Tree Fruits: Apples (September–February), pears (September–January), and quince (October–December) deliver rich, fruity layers.
- Citrus & Preserves: Blood oranges (December–March), preserved summer fruits, and dried herbs from earlier harvests add brightness and complexity.
These flavors complement ESTATE Sweet Vermouth, providing a well-rounded base for your seasonal cocktails.
Want to take sustainability a step further? Grow your own cocktail garden. Even a few herbs on your windowsill can provide fresh garnishes year-round, cutting down on waste and reducing the need for store-bought options. Seasonal ingredients like these will make your aperitivo recipes shine.
3 Simple Aperitivo Recipes
Here are three cocktail recipes that make the most of seasonal ingredients and feature Asterley Bros' handcrafted spirits.
Asterley Original Spritz
This light and refreshing spritz brings out seasonal flavors while minimizing waste.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Asterley Original Aperitivo
- 75ml Prosecco
- 25ml Soda water
- Orange wheel or fresh herbs
Method:
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Pour in Asterley Original Aperitivo.
- Add Prosecco and stir gently.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with an orange wheel or fresh herbs.
Tip: Dehydrate leftover citrus peels for future garnishes.
Now, let's move on to a local spin on the classic Negroni.
ESTATE Negroni
This version of the Negroni emphasizes local ingredients and seasonal touches.
Ingredients:
- 25ml ESTATE English Sweet Vermouth
- 25ml London Dry Gin
- 25ml Dispense Amaro
- Seasonal citrus or herbs
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 30 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with seasonal citrus or herbs.
"Handmade with integrity in South London" - Asterley Bros
Britannica Fernet & Soda
This simple cocktail highlights the bold botanicals of Britannica London Fernet.
Ingredients:
- 35ml Britannica London Fernet
- 100ml Soda water
- Seasonal herbs
Method:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in Britannica London Fernet.
- Top with soda water.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with seasonal herbs.
These recipes evolve with the seasons, making use of locally available garnishes. To keep your vermouth and amaro fresh, store them in the refrigerator after opening.
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Planning Your Aperitivo Party
With some great recipes ready, hosting an aperitivo gathering can be both enjoyable and eco-friendly. A little planning goes a long way in creating a memorable experience while keeping waste to a minimum.
Food Pairing Guide
Pair your cocktails with delicious, locally sourced bites that highlight seasonal ingredients:
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Spring and Summer
- Fresh English pea and mint crostini to complement the Asterley Original Spritz
- Artisanal cheese topped with seasonal herbs
- Pickled vegetables from surplus produce
- British charcuterie paired with foraged wild herbs
-
Autumn and Winter
- Roasted root vegetable crostini, perfect with an ESTATE Negroni
- Preserved summer fruits as eye-catching garnishes
- A mix of local nuts and dried fruits
- A variety of seasonal British cheeses
Reducing Party Waste
Keep waste to a minimum with these simple tips:
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Before the Party
- Plan portions carefully and store drinks properly to keep them fresh.
- Use reusable cloth napkins instead of disposable paper ones.
- Shop for ingredients from local producers to cut down on transport impact.
-
During the Event
- Set up clearly labeled recycling stations for guests.
- Serve drinks in measured portions to avoid leftovers.
- Save citrus peels and herbs for future garnishes.
Pro Tip: Check out an Asterley Bros Vermouth Masterclass to pick up more advanced tips for crafting cocktails with less waste.
By following these ideas, your aperitivo party can be as thoughtful as the cocktails you serve.
"Handmade with integrity in South London" - Asterley Bros
Asterley Bros Products Guide
Bring a touch of craftsmanship to your aperitivo gatherings with Asterley Bros' carefully crafted spirits. This London-based brand takes inspiration from a Sicilian Amaro recipe passed down through generations, creating artisanal products that stand out in any home bar.
Core Collection for Your Home Bar
Asterley Bros' core offerings are perfect for mixing cocktails or enjoying on their own:
- Asterley Original British Aperitivo (£18.95) – Ideal for creative spritz recipes.
- ESTATE English Sweet Vermouth (£25.95) – A must-have for Negronis.
- SCHOFIELD'S English Dry Vermouth (£25.95) – Perfect for martini enthusiasts.
- Dispense Amaro (£30.95) – A versatile choice for after-dinner sipping.
- BRITANNICA London Fernet (£35.95) – Packed with a bold botanical profile.
Immersive Experiences
Dive deeper into the world of Asterley Bros with these unique experiences:
- The Negroni Society – A monthly subscription (£13.95) featuring two expertly crafted Negroni recipes delivered to your door.
- Vermouth Masterclasses – Get an insider's look at the production process at their South London facility.
Commitment to Sustainability
Asterley Bros integrates eco-conscious practices into their production process to align with their vision of a greener aperitivo culture. Their methods include:
- Using locally sourced botanicals.
- Prioritizing minimal-waste packaging.
- Producing in small batches to maintain quality.
- Incorporating seasonal ingredients for fresh, vibrant flavors.
Whether you're experimenting with a classic spritz or hosting an environmentally-conscious cocktail night, these spirits offer a solid base for your creations.
"Handmade with integrity in South London" - Asterley Bros
Key Takeaways
Here’s how you can craft aperitivo cocktails with a focus on sustainability and style:
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Seasonal Ingredients
- Use fresh herbs and citrus for spring and summer cocktails.
- Incorporate preserved fruits and warming spices for autumn and winter drinks.
- Seasonal choices not only enhance flavor but also support local sourcing.
- Bar Essentials Stock your bar with spirits like ESTATE Sweet Vermouth, Asterley Original British Aperitivo, and BRITANNICA London Fernet to create a solid base for your cocktails.
-
Eco-Friendly Practices
- Opt for glassware instead of disposable cups.
- Use whole ingredients and compost any leftovers.
- Store seasonal items correctly to keep them fresh longer.
-
Smart Hosting Tips
- Plan portions to avoid unnecessary waste.
- Prepare cocktails in batches to save time.
- Share surplus ingredients to minimize leftovers.
- Choose garnishes that are edible or compostable.