Seasonal Ingredients for Sustainable Aperitivo Cocktails

Seasonal Ingredients for Sustainable Aperitivo Cocktails

Aperitivo cocktails can be both flavourful 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: Minimise 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 flavours and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, Asterley Bros makes vermouth, amaro and aperitivo in South London, and runs masterclasses to help you master cocktail-making.

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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 flavours 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 colour.
  • 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 flavours 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 flavours 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 flavours while minimising waste.

Ingredients:

  • 50ml ASTERLEY ORIGINAL Aperitivo
  • 75ml Prosecco
  • 25ml Soda water
  • Orange wheel or fresh herbs

Method:

  1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
  2. Pour in ASTERLEY ORIGINAL Aperitivo.
  3. Add Prosecco and stir gently.
  4. Top with soda water.
  5. 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 emphasises local ingredients and seasonal touches.

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for 30 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with seasonal citrus or herbs.

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:

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour in BRITANNICA London Fernet.
  3. Top with soda water.
  4. Stir gently.
  5. 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.

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:

  • 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:

  • 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 labelled recycling stations for guests.
    • Serve drinks in measured portions to avoid leftovers.
    • Save citrus peels and herbs for future garnishes.

Pro Tip: An Asterley Bros masterclass, such as Welcome to Vermouth or The Negroni Session, is a good way to pick up more advanced cocktail tips.

By following these ideas, your aperitivo party can be as thoughtful as the cocktails you serve.

Asterley Bros Products Guide

Asterley Bros

Bring a touch of craftsmanship to your aperitivo gatherings with Asterley Bros' carefully crafted spirits. This South London brand builds DISPENSE on a Sicilian family amaro recipe, creating 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:

Immersive Experiences

Dive deeper into the world of Asterley Bros with these unique experiences:

  • The Negroni Society: A monthly subscription (£14.50 a month plus postage) with a new Negroni recipe every month, crafted by the best bars and bartenders, and two Negronis in each delivery.
  • Masterclasses (£59.50): Taste the full range and go behind the scenes at their South London production space in Welcome to Vermouth, or book The Negroni Session or Introduction to Amaro.

Local, Small-Batch Production

Asterley Bros keeps its production local and its recipes transparent. Their approach includes:

  • Building ESTATE on English Pinot Noir from Gusbourne in Kent, and SCHOFIELD'S on a blend of English white wines.
  • Using British botanicals such as English hops and hedgerow botanicals.
  • Making the whole range in small batches in South London.
  • Publishing the botanical list for every product on its product page.

Whether you're experimenting with a classic spritz or hosting an environmentally-conscious cocktail night, these spirits offer a solid base for your creations.

Key Takeaways

Here’s how you can craft aperitivo cocktails with a focus on sustainability and style:

  • 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 flavour 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 minimise leftovers.
    • Choose garnishes that are edible or compostable.

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