This Italian Cocktail Will Make You Miss Studying Abroad in Europe

After spending a month studying abroad in Paris this summer, I have come to realize the true beauty of the French culture, specifically in the forms of savory crepes and galettes, steak tartare, and a slew of amazing cocktails.

Now, like any study abroad student in Europe, cocktail hour started when class ended (i.e. the bottles would pop starting around 4:30 pm). One day, while enjoying our favorite arugula, burrata, and prosciutto salad at the café around the corner from school, my friend and I noticed two trendy French women sitting next to us sipping on bright orange cocktails—we obviously needed to try one.

Using my mediocre high school French, I conjured up the words to ask the waiter what these perfect Parisian women were drinking. The answer: an Aperol spritz. Without even batting an eyelash, we ordered two, marking the beginning of my French love affair with the traditionally Italian Aperol spritz. Yes, I know, this love affair crossed borders.

Now, having returned home, I’m going through Paris withdrawal, and the closest I get to my Parisian happy hour is a spritz from my own kitchen. So with that, here is the easiest Italian Aperol spritz recipe that will, without a doubt, make you miss studying abroad.

Aperol Spritz

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 2 minutesCook time: 1 minuteTotal time: 3 minutesServings:1 servings

Ingredients

• 3 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz sparkling water
• 1 handful ice cubes

Instructions

1. 
   

   Combine Prosecco, Aperol, and sparkling water in a glass. Add ice, and stir to Parisian perfection.

2. 
   

   If you are feeling fancy, add a few slices of oranges to make yourself feel as if you are truly sitting at a French cafe sipping on a spritz after class.

   #SpoonTip: Snack on the spritz-soaked orange slices for the full Parisian experience.