Aperitivo

An aperitivo liqueur is a bittersweet, Italian-style spirit served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It is usually lighter and brighter than amaro, with bitter orange and gentian notes. Aperol Orange Aperitivo and Campari are the best known, and both are built for mixing with soda water, prosecco or vermouth.

Aperol is lighter, sweeter and more orange-forward, with a gentle bitterness that makes it easy in a spritz. Campari is deeper red, more bitter and higher in alcohol, which is why it anchors the Negroni and the Boulevardier. Many people keep both: Aperol Orange Aperitivo for spritzes and Campari for stirred drinks.

Build it in a large wine glass over plenty of ice: three parts prosecco, two parts aperitivo and a splash of soda water, finished with an orange slice. Aperol is the familiar choice, while Select Aperitivo gives a slightly more bitter, herbal Venetian version. Stir gently once so the bubbles hold.

For a Negroni with a different character, try Luxardo Bitter Liqueur for a similar red bitter, or St. George Bruto Americano Bitter Aperitif for a bolder, earthier profile. Luxardo Bitter Bianco is the pick if you want a clear drink. Each works in equal parts with gin and vermouth, though the flavor will shift.