No doubt you have spent many evenings enjoying an Aperol Spritz al fresco (or at your favorite hotel bar!).  I know I have! But have you ever considered Aperol as the star of a martini? My G&A Martini brings together the bright, citrus flavor of Aperol, the herbaceous layers of The Botanist gin, and the wonderful fizz of sparkling wine to make for a refreshingly chic take on the most classic of cocktails.

If you are looking for something new to greet your guests with at your next party, you can serve the G&A Martini alongside my Puff Pastry Pinwheels sprinkled with a bit of Gruyère cheese.  For a larger crowd, take a page from the European entertaining playbook and present each drink over ice in small bistro glasses!  Cheers!

The G&A Martini

Ingredients (serves 6)

  • Gin – 6 ounces, Botanist recommended
  • Aperol – 9 ounces
  • Triple Sec – 3 ounces, Cointreau recommended
  • Orange Juice – 3 ounces, freshly squeezed
  • Sparkling wine – (1) 750ml bottle, chilled, Domaine Carneros Brut Vintage Cuvée recommended
  • Rosemary – 6 sprigs, for garnish, fresh
  • Orange Slices – 6, for garnish

Directions

  1.  In a tall pitcher, stir together the gin, Aperol, triple sec and orange juice. Set aside.
  2.  Fill a large cocktail shaker half full with ice. Pour enough of the drink mixture into the shaker to almost fill it. Shake the cocktail for a full 30 seconds and strain into martini glasses.
  3.  Top each martini with 4 ounces of chilled sparkling wine. Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary and fresh orange slice. Serve cold.
Author

Marc is a cookbook author and entertaining expert who has shared his expertise for earthy and elegant vegetarian cooking, easy entertaining, and thoughtful but uncomplicated style for the past decade. He loves sharing his vision for the best ideas to help you enjoy life’s little moments, whether for a dinner for eight or a cozy night at home for you and your plus one!

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