The Tasting Panel magazine

JULY 2012

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DEPARTMENT HEADER A Social Sipper feat: You want something fun and delicious after a long day, but you also want to keep it light and low in alcohol to extend your social moments further into the evening. With these prerogatives in mind, the Aperol Spritz was made for happy hour—and for happy hour–friendly accounts. At Vapiano in New York, the Aperol Spritz is the star of the sunset hour. "We're pushing the Aperol Spritz as the happy hour cocktail," says General Manager Tim Powell. "We're seeing a great response and working to educate the guest about the drink, and it's catching on across the city. I was on the rooftop at The Standard last night, and they were serving them there, too. It's not limited to Italian restaurants, and is very hip." From the chic rooftops of New York to the glamorous seaside patios in Miami, the Aperol Spritz is a cocktail that goes hand-in-hand with summertime outdoor enjoyment. However, no matter where you are, the simple refreshment the Aperol Spritz offers is enough to get anyone social— indoors or out. And with its vibrant, romantic sunset-orange hue, we'd venture to guess that the Aperol Spritz is sunset in a glass, and could light even the darkest room with its flair for fun. Finding the perfect happy hour cocktail is no easy PHOTO: KIRSTEN LUCE In the Loop with Aperol In the heart of Chciago's Loop, Epic Restaurant is king of the happy hour. The Windy City is known for making the most of the lovely weather while it can (rooftop happy hours aren't as fun in January), so it's no surprise that Aperol is a star in this city that loves to socialize. PHOTO: ERICA BARTEL As the sun sets behind the skyline, Chicagoans gather on the lounge-like rooftop that's made Epic a popular post-work watering hole. "The Aperol Spritz is perfect for a rooftop venue like ours," explains Beverage Director Michael Chrsitiani. "Everybody comes here right after work, and it's still early, so a refreshing Aperol Spritz is just perfect." While the Spritz is the reigning champion here, Christiani loves to explore Aperol in other cocktails as well, and testifies to the brand's general mixability. "I love playing with Aperol and seeing what I can come up with," he admits. Beverage Director Michael Christiani. 94 / the tasting panel / july 2012 Armando Liuzzo on the back patio at Via Alloro. PHOTO: CHRIS BRADLEY

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