Sweet and fruity apricot nectar gets a subtle bitter twist with the addition of Aperol, and the gorgeous apricot color is a spirit-lifter all on its own. If you want this sunny, fruity take on the Aperol Spritz to be a little sweeter, add the larger amount of apricot nectar.

Ingredients

　　1½ oz. Aperol

　　1½ to 2 oz. apricot nectar, chilled

　　½ oz. fresh lemon juice

　　2 oz. prosecco, chilled

　　1 oz. soda water, chilled

　　Thyme sprig, for garnish

　　Edible flowers (like chamomile blossoms), for garnish (optional)

　　Fill a wine glass three quarters full with ice. Pour the Aperol, apricot nectar, lemon juice, and prosecco over the ice. Top with the soda water. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with the thyme sprig and float a few flowers on top (if using).

　　Cook’s note:

　　For a zero-proof drink, fill a wine glass three quarters full with ice. Pour 3 oz. apricot nectar, ½ oz. fresh lemon juice, 2 oz. Sanbittèr soda, and 2 oz. soda water over the ice. Gently stir to combine. Garnish as directed.

　　Excerpted from Just a Spritz by Danielle Centoni (Artisan Books). Copyright © 2022. Photographs by Eric Medsker. Buy the full book from Artisan Books or Amazon.