Aperol: The New Classic

I know Aperol is trendy, but there’s a reason why: It’s good! In addition to its striking Orange Crush color, it’s a delicious, citrusy treat that transports you to its homeland. The Italian aperitif is most famously served as a prosecco-based spritz, a fizzy summer drink. But Vantage Rooftop Lounge & Conservatory (260 E. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-851-1768) has put a twist on this classic and opted to combine the drink with one of Missouri’s own wines. The St. James Blackberry Wine & Aperol Spritz is a bright red cocktail served in a stemless wineglass that manages to taste like every season of the year at once—it’s bright and summery with rich wintery notes of spice, too. Typically, I enjoy my Aperol in the summer, but with this new take, I’m thrilled to sip on it all year long. Chin-chin!