Honeymoon Spritz

There’s nothing quite like holding the map of an ancient city and putting miles on your new walking shoes as you look around at weathered architecture, stubbing your toe on cobbled streets. Or peering down alleyways at carts, and shops, and two chairs at an angle with seated elders of the town conversing over coffee and a pastry. “We did Europe,” you’ll hear a friend say, and any number of questions might arise in your head. Were they in wine country? Exploring coastal towns? Did they feast their eyes on countryside, mountain views, or simply feast on local fare? There’s no wrong way with a European vacation.

With these trips on pause for now, I’m bringing a little slice to your home with a European vacation-inspired cocktail. This effervescent sipper is a relative of the Spritz, a word that evokes the fervor of a freshly squeezed lemon. Syrup made from rosé beckons for a moment in the sun in the south of France, as it’s mixed with fresh lemon juice as an homage to the limoncello makers of Italy. A healthy pour of Aperol readies the palate for an endless mix of cheese and charcuterie, fortified with a touch of white rum to add a soft vanilla backbone that holds everything together.