One of our favorite places in the world is Northern Italy, specifically the seaside hamlet of Monterosso al Mare in Cinque Terre. There are many reasons we love this place: the bright umbrellas lining vast, pebbly beaches, the lopsided, hyper-color fishing boats, the easy summertime wines and fresh seafood. But we discovered something on our honeymoon in 2013 that totally changed the game and has become synonymous with summer on the Italian Riviera: the Aperol Spritz. It's a sunset-colored, effervescent, sassy cocktail that originated in the area and is the perfect compliment to a hot day on the beach.

Best part is that you don't have to go to Italy to feel like a jet-setter and enjoy this tasty bev. The Aperol has been let out of the proverbial bottle and is now readily available at BevMo and good liquor stores Stateside. Plus, it's super easy to make and relatively low in alcohol (which makes it appropriate for day-drinking). Here's how to make it:

*Notes:

1. The directions for this cocktail are conveniently listed on the back of the Aperol bottle, BUT personally, I prefer less Aperol and more Prosecco, so my ratios are slightly different. 
2. Any glass will do since the directions are in parts, not exact measurements. 

The Aperol Spritz

Ice

1 part Aperol (directions call for 2 parts)

3 parts Prosecco or dry sparkling wine (I pretty much just fill the rest of the glass with Prosecco)

splash soda water

Twisted orange peel

Fill a glass to the top with ice. Pour in 1 part Aperol, fill the rest of the glass *almost* to the top with Prosecco (roughly another 3 parts), then top with a splash of soda water. Garnish with a twisted slice of orange peel and add in a bendy straw. Now, drink up. Saluti!