Tag Archives: happy hour

In Defense of Aperol Spritz

by Wendy

The recent debate whether Aperol Spritz is a good cocktail is a pointless and stupid one, which makes participation nearly irresistible. This combination of sparkling wine or champagne mixed with Aperol bitter orange liquor (a little lighter than Campari) over ice has been popular for a few years, around the time when trendsetters feel the need to take it down a peg. Sure, the drink can be saccharine if made poorly, or if you knock back too many in a row. But why the disdain? Why the controversy? Aperol Spritz can be wonderfully refreshing and delicious, and it looks so pretty in a glass. As my husband Jack said, Aperol is said and done, we love this drink. Continue reading →

Happy Hour at Home

by Wendy
Jack and I have been in town a lot recently. We take advantage of time between trips to enjoy a quiet routine, including delicious home cooked meals that Jack makes and happy hour in our own living room.

Beer and wine are quite portable, easy to pack for a road trip or pop open after returning from a long journey. But you need the right ingredients and a bit more care to mix an excellent drink. So non-travel weekends often include Manhattans, gin cocktails, or my latest favorite, a Bloody Mary. We’ve tried several different recipes, but my go-to is as follows: Continue reading →