Cooking Lesson #721: Charred Hot Chile & Orange Aperol Spritz

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

How you doin’?  Before the pandemic we were eating in one of the fine, old restaurants in San Francisco when my guest asked the waiter, what is the best house cocktail?  Being an older union waiter with an attitude he replied, gin on the rocks. I guess if we were looking for a creative mixologist we would be in the wrong place.  He wasn’t kidding… the establishment was a no-frills bottle bar. No blenders or any kind of fancy contemporary equipment. So, it was gin and tonic.
 
Today, barkeeps in almost every city hire creative mixologists that come up with some of the most inventive drinks ever using all sorts of unconventional ingredients. It’s a challenge I’m up for. With this recipe, I’m showing off my creative side with a hot charred chile, orange and prosecco which gives this spritz the fizz. The chile peppers give a bit of kick, but you can leave them out if you prefer.
 
Prep time:  5 minutes
Cook time:  10 minutes
Yield:  6 cocktails
 
Ingredients 
1 large thinly sliced orange (6-slices)
6 long fresh red chile peppers
12 ounces Aperol
20 ounces Prosecco
6 ounces soda water
 
Directions

1. Preheat a chargrill on high heat.  Allow about 15 minutes for it to come up to temperature.
2. Grill the orange slices and chile peppers for 6-8 minutes or until charred.
3. Divide the Aperol, Prosecco and soda water among 6 glasses.
4. Garnish with a charred orange slice and a chile.

 
ChefSecret:  Aperol is an Italian aperitif made of bitter orange and, among other things, rhubarb. It's available at large bottle shops or online.

​Quip of the Day:  People who wonder if the glass is half empty or half full miss the point. The glass is refillable. 
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to  Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission and/or American Red Cross.

#Cocktail #AperolSpritze #Prosecco #CharredHotChile #Cheers #HappyHour #2024 #T2T #URM #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup  
 
                                                                           ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2024

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