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If you’re anything like me, the mark of summer arriving is that first urge to run to the pub and order an Aperol or Campari spritz.
Obviously, I’m not alone: the demand for aperitif has surged over the past year, so much so that Aperols account for 13.6% of all cocktails served in the UK.
It’s true: Aperols have dominated the spritz world for a while. And it makes complete sense, the sparkly drinks are a perfect blend of sweet and bitter.
But sometimes, you want something a little different. It just so happens to be National Spritz Day today, and if you’re wondering what to drink, here are five of the best alternatives to Aperol or Campari to celebrate this sunny weekend.
Masters of Malt
If you’ve not had a Hugo spritz, it’s time to come back down to earth. It’s in the running for drink of the summer, and is essentially an adult elderflower cordial – so it’s refreshing, too.
If you’re after something that a little more balanced than a bitter Campari or sweet Hugo, this pomelo and elderflower spritz falls right in the middle. While it’s perfectly delightful by itself over ice, adding a splash of prosecco and soda water turns it into a fresh and vibrant spritz.
Forget about the saying that good things don’t come easy. They do. Namely: this blackberry spritz in a can, that not only tastes delicious, but does good too. Turning your evening tipple into a functional drink, it’s loaded with vitamin B, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc. Who knew it was possible?
Not a fan of orange? This light and lemony take on a classic spritz is ideal for limoncello fans. But, made with dehydrated lemons, it’s much more savoury than an Aperol or Limoncello spritz. Not to mention, you don’t need to splash out on prosecco every time you want one – all it needs is a dash of soda water.
Masters of Malt
Caorunn Small Batch Gin
While a humble G&T might do the job just fine, for a more summery take on the tipple, mixing a pink lady cordial or cloudy apple juice and lime in, too. The crispness of the apple will bring out the juniper flavour, and you can also convince yourself it counts towards one of your five a day.
If you’re thinking: fuck that, I want my Aperol, we get it! To help you get your fix (drink responsibly, folks) we’ve rounded up the best spots to get cheap (or free) Aperols this summer.
Best spots for cheap and free Aperol and Campari spritz this summer
- £5 Campari Spritzes throughout August at Bar Brasso
- First 25 Spritz free plus 2 for £16 on all Spritzes all weekend of 1st August
- Daily 2-for-1 Campari Spritzes at Lina Stores Broadgate Circle
- A complimentary small plate with every Campari Spritz at Bar Termini
- Campari terrace at Kimpton Fitzroy Terrace running until the end of September
- Racks Bar & Kitchen (Bar & Restaurant) – 2 for £14 Aperol SpritzesRacks
- Bar & Kitchen (Bar & Restaurant) – 2 for £14 Aperol Spritzes
- Holywell Beach Bar (Beach Bar) – 2 for £15 Spritz
- The Alchemist (Bar & Restaurant) – Brunch Menu & Happy Hour (2 for £10 Spritzes)
- Comptoir Libanais – First 50 Aperol Spritzes free on arrival
- Electric Shuffle – £7 Spritzes & reduced Spritz
- Flight Club – £7 Spritzes & reduced Spritz
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