Skip to main content

Perfect Circle

3.0

(2)

Photograph of Campari cocktails on a tray.
Photo by Kelly Puleio

As the sun dips lazily down toward the horizon, I want a drink that’s bitter and lively—not too sweet or too alcoholic. Sure, the Aperol spritz is popular for a reason, but I usually crave something drier, like this aperitivo from Paul McGee and Shelby Allison, of Lost Lake in Chicago. The simple combination of sharp Campari and salty fino sherry makes for a spritz that quenches your thirst and works wonderfully with potato chips, olives, or aged cheeses. You can fit this one in a two-quart pitcher, but a slightly larger vessel will help you avoid pour-and fizz-related messes.

Read More
The kimchi brine is the secret hero here; just a splash of it brightens the cocktail while deepening it with a little funky je ne sais quoi.
Gourmet’s version of this perfect summer drink mixes the ideal ratio of vodka with cranberry and grapefruit juices, right in the glass.
Frozen into a slushy, the classic tequila and grapefruit cocktail becomes even more refreshing.
A riff on the Bicycle Thief cocktail, a citrusy, low ABV riff on a Negroni, this three-ingredient, party-ready twist features grapefruit soda.
With elderflower liqueur, mint, and prosecco, the effervescent Hugo spritz cocktail is a hit year round, but particularly on warm nights.
Native American people made these with cornmeal dumplings, simmering them with wild grapes, which were harvested at their peak sweetness.
Fufu is a dish that has been passed down through many generations and is seen as a symbol of Ghanaian identity and heritage. Making fufu traditionally is a very laborious task; this recipe mimics some of that hard work but with a few home-cook hacks that make for a far easier time.
Blend frozen mango, blanco tequila, and lime juice into these cooling margaritas. A Tajín rim adds a spicy-salty kick.