Villa Sparina Ato Recipe

Prep the fruit

Wash grapes and apple. Halve the grapes and thinly slice the apple into matchbook-thin slices. Place halved grapes and apple slices into a medium bowl or directly into a serving pitcher.

Gently bruise half the mint leaves by clapping them between your palms or lightly crushing with the back of a spoon to release aroma, then add to the bowl/pitcher with the fruit. Reserve some whole mint leaves and lemon wheels for garnish.

Combine liquids

In a measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the dry white wine, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup until the honey syrup is fully incorporated. If using Aperitivo liqueur, add it now and stir to combine.

Taste the mixture and adjust balance: add a little more honey syrup if you prefer sweeter, or another 1/2 tbs lemon juice if you prefer brighter acidity.

Assemble in pitcher or individual glasses

Add 2–3 cups ice (or the large ice piece) to the pitcher with fruit and mint. Pour the wine-lemon-honey mixture over the fruit and mint. Gently stir to combine and to chill the wine. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to allow the fruit and mint to infuse the wine.

Just before serving, add the sparkling water or club soda to the pitcher and stir once gently to preserve bubbles.

Portion and garnish

Fill 4 wine glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup each). Divide the fruit and wine mixture evenly among glasses. Top each glass with a little extra sparkling water if needed. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint. For a touch of elegance, float one halved grape in each glass.

Serve immediately. Leftover wine mixture (without ice) can be refrigerated covered for up to 24 hours; add fresh sparkling water and ice before serving again.