Fiero Spritz Recipe

Prepare glass

Select a large wine or stemmed goblet and fill it with the large ice cubes (use 2–3 large cubes or one large sphere) to chill the glass while you build the drink.

Combine base ingredients

In a mixing glass or shaker without ice, add 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz gin, 1 oz blood orange juice, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup. Adding citrus first helps balance the bitterness.

Light stir and chill

Add a few ice cubes to the mixing glass and stir gently for about 15–20 seconds to lightly chill and dilute the mixture (you want about 10–15% dilution). If you prefer a slightly colder drink, shake briefly (4–6 seconds) and pour over ice — stirring preserves the bright texture.

Assemble spritz

Discard the chilling ice from the serving glass if it has melted significantly, then strain the mixed cocktail into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Top with 2 oz chilled club soda poured gently down the side to preserve carbonation and create a layered look.

Add optional aromatics

If using, add 1 dash orange bitters into the glass and lightly slap the rosemary sprig between your hands to release oils, then rest it on the rim or float it atop the drink.

Garnish and serve

Express an orange twist over the surface to release fragrant oils, rub the peel on the glass rim if desired, and drop a blood orange wheel or the twist into the drink. Serve immediately with a short cocktail straw.

Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water (for example 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and cool completely. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.