The Dolce Vita Recipe

Chill glass

Place a large wine glass or tumbler in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice and water while you prepare ingredients to thoroughly chill the glass.

Cut the navel orange into quarters. Reserve one thin slice (wheel) for garnish.

In a mixing glass or the chilled serving glass, add the quartered orange piece(s) you will use for muddling (about 1/4 of an orange). Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently muddle the orange to release juice and oils. Do not over-muddle — press 6–8 times until fragrant and juicy but not pulverized.

If you muddled in a mixing glass, add 2 oz Aperol to the muddled orange. If you muddled directly in the serving glass, pour 2 oz Aperol over the muddled orange.

Fill the glass with large ice cubes so the liquid sits over the ice and chills quickly (about 1 cup worth).

Slowly pour 3 oz chilled Prosecco down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation and create a gentle layering effect. Do not stir vigorously.

If you prefer a slightly lighter finish, top with 0.5 oz chilled club soda. Pour gently.

Give the drink one very gentle stir (1–2 rotations) to integrate Aperol and Prosecco while keeping bubbles.

Express the reserved orange wheel over the glass: hold it peel-side down and squeeze to release oils, then drop the wheel onto or hang it on the rim as garnish.

Serve immediately with a short stirring spoon or straw on the side.