American Light
This 'American Light' recipe crafts a refreshing, low-alcohol cocktail featuring the complex bitterness of Punt e Mes and the vibrant, bittersweet notes of Aperol. Topped with effervescent club soda and garnished with a fragrant orange twist, it's a perfectly balanced and invigorating drink.
Equipment
- 1 Jigger For accurate measurement of spirits.
- 1 Highball Glass For serving the cocktail.
- 1 Bar Spoon For gentle stirring and mixing.
- 1 Paring Knife For creating the orange twist garnish.
- 1 Cutting Board For safely preparing the garnish.
Ingredients
Main
- 1½ ounces Punt e Mes
- 1½ ounces Aperol
- Club soda and orange twist for serving
Instructions
- Ensure Punt e Mes, Aperol, and a highball glass are thoroughly chilled.
- Using a jigger, measure 1½ ounces of Punt e Mes and pour into the chilled highball glass.
- Measure 1½ ounces of Aperol with the jigger and add to the glass with the Punt e Mes.
- Fill the glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Top the mixture generously with cold club soda, leaving a small space at the rim.
- Gently stir the cocktail with a bar spoon for a few seconds to combine the ingredients without losing too much carbonation.
- Using a paring knife and cutting board, create an orange twist garnish.
- Express the oils from the orange twist over the drink by gently twisting it, then place it into the glass as a garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Ensure all spirits and the serving glass are thoroughly chilled before mixing for optimal refreshment. The quality of your Punt e Mes and Aperol will significantly impact the drink's profile, so opt for fresh bottles. When adding club soda, a gentle stir is key to preserve effervescence. Adjust the amount of club soda to your preference for a lighter or more intense bitter profile. A well-executed orange twist expresses aromatic oils, adding a crucial layer of complexity to the 'American Light'.