Maybe it’s because I am sad I had to cancel my Greek Island vacation this summer, or maybe I’m just reminiscing about my trip to Croatia two years ago.  Whatever the reason, I’m thinking about European cocktails this week.  You know, the drinks those world travelers get to enjoy in Italy, Greece and other popular Mediterranean summer hotspots.  Two years ago when we were lucky enough to sail the Adriatic with our dear friends, I decreed the Aperol Spritz our designated vacation cocktail.  The drink will forever be linked to that wonderful trip of a lifetime.

As I’m sure is the case for many of you, my vacation plans have gone by the wayside this year. But that doesn’t mean we can’t try to enjoy a cocktail that can transport us to paradise in our minds. Obviously it won’t be the same as enjoying it on a boat or beach with friends, but it might be the only way any of us get to go anywhere this summer.

I spied the bottle of Aperol in my liquor cabinet this week and just knew I had to include it in this week’s cocktail. But how could I improve on the Aperol Spritz?  Perhaps with the Aperol Greyhound!  It’s got vodka in it so it’s stronger than the light Aperol Spritz.  But it’s also got club soda, so you still get some bubbles.  

Here’s the recipe:

Aperol Greyhound

2 oz vodka

1 1/2 oz Aperol

2 oz fresh grapefruit juice

2 oz club soda

Dash orange bitters

Pour first four ingredients in a wine glass filled with ice, then add a dash or two of orange bitters.  Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a sprig of mint and/or thyme.

If you can’t go to Europe this summer (and I doubt you can), have a cocktail that will bring back memories of trips you’ve taken in the past.  This too shall pass, we can go next year!