friyay happy hour: bourbon + aperol spritz

labor day weekend is upon us. the inevitable symbol that summer is over. sure, we still have a few weeks till fall truly hits, but let's be real, people are moving into autumn mode. myself included.

there is no denying that days are getting shorter, the light is changing, and the sun is just not as strong. but all is not lost!

you don't have to put that summer drink up on the shelf quite yet. instead of putting your aperol away till the first days of next summer, instead, swap out your vodka for bourbon. mixing in something a little darker, and a little smokier completely transforms your favorite warm day drink to your favorite drink to warm up with.

bourbon + aperol spritz

serves: 1 cocktail

prep time: 2 minutes

active time: 1 minute

total time: 3 minutes

ingredients: 1.5 oz bourbon. 1 oz aperol. .5 oz simple syrup. 3 oz club soda. smoked lavendar. 1 cup ice or 1 large ice sphere. orange twist for garnish.

start by filling your serving glass with ice. pour in the bourbon, the aperol and the simple syrup. give everything a good stir. top the drink off with the club soda.

add in the smoked lavender and garnish with the orange zest.

serve and enjoy.

xo, a