Retro Cocktail Friday: Aperol Spritz and Vodka Negroni

I started a new, office-based job. In the middle of a freaking heatwave. I discovered anew how much I hate commuting in London, especially in the middle of a freaking heatwave. As is the law of the universe, Sam got a terrible cold (no, really) coughing his way through the night and getting next to no sleep. Needless to say we got no sleep either. I feel so tired it’s almost like jetlag – this kind of half-awake state where you are not sure whether what you are experiencing is actually happening or a half forgotten dream.

I am glad to be working among real people again – the cat didn’t make for scintillating conversation while I was freelancing at home. But at the same time my entire being is rebelling against the fact that it is now so difficult to blog – not just to create and photograph recipes but even to have time to write anything. I was commiserating with the lovely Em of Mbakes yesterday at the Sainsburys Christmas event – it seems that pesky life (and work) is getting in the way of our blogging ambitions. By the way there’s nothing more absurd than ‘Christmas in July’ brand showcases. They usually fall on the hottest day of summer and the intense heat combined with Christmas songs and Panettonne makes for a very surreal atmosphere. The food at the Sainsbury’s event was delicious however. I could have set up tent by the cheese counter.

But anyway it IS Friday which is cause enough for celebration. And having a cocktail in hand makes it so much better. This Cocktail Friday we are going all retro – I blame Mad Men which I started re-watching from the beginning recently. For a series I love so much, I have only watched most episodes once which is almost unheard of – I usually watch or listen to (while I work) the films and TV episodes I like on a loop. I can recite entire episodes of the Gilmore Girls chapter and verse. Mad Men is even better the second time around. Peggy is, of course, the hero of the series not that interloper Don Draper. I ♥ Peggy so much.

The amount of cocktail drinking going on in Mad Men borders on the outright obscene, but it has put me in the mood for Old Fashioneds, Negronis and Gimlets. Campari and Aperol were probably always in residence in a ’70s cocktail cabinet and I happen to have huge affection for both – even though my husband pretty much hates them. Their lurid colouring and bitter taste may seem a tad cheesy but there’s nothing more refreshing than an Aperol Spritz (check out this video on how to make one) or a Negroni. You simply have to pretend you are in Lake Como in the early ’70s.

Aperol Spritz

1. The rule, according to the Aperol website, is 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part soda water. Put plenty of ice in a white wine glass (I find this is what makes the cocktail look so dated – use whatever glass you want).
2. Add the chilled prosecco and top up with soda water. Put a slice of orange in the glass and stir.