BeatRoute Magazine AB Edition July 2019

Drink THAT’S AMARO Often made with Aperol, the Amaro Spritz may well be the cocktail of the summer. Powered by bitter aperitifs and sparking wine, this delicious, refreshing and low-calorie sipper is a classic for a reason. By GLENN ALDERSON T he New York Times spilled their way onto some people’s shit lists recently with a stuffy and pretentious article calling out the Aperol Spritz as simply “not a good drink.” They claimed the effervescent summer beverage made popular by the company Aperol (Campari America) and their popularized hashtag #spritzlife was making a whole lot of noise around an aperitivo that wasn’t deserving of all the fuss or fizz. Messing around with hashtags is no way to spend your summer, but the NYT got it all wrong. Road tested and popularized since the 50s, when you take away the brand appeal of Aperol, there’s an amaro, an Italian-style liqueur at the heart of this classic cocktail and Aperol isn’t the only player in the game. Simple, easy-to-make, low cal and refreshing — put an orange wedge on it and you’ve found your new summer squeeze. So pop a bottle of a favourite mediocre sparkling wine and spice up summer with these aperitif alternatives to the Aperol Spritz. THE ULTIMATE SPRITZ 3 parts Prosecco or sparkling wine chilled 2 parts your choice of amaro 2 parts club soda or blood orange soda Garnish with orange slices, or pitted green olives CANADIANIZE YOUR SPRITZ Who needs Aperol with these local lights The Woods Amaro A rustic and creative aperitif true to the brand’s ethos, Woods Spirit uses rhubarb, gentian root, wormwood and BC botanicals, including grand fir needles and blackberry honey, to create a unique product that pairs well in spritzes or acts as an excellent sub for vermouth in any classic cocktail. Amaro is a multi-faceted and intoxicatingly layered digestif that boasts a syrupy sweetness, followed by the signature bitterness Amaros are often known and loved for. Bitterhouse Aperitifs Step up your cocktail game with Bitterhouse Aperitifs. Offering three varied options, set your patio party ablaze with DaMan, a grapefruit and pomello flavoured libation, heavy on the citrus notes; LaDame with its sweet notes of candied orange; or Rubato, a rhubarb-flavoured aperitif with a light bitterness that can also work as a great substitution for Campari in your next negroni. For those on the go, Bitterhouse now offer a full mixed spritz in a can. Odd Society Spirits Mia Amata Amaro Named after master distiller Gordon Glanz’s daughter, Mia, who also co-produced it, Mia Amata translates to “My beloved.” This complex digestive liqueur is flavoured with exotic botanicals including myrrh gum, kola nut, candied plum, vanilla and cacao. JULY <strong>2019</strong> BEATROUTE 7