Spritz season is upon us, and has been since the first inkling of warmer weather. The Italian-based apéritif classically features a blanched mix of Prosecco, digestive bitters, and soda water. But just because the traditional way slays, that doesn’t mean we can’t embellish the cocktail.
In fact, at Coperta, the team has put together a whimsical Summer of Spritz hour Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. at the bar or when dining on the patio. There’s a list of fresh spritzes to try, as well as small bites such as Roman Street Fritters ($4), freshly shaved prosciutto di parma ($6), marinated olives ($7), and more. Copera also added a couple favorite bites from the Little Italy dinners the restaurant hosts, which includes fried mozzarella ($5) and fried zucchini ($5), both with marinara.
Each $9 drink contains sparkling wine, and guests choose from four tasty options. Try Dreamsicle, with orange juice, Aperol, and vanilla. Or the Summer Sangria, which blends the cucumber essence of a Pimm’s Cup with strawberry, mint, and Aperol. The Americano highlights Campari as the bittering agents, with Lillet Rose as well. Finally, a classic Aperol Spritz, which adds Aperol and sparkling water to the Prosecco. Plus, slightly addictive Aperol Spritz Jell-O shots for when you want to go wild.
Overall the new happy hour makes for a great reason to visit chef Paul C. Reilly’s Italian joint, which he has run since 2016 with his sister Aileen Reilly, and her husband JP Taylor, Jr. The menu of spritzes also got us thinking about where to go for other refreshing tipples like this.
Visit Coperata at 400 E. 20th Ave., Denver. Then go check out these other four places for summer spritz.
Blood Orange Spritz at Noble Riot
Pair a bucket of some of the city’s best gluten-free fried chicken with the RiNo wine bar’s Blood Orange Pop Spritz ($12). Guaranteed, it’s not like any spritz you’ve had. This version highlights the bright richness of Mommenpop Blood Orange liqueur with the herbal-tinged Forthave Red aperitivo. To even out the drink, a splash of Almacita rosé adds the final touch. 1336 27th St., Denver, nobleriot.com
Spritz Menu at Pizzeria Alberico
It’s worth a drive to Boulder to enjoy a bevy of colorful spritzes from Bobby Stuckey’s laidback pizza joint. On the menu, choose from four, $16 drinks, with the classic Aperol Spritz at the forefront. The other three include the Limoncello Spritz with limoncello, prosecco, and basil, Alpine Spritz with Braulio, Cardamaro, lemon, and soda, and the Montagna di Bacche, a floral tipple made with strawberry, prosecco, elderflower, and a squeeze of lemon. Of course don’t go here only for a drink, the excellent pizzas happen to pair very well with a spritz or two. 1730 Pearl St., Boulder, pizzeriaalberico.com
Spritz D’été at Le Bilboquet
In France a summer spritz is called, well, a summer spritz or spritz d’été. So, it’s only fitting Cherry Creek’s refined French restaurant would add one to the menu. The $17 drink looks and tastes a little different from the original Italian recipe. In it, find St. Germain elderflower liqueur mixed with an herbaceous and flowery Génépy from the French Alps. The floral booze base combines effortlessly with an effervescent sparkling wine, giving the drink a true Parisian elegance. 299 St. Paul St., Denver, lebilboquetdenver.com
Creative Spritz List at Parkway Food Hall
Spritz lovers on the north side should take a jaunt to Longmont for the new food hall’s festive line up of drinks. Try the Dubbly Bubbly ($12) with Ramazzotti Rosato aperitivo, Apologue Aronia berry liqueur, prosecco, lemon, and soda. Is that the essence of Dubble Bubble gum you taste? Yes, it’s one of the surprise ingredients in the spritz, and the inspiration behind the name.
Also on the list, the Pear Affair ($14) features Wheatley Vodka, Giffard Vanille, St. George Spiced Pear, pear shrub, Cocchi Americano, chamomile, lemon, and soda. And finally the Aichi Lychee ($14) with Shibata Black Yuzu Sake, Haiken Lychee Vodka, Domaine de Canton Ginger, lime, and cucumber tonic. Each runs only $10 now, through August 4, in honor of this very important holiday. Plus, there’s plenty of food options and fun for the whole family, so make it an event as soon as possible. 700 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, parkwayfoodhall.com
