No. 5 Bittersweet Aperitif

This fills the Aperol slot in a zero proof bar. Sweet orange and rhubarb lead, herbal bitterness balances them, and the whole thing stays light and zesty rather than syrupy, which is exactly what a spritz needs. Worth knowing that the bright orange comes from added food colorings rather than the fruit, and that the build is short. Water, invert sugar, natural aroma and citric acid. At 9 calories and 2.1g of sugar per 1 fl oz pour, whatever you top it with will drive the sugar, not this. The intended serve is the Italian Spritz, three parts sparkling to two parts aperitif with a splash of soda and an orange slice. Antipasti, olives and hard Italian cheese are the food side. It also works simply over ice with tonic when you want something bitter before dinner.