The drink of the summer is without a doubt frosé. But if it's a little too sweet for your palate, or you'd just like to try something different or slightly more bitter, you should grab another summer staple and old classic—the Aperol spritz. It's an aperitif cocktail made popular in Italy in the 1950s. It's traditionally made with Prosecco, Aperol and soda water. It's light and citrusy, with a low amount of alcohol so it's easy to drink. The Aperol gives it just a bit of bitterness, and the Prosecco and soda water cut it enough to make this fizzy and light for summer. We found quite a few great spots around the city serving up this tasty cocktail you need to try before summer ends.
il Porcellino: Lettuce Entertain You's River North Italian spot offers an aperitivo hour Monday–Thursday from 4–6pm with a variety of specials, but the offering that really stands out is the Aperol spritz, with Campari and Prosecco for $6.95. Start your night off there and see where things take you.
Giant: Jason Vincent's new restaurant has a wine-heavy drink menu, packed with delicious choices regardless of your wine persuasion. But don't overlook the cocktails, including a Cappelletti spritz, ditching the Aperol for Cappelletti resulting in a smooth but similar cocktail we like just the same.
Goddess & the Baker: The newest location of this coffee and baked goods spot just opened and is serving a small cocktail menu. Stop in for salads and aperitifs like the Aperol spritzer.
Osteria Langhe: Logan Square's Italian favorite dishes out delicious Piedmontese cuisine, but you can also get a few spritzes while you're there. Pick between Cappelletti or Casoni 1814 (pick the Cappelletti for an herbal kick or the Casoni 1814 for more of a grapefruit taste), then move on to one of the three house negronis for the rest of your meal.