Weekly Cocktail: "Contessa d'Estate"

Here's my latest mixology creation - a take on an Aperol spritz, and great for sipping during the golden hour. I'm calling it "Contessa d'Estate," or "Countess of Summer", owing to the bright, light, and refreshing core spirit. 

To make each drink, you'll need:

• 1.5oz vodka (I use VDKA 6100, made from whey)
• 1 ounce Aperol 
• 3/4oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur 
• 2 ounces grapefruit juice 
• Tonic water, to taste (I use Fever Tree)
• 2 dashes Crude "Sycophant" bitters (orange & fig)

Put ice in a Boston shaker, then add all ingredients except tonic. Shake vigorously, then strain into flutes with a couple of fresh ice cubes inside. Top with tonic to your taste.

The grapefruit balances out the sweetness of the St. Germain and the Aperol, and the tonic floated on top gives it a bitter tang. This could be served with a grapefruit wedge, for garnish, and can also be pre-batched if you want to make it for a group.