This citrusy Metropolitan Cocktail is a sophisticated twist on the classic cosmopolitan with an Italian flair...
This post was created in partnership with Spello Restaurant.
**Please Note: Spello is now permanently closed.
When it comes to Valentine's Day, I am all about the pretty cocktails. There is just something about starting with a romantic & sexy cocktail that sets the mood for the entire evening- am I right? ;)
I recently had the opportunity and the pleasure to dine at the newly opened Spello restaurant in Mars, Pennsylvania during their soft opening for friends & family last week. The ambiance was upscale, yet not pretentious.
The dinner menu is inspired by Chef Melnick's travels to Italy. It is impressive, yet not overwhelming. The emphasis is on the quality of their menu selections rather than the quantity. But that cocktail menu, you all...
The sophisticated boozy concoctions being served at the restaurant come from the creative mind of mixologist & COO of the restaurant group that owns Spello, Colin Smith. Smith has been a part of the restaurant & mixology scene in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area for over 24 years .
The cocktail menu is higher end (you will find no well liquors here, folks), but is reasonably priced. Most of Spello's libations feature Italian spirits & liqueurs.
I would be lying if I told you all that I haven't sampled just about every cocktail on their bar menu because I have. (I may or not have photographed the entire cocktail menu for the restaurant. ;) ) But my favorite of Spello's boozy offerings is their Metropolitan cocktail- a citrusy blend of vodka, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, Aperol, & sweet Italian Vermouth...
Fortunately for you all (and for me!), I am able to share the recipe for this sophisticated take on a classic cosmo with you in today's post. This Metropolitan Cocktail would be the perfect drink to whip up for you and your date this Valentine's Day.
And since the Metropolitan happens to be an Italian twist on everyone's favorite girls' night out cocktail, it would also make a fabulous drink to serve if you are hosting a Galentine's Day get-together this weekend.
A few notes about this cocktail:
- If you are not familiar with Aperol, it is a Italian orange liqueur that has a slightly bitter taste to it. If you can't find Aperol at your local liquor store, pick up a bottle of Campari instead.
- While you could use any vodka in this cocktail, Tito's is recommended for its smooth flavor. I would definitely use a middle to higher end vodka in this for the best results.
- Using sweet Italian Vermouth in this cocktail recipe is key. Good brands to look for are Miro Rouge and Carpano.
Of course if you would rather have the bar staff at Spello mix up the Metropolitan for you, you can call and make reservation for dinner this weekend. Or just sit at the bar and sip on one of their 14 unique cocktails or a glass of wine while snacking on a tasty bruschette board (pictured below, top right).
And can we talk about Spello's bruschette boards for just a quick second? I know when most of you all think of bruschette the classic topping of tomatoes & basil comes to mind, but Chef Melnick has elevated this favorite Italian appetizer to a whole other level of deliciousness.
With choices like smoked swordfish pate, salmon tartare, and prosciutto & fig, there is a bruschette topping to impress and satisfy every palate of your dinner party. But my favorite thing about these boards of four is that you can mix and match your bruschette choices making them perfect for sharing.
My favorite (so far!) from the Spello dinner menu is their grilled Scottish salmon filet (pictured above, left). You also cannot go wrong with any of the pasta dishes on the menu. All of the pastas are made fresh in-house daily.
My favorite (so far!) from the Spello dinner menu is their grilled Scottish salmon filet (pictured above, left). You also cannot go wrong with any of the pasta dishes on the menu. All of the pastas are made fresh in-house daily.
And for dessert, I cannot recommend the Orange Olive Oil Cake (pictured above, bottom right) enough. Although I do have to say that Chef's Tiramisu comes in at a very close second for me. ;)
Be sure to follow Spello on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date with menu offerings & specials!
**Please Note: Spello is now permanently closed.
Yield: Serves 1
The Metropolitan Cocktail
This citrusy Metropolitan Cocktail is a sophisticated twist on the classic cosmopolitan with an Italian flair.
prep time: 5 min cook time: 0 total time: 5 min
ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. Tito's vodka
- 1 1/2 oz. cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3/4 oz. Aperol
- 1/2 oz. sweet Italian Vermouth (like Miro or Carpano)
- Twist of orange peel for garnishing (optional)
instructions:
How to make The Metropolitan Cocktail
- Combine all of the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Place the lid on the shaker and give it a good shake. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a twist of orange, if desired.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
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