Rebekah Peppler's 'La Grande Plage' Apéro

We reached out to expat journalist and cook, Rebekah Peppler, on the eve of Bastille Day to share a summery, celebratory drink from her new book, le Sud. She gave us "La Grande Plage" (aka The Big Beach), a spritzy cocktail that gives the Aperol Spritz a run for its money. This sunset-hued concoction promises to transport you directly to the Côte d'Azur...

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La Grande Plage

No shade but this is the spritz to make when you’re by the sea (or want to be) and desire something lightly bitter and bubbly and giving sunset in a cup.

Ingredients

1½ ounces [45 ml] Lillet Rosé

¾ ounce [22.5 ml] amaro, such as China-China, Nonino, or Montenegro

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Pinch flaky sea salt

4 ounces [120 ml] dry sparkling wine

1 or 2 very thin lemon or orange wheels, if desired

 

Method

For one:

In a wine glass filled with ice, combine the Lillet, amaro, bitters, and salt. Top with the sparkling wine. Add the citrus wheels directly in the glass (if using) and serve!

 

 

 

Excerpted from Le Sud: Recipes from Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur by Rebekah Peppler, © 2024. Published by Chronicle Books. Photographs © Joanne Pai.