Ask connoisseurs all over the world what the perfect aperitif would be for a hearty meal with friends and family, and they’ll likely mention Campari Group’s Aperol Spritz. For almost 100 years now, the unique bittersweet taste and bright orange Italian aperitif has been the quintessential social signature drink.
Aperol might not be the most popular drink in the Philippines, but Campari Group’s new regional brand ambassador for Southeast Asia and celebrity mixologist Symphony Loo is looking to change that.
The world-renowned bartender held an Aperol master class last December at the 1898 Hotel Colonia en Las Filipinas in Poblacion, Makati City to discuss the history of Aperol. A number of personalities and bartenders from prominent establishments in Metro Manila attended the Masterclass. Some of Aperol’s partner establishments included Oto, Flat Iron, Bar One, 1898 Hotel Colonia en Las Filipinas, The Manila Hotel, Hanky Panky, Alegria and more. As a treat, she even showed guests how to concoct the perfect Aperol Spritz.
Loo, who once served as the beverage manager for The Dandy Group and would oversee establishments such as Neon Pigeon, Fat Prince, The Ottomani and Summerlong, was awarded the “Rising Star of the Year” by the Bar Award of Singapore in 2017 before joining Campari Group.
Light, sparkling and refreshing, Aperol is one of the most widely consumed cocktails in Italy. It is an infusion of oranges, herbs and roots in a perfectly balanced combination. The aperitif is the product of seven years of hard work and experimentation by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, who wanted to create a lower alcohol spirit.
Aperol is available in select Metro Manila establishments.
