The future is orange: why the 'Aperoni' and espresso fizz are the perfect drinks for summer

Summer in London requires stamina. Long, hot evenings filled with outdoor concerts and drinking on terraces should be pure joy but taking a clammy Tube to reach your chosen event after a sunny day at the office can detract from their appeal.

There is only one way to beat this — the new wave of orange drinks. Choose from an Aperoni or an espresso fizz. A warm beer will not do, it has been given an upgrade with Italian brews being pepped up by the addition of orange aperitif Aperol. And for something deliciously bracing, orange is the new black (coffee) — everyone is on the espresso fizz; a cool combination of coffee, tonic and citrus bitters topped up with ice.

The fizz was invented in Sweden and is taking off in New York at Manhattan restaurant Maialino as well as at London parties.

Anne Lunell, co-owner of Koppi coffee shop in Sweden, says “it is the perfect refreshing drink and by far one of our bestsellers. Light-roasted, high-quality coffee matches perfectly with good tonic. The floral and fruity nuances in the coffee resemble the notes you can find in artisanal gin.” The citrus “adds another dimension. Fresh lemon or lime can be used as well as a dash of orange bitters.”

The caffeine “has an energising effect,” says Lunell. “It is the perfect refreshing drink and a good finish to a long shift at work.”

So if anyone asks for a coffee the appropriate question isn’t whether they would like milk and sugar but how strong they can take their bitters fix. Lunell recommends using a fruity and floral coffee for the best result: “The acidity from the coffee really enhances the drink.”

Over here, orange is all the rage with Aperonis at L’Osservatorio bar in Bunga Bunga and Peroni Alla Moda being served at Skylounge — it’s a heady mix of beer, vodka, Aperol, rhubarb and vanilla jam. Bunga Bunga Barman Nicolo Cogo explains the appeal: “Aperol has a sweet-bitter yet refreshing taste, which makes it great for mixing. Peroni is crisp, refreshing and light. When Peroni and Aperol are combined, the flavours of each become enhanced. The reaction here has been very favourable.”

After a few Aperonis and an espresso fizz chaser you will be ready for anything, even the Tube.

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