Refreshing Spring Cocktails

Looking for seasonal refreshment? Try a few of the recently posted cocktail recipes from Food & Wine magazine's website.

The first one uses Campari, the bitter Italian liqueur that's one of my favorite cocktail ingredients -- think Negroni or Americano (same as a Negroni but lighter, because you omit the gin, put it in a taller glass, and top with Perrier or club soda).

Campari spritzer

Campari-Fennel Spritzer
 (makes one drink)
 INGREDIENTS:

1. Handful of fennel fronds, plus 1 small sprig for garnish
2. 3 lemon wheels
3. 2 ounces dry sparkling wine
4. 3/4 ounce Campari
5. 1/2 ounce simple syrup 
6. One 2-inch-long strip of lemon peel
7. Ice

TO MAKE:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the fennel fronds with the lemon wheels, sparkling wine, Campari and simple syrup. Muddle 20 times. Add ice and shake well. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Squeeze the lemon peel over the drink and add it to the glass. Garnish with the fennel sprig and serve. 

Click here to check out the other cocktails, which include Lavendar-Sage Sling and something called a Roof Garden (vodka with thyme, mint, lemon juice and club soda).