Tom and I were vacationing in Italy the first time I tried an Aperol Spritz. Whether we were in Rome, Venice, or my favorite city, San Gimignano, I saw people in restaurants and cafes sipping this vibrantly colored refreshment. One afternoon we came back from sightseeing and I finally ordered a spritz. It was served in a goblet with lots of ice and fruit, and with my first sip our vacation soared to a new level of meraviglioso. Tom thought it would be better to punch it up a bit with a shot of vodka. The bartender reluctantly obliged. Since then, I rejiggered the traditional recipe so it can be prepared straight up, as a martini. You spike with vodka, shake, and top with a spritz of prosecco. Trust me, this icy-cold favorite of mine will turn a warm afternoon or evening into a special Italian sojourn.