I’ve been working late nights in the studio recently, and I’ve learned that short breaks between projects help prevent burnout. When I felt that familiar drained edge creeping in, I decided to step away for a moment and enjoy two of my favorite things: cocktails and cupcakes.
I partnered with Aperol, the Italian aperitif first created in 1919 with its signature bittersweet profile, to create a citrus-inspired Spritz Break—an easy, refreshing way to celebrate the end of a long day and welcome summer.
If the idea of throwing together a last-minute get-together sounds like work, don’t worry: besides decorating, spontaneous mini-celebrations with friends are one of my favorite low-pressure ways to relax. For this Spritz Break I kept everything intentionally simple, relying on a few quick DIY touches and the classic 3-2-1 Spritz recipe. The result is a fresh, colorful little gathering you can assemble in under 30 minutes.
Cocktails in 3-2-1 — To keep things relaxed and focused on spending time with guests, I used Aperol’s classic 3-2-1 Spritz ratio. The Aperol Spritz rose to popularity in the 1950s and remains a beloved, easy-drinking cocktail worldwide.
It’s simple and ideal for batching: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water. Garnish with orange or clementine slices if you like—the citrus adds a fresh aroma and coordinates beautifully with the drink’s bright color, but it’s optional.
The glasses I used are inexpensive and retro-shaped—perfect for cocktails and easy to source.
10-Minute Decor — To echo Aperol’s vibrant orange hue, I chose a warm color palette and layered a few colorful textiles from my closet to create a cozy tabletop. Fresh oranges and clementines reinforce the theme and double as effortless decor—simply arrange them in the center of the table or in a couple of glasses filled with flowers for a quick centerpiece. Using regular glassware as makeshift vases is a simple hack that keeps things casual and fast.
A Last-Minute Cupcake Upgrade — To amplify the summer feeling, I topped vanilla bean cupcakes with mini citrus cookies for a bright, playful touch. I displayed them on a large plate that doubled as a simple platter, keeping the presentation charming but effortless. Paired with the Spritz, the cupcakes felt perfectly seasonal and inviting.
That’s really all it took. No elaborate backdrops, no complicated DIYs—just a relaxed vibe and a few well-chosen elements.
Photography by Amelia Tatnall
From start to finish, the prep and styling for this mini gathering took less than 30 minutes. After a long day, a quick Spritz Break like this is exactly the kind of easy, uplifting reset that feels worthwhile.
For more colorful cocktail inspiration and Spritz Break ideas, visit Aperol’s Instagram for seasonal posts and serving suggestions.
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This post is in partnership with Aperol. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep this blog running.