Al Roker's Blood Orange Aperol Spritz

Chef notes

I was sitting in a French bistro with Deborah, Nick and Leila when a waiter passed our table carrying a tray full of intriguing orange-hued drinks. I looked around. Many of the patrons were enjoying this mysterious beverage, even though it was barely noon. I immediately asked the waiter to bring me what everyone else was having. Where had this tasty cocktail been all my life? My family was ready to do some sightseeing, but I couldn't imagine anything better than indulging in a bit of café life while sipping the nectar of the gods.

Au revoir and a bientôt, dear family! I ordered a second (and a third) and settled back into a perfect Parisian afternoon.