Step 1

Make the simple syrup:

Step 2

Heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and liquid is syrupy, about 10 minutes. Cool and transfer to a container with a lid. The syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Step 3

Make the cocktail:

Step 4

Combine the simple syrup and orange juice in a medium nonreactive saucepan and heat until simmering. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. The orange syrup will keep, covered and refrigerated, for 1 month.

Step 5

Fill a wine glass halfway with ice. Add the Aperol, 1 ounce of the orange syrup, and the prosecco. Top with the club soda, stir and enjoy.

Step 6

Excerpted from the book AL ROKER'S RECIPES TO LIVE BY: EASY, MEMORY-MAKING FAMILY DISHES FOR EVERY OCCASION by Al Roker and Courtney Roker Laga. Copyright © 2024 by Al Roker. Reprinted with permission of Legacy Lit, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc., All rights reserved.