Beginning this week, diners can enjoy Aperitivo Hour at Rosario (2435 18th St NW). Starting Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 3 to 7 p.m., the Adams Morgan restaurant will offer food and drink at deliciously low prices. Since opening last spring, the restaurant has tripled the size of its Italian inspired cocktail menu and now pours vintage and esoteric wines by the ounce, including such labels as the 2004 Quinterelli Amarone. In addition, the restaurant flaunts more than 70 amari labels.
During Aperitivo Hour, cocktails are $4 to $6, including fresh, boozy takes on classic, Italian aperitivo drinks like the Americano and Aperol spritz, both served on tap, and the Rosario 50/50 Martini made with Spring 44 gin, Cocchi Rosa vermouth and orange bitters. A collection of spritzers blends prosecco, amaro, liquor and juice to highlight flavors of cantaloupe, strawberry, blackberries and ginger. The list also features American cocktails made with Italian ingredients like the Boulevardier made with bourbon, Campari, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth and bitters and the Milanese Mule with Spring 44 vodka, lime, Barrow’s Intense Ginger, Cardamaro, and Bundaberg Ginger Beer. Fans of cult favorite Ilegal Joven Mezcal will enjoy the Run On, which blends the smoky liquor with lime, vanilla, pineapple and Ancho Reyes. Beer and wine also make the Apertivo Hour menu at Rosario where guests can enjoy Peroni for $4 or wine by the glass for $8.
Chef Logan McGear has created a menu of more than ten snack options under $5 for the Aperitivo Hour. Arancini Bolognese, already a favorite among guests, makes the menu alongside speck potato croquettes, n’duja and anchovy, tramezzini, cannellini bean and bell pepper, vegan meatballs, fried goat cheese, and more.
In addition to Aperitivo Hour and the recently added brunch menu, which highlights spritzers, Rosario mixmasters are developing one of the most robust collections of amaro available. Each day, the staff chooses a different amaro to highlight.
Rosario offers a different special each day including half priced wine on Mondays.
