It's not a Boulevardier, and it's not an Aperol Spritz, but the Mercury Express contains some DNA from each of those classic cocktails.

The bourbon-to-Aperol ratio is reversed from a traditional Boulevardier, leading to a light-bodied drink that's a little more bitter-sweet than dark and funky.  Meanwhile, honey, grapefruit, rosemary, and soda water evoke a Spritz-y feel.

The result is sparkling summer-esque cocktail that also plays along with deep fall's mild days.

Recipe:

• 1 oz Maker's Mark Bourbon
• 2 oz Aperol
• ¾ oz honey simple syrup *
• ¾ oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• Club soda

* To make honey simple syrup: heat 1 part honey in 1 part water until honey dissolves (but not to boiling).  Cool and use, or store in the refrigerator.

Instructions:

Muddle rosemary and Aperol in bottom of a mixing glass. Add remaining ingredients (except soda) and shake with ice until chilled. Double strain into a Collins glass with fresh ice. Top with soda.

Mercury Dining Room and Rail is a modern bistro located inside the Soo Line Building.  Daily happy hour specials (3 to 6pm, and 10pm to Midnight) compliment a full bar and breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

(612) 728-1111

mercurympls.com/