By: Chandler Presson By: Chandler Presson | June 7, 2023 | Food & Drink Feature
POV: You head inside after a long day on the beach, take a shower, get dressed for dinner and decide to grab a cocktail. The obvious drink of choice? An Aperol spritz.
There is truly nothing more refreshing than an Aperol spritz after a long day in the sun. And while most spritzes are made with the same ingredients, not every Aperol spritz is the same. Not to worry, we rounded up the very best spots to grab the most refreshing drink of the summer in the Hamptons. These 13 Hamptons haunts have the very best spritzes to be found Out East.
See also: The 14 Best Martini Spots In The Hamptons
8 W. Water St., Sag Harbor / 631.725.7088 / Website
Known for its incredible views of the sunset, this Sag Harbour restaurant serves incredible seafood in one of the most enviable locations out east. An Aperol spritz pairs perfectly with their pan-roasted local blackfish with fiddlehead ferns, potato puree and a morel-sherry cream sauce. We also recommend starting with the pork belly pretzel buns and the steamed mussels.
1020 Montauk Highway, Water Mill / 631.500.9292 / Website
Called “Mykonos in the Hamptons,” Calissa always brings the party with their Greek dishes such as salt-baked fish, seafood pasta and Mediterranean mezze and their live entertainment, including live music on Thursdays and DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays. Insider tip: The avocado tzatziki is life-changing.
336 W. Montauk Highway / 631.594.5744 / Website
Each and every menu item is made in-house using the East End’s local, in-season produce at Centro Trattoria & Bar. Family recipes and the wood-burning oven reign supreme, resulting in delicious Italian cuisine perfect for a summer’s evening. The patio is gorgeous, the desserts are delish and the perfect Aperol spritz is the cherry on top.
15 Main St., Southampton / 631.488.1300 / Website
Located right on Main Street in Southampton, Dopo Argento combines modern Mediterranean cuisine with Italian accents for a bright, inspired menu that will please the whole family. Dopo Argento is a great choice for occasion dining thanks to their extensive land and sea offerings and the generously portioned sides.
341 Pantigo Road, East Hampton / 631.604.2227 / Website
As one of the most beloved cocktail spots in the Hamptons, it comes as no surprise that Moby’s makes a mean spritz. Keep it simple with the classic Aperol spritz, or mix it up and try the Spritz Maison, a delicious concoction made of martini fiero, orange, grapefruit and prosecco. Be sure to go during golden hour to take full advantage of the space’s huge windows.
1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor / 631.808.3767 / Website
St. Tropez meets the Hamptons at this local favorite, long beloved by Hamptonites and New Yorkers. There’s always a party at Bilbo, and their Aperol spritz is the perfect accouterment. Be sure to pair it with whatever’s on special (everything’s delicious) for the perfect evening of summer revelry.
2468 Main St., Bridgehampton / 631.537.5110 / Website
This Bridgehampton eatery gives the Hamptons’ finest ingredients the French treatment, resulting in delicious and ultra-fresh shrimp, mussels and fish. For the past 20 years, Pierre’s has been providing excellent people-watching on the outdoor patio and delicious French cuisine that pairs exquisitely with their perfectly proportioned spritz.
30 Main St., Southampton / 631.283.1233 / Website
This Milanese restaurant has garnered a cult following both in Manhattan and the Hamptons. From their delicious pastries and cappuccinos to their homemade pasta, there’s no way to go wrong at Sant Ambroeus. The Southampton location is just as beautiful as it is delicious thanks to its design refresh courtesy of Robert McKinley, so you can sip your spritz in style.
35 Shore Road, Shelter Island Heights / 631.749.2001 / Website
This boutique hotel has everything you need for an incredible Hamptons stay: ocean views, gorgeous outdoor seating, delicious food and a fully stocked bar. If you’ve just hopped out of the water, this is a great spot to grab a bite and a few drinks, and their spritzes are nothing short of perfection. P.S. It’s pet friendly too!
Multiple locations / Website
Aperol is an Italian delicacy, so it comes as no surprise that one of the Hamptons’ finest Italian restaurants has mastered the perfect spritz. This local favorite is a labor of love, and it shows through the delicious Italian cuisine, including fresh pastas and seafood. Insider tip: Indulge in the dessert here; it’s well worth it!
239 E Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays / 631) 763-6300 / Website
Immerse yourself in Hamptons history at Canoe Place Inn, the site of America’s oldest inn that now boasts a gorgeously restored property perfect for lounging, swimming, relaxing and sipping. Choose between equally beautiful indoor and outdoor seating and enjoy your Aperol spritz while soaking in all the charm that Hampton Bays has to offer.
290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk / 631.668.2345 / Website
By day, sip while sunbathing and watching the waves roll in at the beach club, and by night, cozy up in the fire pit and enjoy a spritz while watching the flames dance at Gurney’s Montauk Resort. Iconic for a reason, Gurney’s is, simply put, always a good idea.
32 Star Island Road, Montauk / 855.318.8768 / Website
Sitting at the newly reopened Montauk Yacht Club’s pool bar with an Aperol spritz in hand is our happy place. Delicious food, endless hospitality, gorgeous amenities and an excellent location make this property a staple in Montauk. Our recommendation? Head over and find out what all the hype is about.
No matter which of these Hamptons haunts you choose, you're guaranteed a good time, complete with the perfect Aperol spritz. We'll cheers to that!
Photography by: courtesy of Sant Ambroeus