The Resort at Pelican Hill will launch a series of Aperitivo pop-ups.

The Resort at Pelican Hill, a stunning 504-acre resort in Newport Beach, California, will launch a series of Aperitivo Hour(s) pop-ups throughout the month of March, in collaboration with three of the nation’s most renowned bars.

Centuries ago, Italians sought for an Aperitivo – a small gathering with wine and mixed drinks paired with light bites before dinner – after a long day to wind down. Today, the tradition has been modernized as a time in the late afternoon for low proof cocktails with friends before dinner or a night out. The resort is infusing this experience and pop-up concept into a month-long event.

Guest bartenders will take over the resort’s Coliseum Pool & Grill each Friday and Saturday throughout March, with the first Aperitivo Hour(s) pop-up taking place on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7, from 5 p,m, to 9 p.m. in collaboration with Los Angeles’ Old Lightning bar which is known for featuring the world’s greatest collection of rare spirits. Old Lightning’s menu features over 90 hand-crafted cocktails and houses an extensive collection of over 1,200 rare, vintage or limited-release spirits by owners Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni.

Guests of the pop-up will enjoy the classic Aperol Spritz as well as a variety of cocktails including the Sierra Norte, made with Mezcal, Aperol, pineapple, and lime prepared by the bars’ talented bartenders for $12 each. The Resort at Pelican Hill’s Aperitivo oasis will also feature Bocce Ball tournaments, orange slice floaties for lounging around the pool, light Italian fare to nibble on, all while expansive views of the Pacific Ocean.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with these three renowned, award-winning bars to provide an elevated experience that guests and locals will look forward to,” said Clayton Van Hooijdonk, Director of Food & Beverage.

The next pop-up weekend will take place Friday, March 20 and March 21 with Peppi’s Cellar, a swanky subterranean bar located in New York City, is known for pairing its massive spirits selection with a menu of upscale Italian fare and a comfortable vibe that channels an old-school bar in Rome.

Peppi’s Cellar, NYC

The final pop-up, taking place March 27 and March 28, will be in collaboration with The NoMad Bar, a classic tavern located in New York City, is known for its beverage program that celebrates classically-focused cocktails, while delving into two new arenas: festive, large-format drinks and a selection of reserve cocktails crafted with rare spirits created by award-winning Vice President of Beverage, Leo Robitschek and Bar Director, Nathan McCarley-O’Neill, as well as Los Angeles Bar Director, Dave Purcell. Also with the classic Spitz, the team will be serving up the Summer of Yes made with Berliner Weisse, Aperol, spicy agave, rhubarb and cucumber.

To experience Aperitivo Hour(s) at the sun-soaked California locale, a citrus-hued adult escape in coastal Orange County, please email PelicanHill@lalcomm.com to RSVP.