How to Make a Refreshing Aperol Spritz

What I Learned About Aperol and How to Make a Great Aperol Spritz

I had to learn about Aperol and how to make a spritz from my oldest daughter while we were on vacation in Italy in the Tuscany region. But, thinking back, I may have learned a little too much about this addictive concoction of Aperol, Prosecco, and sparkling water.

This has been a hot drink with my daughter and her friends for quite a while. Not sure how I missed it, but I"m glad someone finally told me about it and showed me how to make one.

Just What Is Aperol

Aperol is an Italian aperitif made from a secret blend of herbs, roots, and fruit. It is known for its bright orange color and sweet and bitter flavor. Aperol is often used in cocktails, particularly the popular Aperol Spritz, which is made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water.

Aperol was first created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers, who owned a small bar in Padua, Italy. They wanted to create a new aperitif that would be perfect for aperitivo hour, the Italian tradition of sipping on a cocktail or glass of wine before dinner.

They experimented with different ingredients and eventually created Aperol, which quickly became popular among their customers. According to their website, its "taste derives from a secret and original recipe that has remained authentic over time."

Today, Aperol is enjoyed worldwide and is a popular choice for making cocktails. It is known for its sweet and bitter flavor, and its bright orange color adds a festive touch to any occasion. Its low alcohol content (around 11%) also makes it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter drink.

The Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is a popular cocktail that originated in Italy and has gained widespread popularity in recent years. It is a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or as an aperitif before a meal.

The Aperol Spritz is made with just a few simple ingredients: Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. Aperol is known for its sweet and bitter flavor and has an alcohol content of around 11%. Prosecco is a sparkling white wine made in the Veneto region of Italy.

It is known for its crisp, dry taste and is often used in cocktails. Soda water is carbonated water used to add a bit of fizz and refreshment to the cocktail.

To make an Aperol Spritz, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 parts Prosecco
• 2 parts Aperol
• 1 part soda water
• ice
• an orange slice or wedge for garnish

Start by filling a wine glass or cocktail glass with ice to make the cocktail. Pour in the Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water, and give the ingredients a gentle stir to combine. Garnish the drink with an orange slice or wedge, and serve immediately.

Very Adaptable

One of the great things about the Aperol Spritz is that it is a very adaptable cocktail. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash of club soda or a bit more Aperol. If you prefer a more bitter taste, you can add a splash of soda water or a bit more Prosecco. You can also mix and match the ingredients to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste.

Another reason for Aperol Spritz's popularity is its versatility. It can be served as a pre-dinner aperitif or as a refreshing cocktail to sip on while enjoying a meal. It is also an excellent choice for parties and gatherings, as it is easy to mix up a batch of the cocktail and serve it to a group. The bright orange color of the Aperol also adds a festive touch to any occasion.

Popularity

The Aperol Spritz has gained widespread popularity in recent years for a few reasons. One reason is that it is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is easy to drink. Its combination of sweet and bitter flavors, and the crisp and dry taste of the Prosecco, make it a perfect choice for sipping on a hot summer day or as an aperitif before a meal.

It is a very adaptable cocktail and can be served as a pre-dinner aperitif or as a refreshing cocktail to sip on while enjoying a meal. It is also an excellent choice for parties and gatherings, as mixing up a batch of the cocktail and serving it to a group is easy. The bright orange color of the Aperol also adds a festive touch to any occasion.

The Aperol Spritz has also gained popularity through social media and word-of-mouth. Its colorful and Instagram-worthy appearance, combined with its refreshing taste, has made it a popular choice among those who enjoy sharing their cocktails online. As more and more people have tried the Aperol Spritz and shared their experiences with it, its popularity has continued to grow.

The Aperol Spritz's refreshing taste and adaptable nature, colorful appearance, and social media popularity have contributed to its widespread popularity in recent years.

Besides Soda Water, What Else Can You Use?

A few variations of mixers can be added to an Aperol Spritz to give it a different flavor or to adjust the sweetness or bitterness of the cocktail. Some common mixers that are used in Aperol Spritz include:

• Club soda: This is a common mixer that can be used to add a bit of fizz and refreshment to the cocktail. It can also help balance the sweetness of the Aperol and the bitterness of the Prosecco.
• Orange juice: Some people like to add a splash of orange juice to their Aperol Spritz to give it a fruity flavor. This can help to balance out the bitterness of the Aperol and add a bit of sweetness to the drink.
• Cranberry juice: This can be an excellent mixer to add a bit of tartness and reddish color to the Aperol Spritz.
• Lime juice: A splash of lime juice can add a bit of tartness and a fresh flavor to the cocktail.
• Ginger ale: This can be a good mixer to add a bit of spice and a slightly sweet flavor to the Aperol Spritz.

It's worth noting that these are just a few examples, and many other mixers can be used to give the Aperol Spritz a different flavor. Experimenting with different mixers can be a fun way to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste. Just be sure to use a light hand when adding mixers, as it's easy to overpower the flavors of the Aperol and Prosecco.

What Is the Best Glass to Serve an Aperol Spritz?

The best glass to serve an Aperol Spritz is a wine glass or a cocktail glass. A wine glass, also known as a "flute," is a tall and narrow glass with a stem designed to serve sparkling wine and champagne. It is a good choice for serving the Aperol Spritz because it allows the bubbly Prosecco to retain its carbonation and helps show off the cocktail's bright orange color.

A cocktail glass is another good option for serving an Aperol Spritz. A cocktail glass is slightly smaller than a wine glass and is typically used for serving cocktails. It is a good choice for serving the Aperol Spritz because it allows the drink to be sipped easily and helps show off the cocktail's bright orange color.

Regardless of which type of glass you choose to serve the Aperol Spritz, it is essential to ensure that the glass is well-chilled before serving the cocktail. This will help to keep the drink cold and refreshing and will also help to preserve the bubbles in the Prosecco.

Do You Serve an Aperol Spritz with Ice?

Yes, it is common to serve an Aperol Spritz with ice. The ice helps to keep the drink cold and refreshing and also helps to dilute the cocktail slightly, which can be pleasant on a hot day.

When serving an Aperol Spritz with ice, filling the glass with ice is a good idea before adding the other ingredients. This will help to keep the drink cold and prevent it from getting watered down too quickly. It is also a good idea to use large ice cubes, as these will melt more slowly than smaller ones and help keep the drink cold for more extended.

If you prefer a more robust, less diluted cocktail, you can reduce the amount of ice you use or omit it altogether. Remember that the Aperol Spritz is meant to be a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail, so it is generally served with a bit of ice to help keep it chilled and dilute it slightly.

What Does an Aperol Spritz Taste Like?

An Aperol Spritz has a bright and refreshing taste that perfectly balances sweet and bitter. The Aperol gives the cocktail a sweet and bitter flavor, while the Prosecco adds a crisp and dry taste. The soda water helps to add a bit of fizz and refreshment to the drink.

What Other Drinks Are Made With Aperol?

Aperol is a versatile ingredient that is used in a variety of cocktails. Some other drinks that use Aperol include:

• Aperol Sour: This is a variation of the classic Whiskey Sour cocktail, with Aperol replacing the whiskey. It is made with Aperol, lemon juice, sugar, and egg white and is typically served in a rocks glass.
• Aperol Negroni: This is a variation on the classic Negroni cocktail, with Aperol replacing the gin. It is made with Aperol, Campari, and sweet vermouth and is typically served in a rocks glass.
• Aperol Gin Fizz: This cocktail combines Aperol with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. It is typically served in a highball glass.
• Aperol Spritz: This is the most well-known cocktail that uses Aperol and is made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. It is typically served in a wine glass or cocktail glass.
• Aperol Collins: This is a variation on the classic Tom Collins cocktail, with Aperol replacing the gin. It is made with Aperol, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water and is typically served in a highball glass.

These are just a few examples of the many cocktails that use Aperol. Its sweet and bitter flavor and bright orange color make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of drinks.

Do People Drink Aperol By Itself?

While Aperol is often used as an ingredient in cocktails, it can also be enjoyed by itself as an aperitif. Aperitifs are alcoholic beverages that are typically consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Aperol is a popular choice for an aperitif because of its sweet and bitter flavor and low alcohol content (around 11%).

To drink Aperol by itself, it is typically served over ice and garnished with an orange slice or wedge. Some people also like to add a splash of club soda or tonic water to their Aperol to give it a bit of fizz and refreshment.

It's worth noting that while Aperol can be enjoyed by itself as an aperitif, it is also a trendy ingredient in cocktails. Its sweet and bitter flavor and bright orange color make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of drinks.

📖 Recipe