An Aperol Spritz is an adult beverage that is a the perfect refreshing summer drink. It’s a mixture of Prosecco (or bubbly wine), Aperol and a splash of sparkling water. It’s low in alcohol and really popular in Northern Italy, where it’s considered an Aperitif. The flavor has a hint of orange and herbs and is a perfect beverage to enjoy “Al Fresco”.
I fell in-love with Venice, Italy, when my dream finally came true to spend a few days in this beautiful city. While my husband and I enjoy an ice cold glass of beer, I’ve been known to enjoy a glass of Prosecco (Italian “champagne”). For our first night, in Venice, that’s exactly what I ordered. What a view of the Grand Canal, a gorgeous sunset and celebrating my husband’s birthday!
One evening, in Venice, we were walking back from dinner. As we strolled along the canals and charming alleys, I kept seeing locals who were sipping an orange cocktail. “Aperol Spritz” is what some of the menu billboards were advertising. Huh. I never tried one. Until I returned to the United States!
I could kick myself for not trying one, while in Venice! Back in California, it was our wedding anniversary, at an Italian restaurant. I decided to try one. Little did I realize that this “Aperitif” Cocktail has my beloved Prosecco (or Cava, or any sparkling wine), Aperol and a splash of seltzer water! I found it refreshing. How do I describe the flavor? A slight hint of orange, a subtle background of herbs. The recipe for Aperol is a very closely guarded secret, so who really knows?
I spotted a bottle of Aperol Spritz in the liquor section of a store where we shop. Why not?! I found a “recipe” in my American’s Test Kitchen book “How to Cocktail“. I bought a baguette so I could make Bruschetta and I have a healthy basil plant that loves my kitchen window. It was a really HOT day, and that was a perfect day to sit outside, sip an Aperol Spritz and nibble on one of my favorite Italian appetizers. Here goes!
TASTING NOTES: I’m not a fan of Campari, as I find it’s a little too bitter for my taste buds. Aperol tastes much milder, though it’s considered a bitter. America’s Test Kitchen says that olives are a traditional garnish, but that just didn’t appeal to me as much as orange slices. My husband took a sip, and said he didn’t care for it (he’s loves his IPA beer). To each his own. My personal sip liked the flavor of this cocktail. I don’t drink hard liquor, because I don’t care for drinks that are strong. I found this drink to be refreshing. You can change the ratio around to suit your personal taste. I like 2/3 Prosecco and 1/3 Aperol with a splash of sparkling water. I appreciate that I didn’t get a “buzz” from the Aperol Spritz, so I could focus on making dinner!
Aperol Spritz Aperitif Cocktail
Equipment
- chilled wine glass
Ingredients
- 6 ounces dry sparkling wine, such as prosecco or cava chilled
- 4 ounces Aperol
- 2 ounces seltzer water chilled
- orange slice garnish
- bring-cured green olives optional, instead of orange garnish
Instructions
- Fill chilled wine glass halfway with ice.Add wine, Aperol and seltzer. Using a bar spoon, gently lift mixture from bottom of glass to top to combine.Top with additional ice and garnish with either olives or orange slice. Optional: Pinch orange peel over drink and rub outer edge of glass with peel, then garnish.
Notes
I have been wanting to try this myself. It looks so refreshing. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure! I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
Ordered this in an Italian restaurant last night. Told the waiter it tasted too “light.” He brought over the Aperol bottle and added quite a bit more. It was much better. Aperol will now be on my list for a very refreshing drink at home. Perfect hot summer drink or…well, anytime. Sigh
I’m so happy you enjoyed this Aperitif. I had a second glass, at home, yesterday. I increased the ratio of Aperol, sat outside, sipped and was transported back to Venice. Cheers!