Paul Kushner
If you’re looking for a light and delicious cocktail with a relatively low alcohol content, you can’t go wrong with an Aperol Spritz.
The apéritiv, which originated in Italy, delights its drinkers with its fresh and zesty taste as well as the lovely orange color. Wherever you are, you will be reminded of gorgeous sunsets and warm summer days when you drink this cocktail.
Whether you are enjoying a vacation in Italy or simply in the mood for a light summer drink, you can’t go wrong with the Aperol Spritz cocktail. With its vivid color and sweet but also bitter taste, you and your guests are sure to delight in this delicious summer drink.
History of the Aperol Spritz
The beverage, consisting of Aperol, Prosecco and soda water, was created in Italy in the early 1900s.
The idea of adding a ‘spritz’ of soda water to Italian wines has been around since the 19th century, when visitors and soldiers found the local drinks too strong for their liking. In 1919, Luigi and Silvio Barbieri created a Aperol, a brightly colored, sweet orange and rhubarb flavored beverage.
The drink grew more and more popular until the 1950s, when the official recipe for the Spritz was created.
The Italians generally use the cocktail as an aperitivo, which is a light and low-ABV pre-dinner drink that is meant to refresh you and whet your appetite for the upcoming meal.
In the early 2000s, Aperol was acquired by Gruppo Campari and started advertising the drink more heavily both in Europe and the US.
How To Make It
Aperol Spritz
To create an authentic and delicious Aperol Spritz cocktail, use the following ingredients. The rule of thumb is to use a 3:2:1 ration of prosecco:Aperol:club for this cocktail - the exact amount will depend on the size of your glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz club soda
- 1 orange slice garnish
Instructions
- Add the Aperol and the Prosecco to your wine glass
- Gently put in some ice cubes with tongs. If you put the ice cubes in before the Prosecco, around half of your bubbles will be lost, so try to avoid this
- Add the splash of soda and garnish your cocktail with an orange slice
Variations
The Aperol spritz is an easy and refreshing cocktail to make, and it’s easy to put your own spin on the drink!
Here are a few of our favorite variations and similar cocktails to try:
- Aperol Rose Spritz – substitute the prosecco for sparkling rose for a slightly sweeter cocktail.
- Campari Spritz – Campari is Aperol’s more bitter Italian cousin. If you want a less sweet cocktail, substitute in Campari!
- Strawberry Aperol Spritz – instead of an orange slice, add some sliced strawberries to your glass for a fruitier version of the original.
- Limoncello Spritz – for another sweet Italian aperitif, try a Limoncello spritz made with lemony limoncello liqueur.
FAQ
What is Aperol?
Aperol is an Italian orange liqueur.
The recipe of this orange liquor is still a secret, but it contains oranges, herbs and roots. Compared to other, similar drinks, it has a very low alcohol content at 11% ABV, and it tastes both sweet and slightly bitter.
What prosecco should I use for an Aperol Spritz?
The prosecco you use should be dry to prevent the cocktail from getting too sweet.
Because it makes up a large part of the drink, don’t choose a cheap Prosecco, but go for a high-quality version that will enhance the taste of the Aperol. If you want to make the drink true to the original recipe, use Cinzano Prosecco.
How much alcohol does Aperol have in it?
Aperol is a low ABV aperitif, with only 11% ABV.
Why is the Aperol Spritz so popular?
The Aperol Spritz has become much more popular outside of Italy in the last 20 years, in large part due to the marketing efforts of Gruppo Campari.
This drink is also popular because it’s low in alcohol content and lower in sugar than some other cocktails, making for a healthier feeling choice for consumers.
Does Aperol Spritz get you tipsy?
Any alcoholic beverage can get you tipsy, but the Aperol spritz is lower in alcohol at only 11% ABV, so this is a lower alcohol option compared to stronger cocktails.
Is Campari the same as Aperol?
No, Campari is not the same as Aperol. The two liqueurs are similar and owned by the same company, but Campari has a stronger, more bitter flavor, while Aperol is lighter and sweeter.
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