This Aperol Spritz Recipe Transports me to Europe Every Time
I am so thrilled to feature one of my favorite cocktails for spring and summer, the Aperol Spritz. I was first introduced to the Aperol Spritz in Italy, in an Alpine city near Austria, called Bolzano (Bozen in German), and I subsequently noted and enjoyed it's prevalence throughout Germany, Austria and Spain, as well, and it's recent presence in more North American bars and restaurants.
What Glass do I Use for an Aperol Spritz?
Of course, in Europe, any respectable establishment will always serve beverages in the matching, branded glasses, which adds to the charm. The official Aperol Spritz glass is a large goblet, thicker than a wine glass, with a slightly flared rim and pronounced foot. While I sadly don't have the proper Aperol glasses (note to self: try to find some proper Aperol glasses!) I just use a large wine glass. The official Aperol website says this is fine (thank you Aperol), however on first glance, I really thought the bottle of Aperol expressly forbids it, and I felt the bottle sitting there judging us non-Europeans! However, I now realize the label is giving instructions on the perfect color and ratios! These images that I first thought were saying NO to a wine glass, are still somehow so Italian, direct and uncompromising, saying NO to a too light or too dark Aperol Spritz! And now I feel somewhat judged for adding a large ice cube and some bitters to my version. Oh well, avoiding the silent disdain from a bottle of alcohol is easier when you have this delicious, fizzy cocktail at hand.
What is Aperol?
Aperol is a bright orange Italian aperitif. Aperol is a slightly bitter/slightly sweet aperitif, with a vibrant orange color that derives it's flavor from a secret combination of herbs and roots. It is relatively light in alcohol at 11% concentration, or proof. The Aperol Spritz is a wonderful cocktail for spring and summer, delicious and refreshing in the heat and sun!
What is an aperitif?
In Italy and other parts of Europe, an aperitif may be served before a meal and/or with appetizers to stimulate the appetite and open the palate for the meal to come. Some aperitifs may also serve double duty as digestifs - served after a meal to aid digestion. This herbal type of aperitif is available from large companies, but there are also proprietary recipes made by families for centuries all over Europe and other parts of the world in countless combinations, ingredients and formulations. If you are so fortunate to be invited for a home-cooked meal, your host might just bring out a bottle of the family aperitif/digestif.
Sunny, Herbal & Bittersweet Flavor
Aperol was founded in 1919, and became popular in Padua and Venice, both in the Veneto region of Italy, which is in the North of Italy, near the borders of Austria, Slovenia and Lichtenstein. It spread to more of Italy, Europe and the world. Originally (and still) enjoyed by some solo on ice, it has widely become popularized worldwide (with help from mass marketing) served as an Aperol Spritz, which is mixed with Prosecco and soda and garnished with an orange wheel. A spritz is generally considered to be a wine-based cocktail. While it may be enjoyed anytime, it is particularly nice at happy hour (my favorite time!) with some appetizers, and before a meal.
Regarding the Taste (From the Aperol Website)
Nose Lightly alcoholic, zesting orange with appealing complex herbal scents harmonized with a touch of vanilla.
Body Intense orange top with herbal and woody body notes, pleasantly bittersweet and salty.
Texture Velvety and rounded, with long-lasting orange and wood memories.
Backtaste Herbal long pleasant typical bitterness.
Aperol Spritz Recipe
This is easy to remember as 3-2-1, and you can use any measurements you like. If you like a little more bitterness, you can add an extra splash or two or Aperol. Additional variations include a flavored sparkling water - I like to use a grapefruit for a little extra citrusy bitterness.
Ingredients & Materials
3 parts Prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 part Soda or sparkling water
Orange wedge or slice (I prefer a wheel, not a wedge)
Plenty of Ice
Large goblet, wine glass or Aperol Spritz glasses - These Hand Blown Italian-Style 20 oz glasses** are perfect!
Swizzle/Stir Stick or Cocktail Spoon (Gold Cocktail Spoon**) or (Silver Cocktail Spoon)**
How to Make an Aperol Spritz:
Add plenty of ice to glass
Add 3 parts Prosecco (75 ml/~2.5 oz)
Add 2 parts Aperol (50 ml/~1.75 oz)
Add Soda Water or unsweetened Sparkling Water (25 ml/~.85 oz)
Stir gently
Garnish with your orange wheel
Cheers & Enjoy!
Of course, you can enjoy the deliciously infused orange slice along the way or after finishing your Aperol Spritz.
Aperol Spritz Recipe and Makeup Look on YouTube:t
Variations/Options:
I have come to enjoy the bitter taste, so I actually prefer to add a splash of bitters to my Spritz.
You can also add a fresh squeeze of orange juice.
Feel free to use a tangerine too, it will give it some extra punch and tang.
Crushed ice or tiny ice cubes** are amazing in an Aperol Spritz, but regular ice or large ice cube work as well.
On occasion, I also enjoy a flavored sparkling water, like a Grapefruit flavor, instead of plain soda.
Let me know if you try this cocktail and share your thoughts below!
**Amazon affiliate links, for which I receive a small commission from Amazon. It is greatly appreciated if you use my link to purchase.
Amazon Links Below**
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