Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe
Aperol Spritz Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:16g
Alcohol:11%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Aperol Spritz, also known as Spritz Veneziano, is a popular Italian aperitif cocktail that originated in Venice, Italy. It is said to have been created in the early 20th century when the Austro-Hungarian soldiers, who were occupying Venice, would dilute the local wines with water to make them more palatable. The modern version of the Aperol Spritz was popularized in the 1950s by the Barbieri brothers, who created the Aperol liqueur. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm summer days and is enjoyed by people all around the world.
How Aperol Spritz Tastes?
The Aperol Spritz has a refreshing, bittersweet taste with a hint of citrus. It is light, effervescent, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
Interesting facts about Aperol Spritz
- The Aperol Spritz is often served as an aperitif, which is a drink meant to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
- Aperol, the key ingredient in this cocktail, is an Italian liqueur made from a blend of herbs, roots, and bitter orange.
- The Aperol Spritz is traditionally served in a wine glass, but can also be served in a rocks glass or highball glass.
Ingredients
- Aperol: 2 oz(60ml)
- Prosecco: 3 oz(90ml)
- Club soda: 1 oz(30ml)
- Orange slice: 1
- Ice: As needed
Aperol
Aperol, with its vibrant orange hue, brings a unique blend of bitter and sweet to our Spritz, creating its signature taste. If you were to skimp on it, you'd lose that trademark zest and color that make it instantly recognizable. If you went overboard, the bitterness could overwhelm the other ingredients. No Aperol? No problem! Campari could pinch-hit, giving a bitterer edge and a deeper red color to our vibrant concoction.
Alex Green
Prosecco
The bubbly personality in this ensemble, Prosecco brings effervescence and a touch of sweetness that balances Aperol's bitterness. Keeping the ratio 3:2 with Aperol ensures that every sip stays harmonious. Too much Prosecco, and we'd tip into overly sweet territory; too little, and we'd end up with a dull, flat affair. Can't get Prosecco? Cava or other sparkling wines can step up to the plate, though they'll each bring their own flair to the fizz.
Emma Rose
Club Soda
This one's the quiet enlivener, adding just a splash of carbonation to lighten the drink without diluting its personality. It's like a little 'seltzer cushion' for the stronger flavors to rest on. Forget it, and you've got a heavier drink; add too much, and you could water down the fun.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Slice
The finishing touch! This wedged wheel doesn't just look pretty; it imparts a whisper of citrus that plays nicely with Aperol's own orange notes. No orange? A lemon peel could give a sharper citrus twist, though it marches to a different beat.
Alex Green
Ice
It's not just a space-filler; our chilly friend here makes sure your drink stays as cool as you are while sipping it. The ice regulates the temperature and contributes to the Spritz's overall refreshing experience. Too little ice, and your cool factor literally melts away; too much, and you could be giving your drink an unwanted chill.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Aperol Spritz Drink
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add 2 oz of Aperol to the glass.
- Pour 3 oz of Prosecco into the glass.
- Top with 1 oz of club soda.
- Gently stir the ingredients together.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh ice. It will make your cocktail colder and more refreshing.
- Don't rush. Take your time to gently stir the ingredients together. It will help to mix the flavors.
- Use a fresh orange slice. It will add a nice citrusy aroma to your cocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Olives & Cheese: The bitterness and sweetness of the Aperol Spritz complement fatty and salty snacks wonderfully.
- Seafood: Especially good with light seafood dishes like shrimp and calamari, which mirror the refreshing qualities of the cocktail.
Main Dishes
- Pizza: A classic Italian pairing. The effervescence cleanses the palate between cheesy bites.
- Pasta with Light Sauces: The drink's acidity and lightness won't overpower pastas with a delicate taste.
Desserts
- Citrus or Berry Fruit Tart: The Spritz's citrus note pairs well with similarly flavored desserts.
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What you could change in Aperol Spritz
- Aperol: You can replace it with Campari. It will make your cocktail more bitter.
- Prosecco: You can use any other sparkling wine.
- Club Soda: You can use mineral water or tonic water.
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And of course - twists🍹
Rosé Spritz
- Aperol: 2 oz
- Rosé Wine: 3 oz
- Sparkling Water: 1 oz
- Ice: As needed
Replace Prosecco with a crisp Rosé wine to add a fruity twist and a blush color. The sparkling water maintains the fizz while subtly altering the flavor profile. The result is a Spritz with a berry-flavored wink and a fun pink twist.
Spicy Spritz
- Aperol: 2 oz
- Prosecco: 3 oz
- Jalapeño-infused Club Soda: 1 oz
- Ice: As needed
Infuse your club soda with a few slices of jalapeño for a spicy kick. This twist brings a little heat to the party, creating a zesty contrast with the aroma of Aperol and providing an exciting tickle on your palate.
Herbal Spritz
- Aperol: 2 oz
- Prosecco: 3 oz
- Club Soda: 1 oz
- A sprig of Rosemary or Thyme
- Ice: As needed
Delay the club soda and stir in a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme after adding the Aperol and Prosecco. Let it sit for a minute to infuse. This twist invites an earthy note to the mix, bridging between the sweet, the bitter, and the aromatic.
In case you forgot basics how to make Aperol Spritz
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Aperol Spritz
What is the origin of the term 'aperitif'?
The term 'aperitif' comes from the Latin word 'aperire' which means 'to open'. It is called so because it is believed to open or stimulate the appetite before a meal.
What's the difference between Aperol and Campari?
While both Aperol and Campari are Italian bitters, they have quite distinct tastes. Campari has a much stronger and more bitter taste than Aperol. On the other hand, Aperol has a lighter, more subtle flavor, slightly sweeter and has a lower alcohol content than Campari.
Can I substitute white wine for Prosecco in the Aperol Spritz?
It's recommended to use Prosecco or another sparkling wine for the Aperol Spritz to maintain its characteristic fizz. If you use a still white wine, the cocktail will lose its effervescence.
What kind of glassware is suitable to serve cocktails other than a wine glass, rocks glass, or highball glass?
Depending on the cocktail, different glasses like the Coupe glass, Martini glass, Hurricane glass, Margarita glass, or even the Nick & Nora glass can be used.
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