Aperol Spritz Recipe

If you’re looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail to liven up your next get-together look no further than this Aperol Spritz recipe!

This classic Italian drink has been a favorite for decades, thanks to its light and bubbly flavor that’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day!!

In this blog post, I’ll share my favorite Aperol Spritz recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions and tips for making the perfect drink every time.

So grab your shaker and let’s get mixing!

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History of the Aperol Spritz Recipe!

I’d never heard of an Aperol Spritz recipe until our visit to Venice!!  They were available around every corner so I wanted to know more about this fun drink!!

The Aperol Spritz has a fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century in Italy! The origins of the drink can be traced to the region of Veneto, which is known for its vibrant cocktail culture and iconic Italian aperitifs.

The story begins with the creation of Aperol.  Aperol is an Italian apéritif liqueur created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, Italy. Aperol was originally developed as a bitter herbal liqueur, similar to Campari. But with a lower alcohol content and a distinct orange flavor profile.

Its bright orange color and refreshing taste made it a popular choice for a pre-dinner drink, or apéritif, in Italy.

The Aperol Spritz, as we know it today, gained widespread popularity in the early 2000s.  I became particularly popular in the 2010s, when it became a trendy and fashionable cocktail across Europe and beyond. Its rise to international fame can be attributed to several factors:

Marketing Campaign:

In the early 2000s, the Campari Group, which owns Aperol, launched a successful marketing campaign to promote the Aperol Spritz as the perfect summer drink.

This campaign focused on its vibrant color, refreshing taste, and association with the Italian lifestyle, featuring iconic images of people enjoying Aperol Spritzes in picturesque locations.

Aperitivo Culture:

The Aperol Spritz perfectly aligns with the Italian tradition of “aperitivo,” which is a pre-dinner social ritual involving light drinks and appetizers.

The Aperol Spritz’s low alcohol content, fizzy nature, and bitter-sweet flavor make it an ideal choice for this occasion.

Social Media and Tourism:

The cocktail’s visually appealing appearance, especially the striking orange hue, made it highly shareable on social media platforms. As travelers and tourists encountered Aperol Spritzes during their visits to Italy, they shared their experiences online, further boosting its popularity worldwide.

Globalization:

With increased international travel and cultural exchange, the Aperol Spritz transcended its Italian origins and became a sought-after drink in bars and restaurants around the world.

Today, the Aperol Spritz remains a beloved classic cocktail, especially during the warm summer months!!

Its refreshing, effervescent, and slightly bitter flavor profile continues to captivate cocktail enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, making it an enduring icon of Italian mixology!

But you don’t need to travel to Italy to enjoy this refreshing cocktail!  Here’s how you can make your own drink at home!!

Ingredients in the Aperol Spritz Recipe

The Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian aperitif, known for its refreshing and slightly bitter flavor profile. You need Aperol to make this Aperol Spritz recipe!

Wondering Where to Find Aperol?

You can find Aperol at various places, including:

Liquor Stores:

Most well-stocked liquor stores and specialty beverage retailers should carry Aperol. Look for it in the section with other liqueurs and aperitifs.

Supermarkets:

Larger supermarkets with well-stocked alcohol sections often carry Aperol. Check the spirits or liqueurs aisle, and you might find it there.

Online Retailers:

Many online liquor stores and e-commerce platforms offer Aperol for purchase. You can find it on websites like Amazon, Wine.com, and various other online liquor retailers.

Wine and Spirits Retailers:

Some wine shops or dedicated spirits retailers may carry Aperol, especially those with a focus on Italian or European products.

Bars and Restaurants:

Aperol is a common ingredient in bars and restaurants that serve cocktails. If you enjoy an Aperol Spritz at a bar or restaurant, you can inquire if they sell Aperol for retail purchase.

When searching for Aperol, you can also check the official Aperol website for a store locator or distribution information to find retailers near you. Remember that availability may vary based on your location and local liquor regulations, but it is generally widely distributed in most regions.

 If you can’t find Aperol you can substitute it with other similar orange-flavored liqueurs or aperitifs.

One popular alternative is Campari. But keep in mind that Campari is more bitter than Aperol, so you may want to adjust the quantity to your taste. Select an orange liqueur with a moderate bitterness and vibrant color to get closer to the original Aperol Spritz flavor.

Other Ingredients in the Aperol Spritz Recipe…

To make an Aperol Spritz recipe you’ll need a few other key ingredients:

Prosecco

Prosecco is the traditional choice for Aperol Spritz, but you can use other sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, or any dry sparkling white wine. Opt for a dry variety rather than a sweet one to maintain the balance of the drink.

Soda Water or Sparkling Water

You’ll need soda water to make this fizzy drink!

If you don’t have soda water or sparkling water, you can use plain still water. But it will result in a slightly less fizzy and bubbly drink.

You can also try using tonic water for a different twist. But remember that tonic water is slightly bitter and may affect the overall flavor profile.

Garnish

While an orange slice is the classic garnish for an Aperol Spritz, you can get creative and use other citrus fruits like lemon or lime slices. You can also add some fresh herbs like mint or basil for added aroma and flavor.

Ice

While the drink is typically served over ice, you can try chilling the ingredients beforehand and serving it without ice. This can make the drink more potent and flavorful, but it won’t be as refreshing.

Remember, making substitutions allows you to customize the Aperol Spritz to your liking, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect version of this classic Italian aperitif.

Enjoy your creative mixology!

Making the Aperol Spritz Recipe

Fill a wine glass or a large glass with ice cubes. The Aperol Spritz is typically served over ice to keep it cool and refreshing.

Add the Aperol to the glass. The bright orange color of Aperol is what gives this drink its signature look.

Next, pour in the Prosecco. Prosecco is a dry and sparkling Italian white wine, which balances the bitterness of the Aperol and adds a delightful fizz to the cocktail.

Finish off by adding the soda water (or sparkling water) to the glass. This adds a bit of effervescence and dilutes the drink slightly, making it more palatable.

Give the ingredients a gentle stir to combine them. You don’t need to mix it vigorously; a light stir is enough.

Garnish the drink with a slice of orange. This adds a hint of citrus aroma and complements the flavors of the Aperol.

Serve and enjoy your Aperol Spritz!

Note: The proportions mentioned above are a general guideline, but you can adjust them to suit your personal taste preferences. Some people prefer a slightly stronger Aperol flavor, while others may prefer a more sparkling and lighter version.

Feel free to experiment until you find the perfect balance for your liking.

Additionally, you can use a wine glass or a large tumbler for serving, depending on your preference.

Make a Frozen Aperol Spritz!

What?!?!

Yes, you can make a “snowcone” version of this recipe for an even more refreshing summer-time cocktail!

To make a Frozen Aperol Spritz, you’ll need a blender to create a slushy, icy texture. The frozen version of this cocktail is perfect for hot summer days or when you want a frosty and refreshing twist on the classic Aperol Spritz. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

You’ll need 2 oz or 60 ml Aperol. Also approximately 1 oz or 30 ml soda water goes into a frozen Aperol Spritz! Prosecco (approx. 2 oz or 60 ml) and 2 cups ice are the final ingredients. And an orange slice for garnish!

Instructions:

In a blender, add the ice, Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water.

Blend the mixture on high speed until you achieve a smooth and slushy consistency. The ice should be finely crushed, giving the drink its frozen texture.

Once the mixture has reached the desired consistency, taste it to see if you need to adjust the flavors. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a splash of simple syrup or a sweet liqueur of your choice. Alternatively, if you prefer it more bitter, you can add a touch more Aperol.

Pour the frozen Aperol Spritz into a wine glass or any suitable serving glass.

Garnish the drink with a slice of orange, which not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy your Frozen Aperol Spritz!

Please note that since the drink is frozen, it’s essential to serve and consume it promptly to maintain its slushy texture. If you want to make multiple servings, blend the ingredients in batches to avoid overloading the blender and ensure a consistent texture for each drink.

Frozen Aperol Spritz is a delightful variation of the classic cocktail, and it’s a perfect choice for gatherings or when you want to impress your guests with a refreshing and icy treat.

Cheers!

Appetizers that Pair Well with this Aperol Spritz Recipe

When pairing appetizers with an Aperol Spritz cocktail, it’s best to choose light and flavorful options that complement the drink’s refreshing and slightly bitter profile.

The goal is to enhance the overall dining experience by balancing the flavors and textures.

Check out my Charcuterie Board options which would pair well with a refreshing Aperol Spritz!

Here are some other appetizer ideas that go well with an Aperol Spritz:

Antipasto Platter:

A traditional Italian antipasto platter featuring an assortment of cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and coppa, along with various cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and aged Parmesan, is an excellent choice. Add some marinated olives, roasted peppers, and artichoke hearts for additional depth of flavors.

Bruschetta:

Classic tomato and basil bruschetta served on toasted bread drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze pairs beautifully with the Aperol Spritz. The fresh, tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil complement the cocktail’s citrusy notes.

Crostini:

Various crostini toppings, such as smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill, roasted red pepper and goat cheese, or fig and prosciutto, make delightful bite-sized treats that harmonize with the Aperol Spritz’s bitter-sweet taste.

Shrimp Cocktail:

Chilled shrimp served with a zesty cocktail sauce is a refreshing and light option that pairs well with the cocktail’s citrus and herbal flavors.

Caprese Skewers:

Skewers of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil create a mini-caprese salad that complements the Aperol Spritz beautifully.

Vegetable Crudité:

A platter of colorful raw vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, baby carrots, bell pepper strips, and snap peas, served with a creamy dip, adds a fresh and crunchy element to accompany the cocktail.

Focaccia:

A warm and herb-infused focaccia bread served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar makes a delightful accompaniment that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the Aperol Spritz.

Stuffed Mushrooms:

Mushrooms stuffed with a flavorful mixture of herbs, breadcrumbs, and cheese make a savory and satisfying appetizer that complements the cocktail’s bitter notes.

Remember that the Aperol Spritz is intended to be a light and refreshing aperitif, so you’ll want to avoid heavy or overly spicy appetizers that might overwhelm the drink.

The key is to select appetizers that enhance and balance the drink’s flavors while providing a delightful culinary experience.

Enjoy your Aperol Spritz and appetizers!

For other refreshing summer cocktails check out my recipes for a Mojito or a Piña Colada!!

Cin cin!