Perfect Aperol Spritz

The classic Aperol Spritz is worth it! It’s light and fizzy, with hints of citrus and herbs: one of the most refreshing mixed drinks ever.

Fizzy, citrusy, grassy, ​​subtly bitter and slightly sweet… it’s the most classic fizzy mixed drink of them all. meet him Aperole Spritz! This drink is well known around the world and it peaked in the 2000s. But did you know that it’s actually a classic cocktail from the 1950s? This Italian cocktail has been winning hearts and minds for years. If you’re like us, you Strength rolled his eyes at the popularity of this drink. But give it a try, done right: It’s definitely worth it.

What’s in an Aperol Spritz?

The Aperol Spritz Venetian splashes, is an Italian aperitif: a drink drunk before a meal. The spritz was invented in Italy in the 19th century to dilute sparkling wine by mixing it with… well, water! It wasn’t until the 1950s that the Aperol Spritz took on its current form. It is a cocktail on the International Bartender Association’s list of official IBA cocktails, meaning there is an ‘official’ definition. Aperol Spritz contains these ingredients in a 3-2-1 ratio:

• sparkling winelike prosecco or champagne
• aperole
• Carbonated water (no tonic water)

How do you do that better Aperole Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is so easy to make: there really is no technique involved! Simply mix the ingredients and top with bubbles. But this spritz has been criticized for being watery, too sweet, and like a Capri sun (thanks, New York Times). How to prepare the best Aperol Spritz:

• Use a quality Prosecco! The key to a good spritz: use a good sparkling wine! The reviewer above complained about the poor quality of the prosecco making the drink too sweet. Not ! Grab an inexpensive bottle of Prosecco or Champagne for this one with a dry flavor.
• Make sure Aperol and Prosecco are chilled. Chill both alcohols as much as possible to minimize dilution.
• Squeeze oranges! Get more tart citrus notes by squeezing the orange slice into the drink and then adding it as a garnish.
• Use lots of ice. Keep the drink cold! Try clear ice for the most stunning look (see below).
• Use a straw! It’s optional, but drinking through a straw keeps your hand from heating the glass. Less dilution, better drinking!

What is Aperole?

Good question! Aperol is an Italian bitter (Amaro) and you can recognize it by its bright orange color and classic label. It is an aperitif, an appetizing drink before a meal. The original aperitif, invented in Italy in the 1860s, was campari (the main ingredient in a Negroni). Many have since sprung up, with each restaurant offering its own unique entree. Aperol appeared in 1919 and was taken over by the Campari company in the 1990s.

Aperol is bright orange and is most commonly used in the Aperol spritz cocktail. The taste is slightly sweet, bitter and balanced, with herbal and citrus notes. It has a fairly low alcohol content (22 proof or 11% ABV). Its light taste is much more accessible than the bitter Campari, which can polarize.

Other drinks with Aperol? Try the unique and delicious Paper Plane and Naked and Famous or the sweet and tangy Aperol cocktail.

Cousin drinks an Aperol Spritz

There are several drinks related to the Aperol Spritz! If you like this one you will love:

• Campari Spritz Bitter and sparkling, this is a common variant of the Aperol Spritz.
• Americano The Americano is another sparkling cocktail made with Campari, sweet vermouth and lots of soda water.
• Negroni Sbagliato A Negroni variant with Prosecco instead of Gin, sparkling and more balanced than the original.

more squirting

If you like bubbly spritzers, be sure to try these spritz recipes:

When to serve an Aperol Spritz

The Aperol spritz cocktail is sparkling and light; It’s perfect for sipping as:

More great cocktails

Here are a few more of our great cocktails to add to your repertoire: