Aperol Spritz

It's time to elevate your cocktail game with the Aperol Spritz. This Italian cocktail has taken the world by storm with its refreshing and easy-to-make characteristics. Picture yourself sipping on a beautiful sunset-colored drink on a warm summer evening, the perfect combination of bitter and sweet flavors dancing on your taste buds. And the best part? You don't need to be a mixologist to create this elegant beverage. With just a few simple ingredients, you can impress your friends and family with your bartending skills. So please sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of Aperol Spritz.

Ingredients

The ingredients for the Aperol Spritz are surprisingly simple.

• Ice: We have to keep your sunset in a glass nice and cool, but don't overdo it. You don't want to water the drink down.
• Aperol: An Italian bitter-sweet cocktail typically served before a meal. It is a bright orange color and also has a similar flavor.
• Prosecco: An Italian Sparkling White Wine that provides the perfect bitter-sweet bubbly when paired with the Aperol.
• Club Soda: The Soda is there to add another layer of bubbles, but just a splash should do it.
• Sliced Orange: Any orange works for this recipe. I prefer using cuties.

How to Make Aperol Spritz

Making an Aperol Spritz is as easy as adding the Ice to a glass, pouring in some prosecco, followed by the Aperol, then a splash of Club Soda, and dropping a thin slice of orange in for garnish and added sweetness.

This can all be measured out, and I'll provide my go-to recipe below. But feel free to adjust depending on how bitter or sweet you want your drink to be.

The History of Aperol Spritz

The origins of Aperol Spritz date back to the early 1900s in Italy, where it was traditionally served as a wine-based aperitif. However, it was in the 1950s that the Aperol Spritz as we know it today came into existence, with the addition of Prosecco and soda water.

Since then, Aperol Spritz has become a beloved cocktail throughout Europe, particularly in Italy, Austria, and Germany. Its popularity has grown, with Aperol Spritz becoming a staple at trendy bars and restaurants worldwide.

In fact, in 2019, Aperol Spritz was named the most popular cocktail in the world by Drinks International, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon. With its vibrant orange hue, refreshing taste, and easy-to-make recipe, it's no wonder that Aperol Spritz has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of cocktail lovers everywhere.

The Perfect Pairings

Aperol Spritz is a versatile cocktail that pairs well with various foods, especially Italian-style dishes. Here are some pairings that complement the flavors of Aperol Spritz:

1. Aperitivo Platter: An Aperitivo platter consisting of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and bread is the perfect accompaniment to Aperol Spritz. The salty flavors of the meats and cheese complement the bittersweet taste of the cocktail.
2. Naan Pizza: Aperol Spritz is a great drink to pair with pizza. The effervescence of the cocktail cuts through the richness of the cheese and tomato sauce, while the bitterness of the Aperol contrasts with the sweetness of the toppings.
3. Chilean Sea Bass: The lightness and refreshing flavors of Aperol Spritz make it an ideal pairing with this outstanding seafood dish. The cocktail's citrus notes complement the seafood's delicate flavors, while the effervescence helps cleanse the palate between bites.
4. Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian antipasto that pairs well with Aperol Spritz. The tangy flavors of the tomatoes and garlic in the bruschetta complement the bitterness of the cocktail.
5. Orzo Soup: A creamy and comforting dish like Chicken Orzo Soup is perfectly balanced by the refreshing bitterness of Aperol Spritz. The cocktail's sweetness cuts through the richness of the soup.

Overall, this versatile cocktail pairs well with a range of Italian dishes. Whether enjoying it as an aperitif or alongside a main course, it's the perfect drink to elevate your dining experience.

Variations

Here are some additional variations of the famous cocktail, along with ingredients and tips on how to customize them based on personal preferences:

1. Aperol Spritz with Sparkling Wine: You can substitute Prosecco with any other sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Cava, to create a more sophisticated cocktail version. The recipe is the same as the classic Aperol Spritz.
2. Aperol Negroni Spritz: This cocktail version substitutes gin for Prosecco, creating a Negroni-inspired twist. To make it, combine 1 oz Aperol, 1 oz gin, and 1 oz sweet vermouth in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a glass of ice, and top with soda water.
3. Aperol Margarita Spritz: This variation combines Aperol with tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup, creating a refreshing and slightly tart cocktail. Combine 1 ½ oz Aperol, 1 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, and ½ oz agave syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a glass of ice, and top with soda water.
4. Aperol Grapefruit Spritz: This version combines Aperol with grapefruit juice, creating a tangy and refreshing cocktail. To make it, combine 2 oz Aperol and 2 oz grapefruit juice in a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Customize the Cocktail

• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add more Aperol or a splash of simple syrup. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the amount of Aperol.

• Adjust the bitterness: If you prefer a more bitter cocktail, add more Aperol. Conversely, if you prefer a less bitter cocktail, use less Aperol.

• Adjust the strength: If you prefer a stronger cocktail, use less soda water or substitute it with a stronger sparkling wine or champagne.

• Add fresh herbs: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to your Aperol Spritz to add an earthy flavor.

• Experiment with different garnishes: Add a slice of cucumber, a mint sprig, or a lemon twist to customize the flavor. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting never hurts anyone! It only helps!

In Conclusion

Aperol Spritz is an Italian cocktail that I know you'll love! It's become a global phenomenon due to its refreshing and easy-to-make characteristics. The cocktail consists of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water and is garnished with a slice of orange.

This sunset in a glass originated in Italy in the early 20th century and has since become a popular aperitif worldwide. It is often enjoyed alongside Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, and antipasto.

There are several variations of the drink, including substituting Prosecco with other sparkling wines, adding fresh herbs or garnishes, and experimenting with different liqueurs to adjust the sweetness or bitterness of the cocktail. Some popular variations include Aperol Negroni Spritz, Aperol Margarita Spritz, and Aperol Grapefruit Spritz.

This versatile and refreshing cocktail can be customized to suit individual tastes and preferences. Plus, it's the perfect drink for a summer gathering or a relaxing evening at home.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and as usual...

Happy cooking!

-Jeremy

📖 Recipe