Aperol Spritz is an Italian cocktail with 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.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Picture yourself sipping on a beautiful sunset-colored aperitivo cocktail with all your friends on a warm summer evening. Just take in the warm air and cool off with every sip. With just a few simple ingredients, you can impress your friends and family with your bartending skills. Try pairing this drink with freshly baked rosemary bread and an Italian-Style butter board for an appetizer. Sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of Aperol Spritz.
Ingredients
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.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- 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.
- Aperol Negroni Spritz: This cocktail version substitutes gin for Prosecco, creating a Negroni-inspired twist. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add Ice and Prosecco to the glass.
Step 2: Pour Aperol into the Prosecco.
Step 3: Give the Aperol Spritz a little splash of club soda.
Step 4: Garnish with a fresh slice of orange for a little added color and flavor.
Expert Tips
- 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!
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Recipe FAQs
Aperol is an Italian liqueur designed for sipping before a meal. It's considered an Italian bitter but is quite sweet.
Aperol has a citrusy, bittersweet flavor with herbal notes.
Aperol does have alcohol but is at a low level of 11%, making it a perfect brunch cocktail or a light sipping drink.
No, as a man, I love Aperol Spritz, whereas most of the closest females in my life aren't all that crazy about it.
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📖 Recipe
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- Ice
- 3 Shots Prosecco
- 2 Shots Aperol
- 1 Splash Club Soda
- 1 Slice Orange
Instructions
- Fill a Wine glass about halfway with ice.
- Add the Prosecco followed by Aperol.
- Splash a bit of Club Soda.
- Add a thin slice of orange.
Video
Notes
- 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!
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