Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing Italian cocktail that combines the vibrant flavors of Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda water. Typically served over ice and garnished with a slice of orange, this drink offers a perfect balance of bittersweet and citrus notes, making it an ideal choice for warm afternoons or lively gatherings. Its bright orange hue and effervescent nature embody the essence of summer and conviviality.
Ingredients
- 100 mlAperol
- 150 mlProsecco
- TopSoda Water
Pairs Well With
- Cured prosciutto and melon
- Caprese salad with basil
- Marinated olives and almonds
- Light seafood antipasti
Preparation
Put a couple of cubes of ice into 2 glasses and add a 50 ml measure of Aperol to each. Divide the prosecco between the glasses and then top up with soda, if you like.
Best Enjoyed
Pro Tips
Maintain the 3-2-1 ratio: 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water for proper balance and bitterness integration
Use an extra-large ice cube or chunk ice that melts slowly to prevent dilution and maintain the aperitivo's intended delicate flavor
Serve in a wine glass rather than a cocktail glass to emphasize its wine-adjacent, aperitivo nature and encourage leisurely sipping
History & Origins
Invented in Italy in the 1950s as a lower-alcohol alternative to traditional spirits, the Aperol Spritz became the quintessential Italian aperitivo culture symbol after Aperol's 1919 creation in Padua. The aperitivo hour ritual (typically 5-8 PM) represents Italian social tradition where light drinks and casual socializing precede dinner. This bubbly, bitter-sweet creation defines contemporary Italian lifestyle and has become globally synonymous with Mediterranean sophistication.
Variations
Negroni Sbagliato
Swaps Aperol for Campari for a higher-alcohol, more bitter experience that inverts the drink's profile
Campari Spritz
Uses Campari instead of Aperol for deeper, more herbal bitterness and stronger vermouth influence
Prosecco Citrus Spritz
Adds fresh lemon or grapefruit juice to create brighter citrus notes while maintaining the spritz structure
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