Aperol Spritz

Making the perfect Aperol Spritz is as easy as 3-2-1. The ratio of 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water make a refreshingly bitter-sweet drink to enjoy in this summertime heat!

When I turned 40 I took a trip to Italy. Admittedly, I went in the fall and the weather was quite cold and rainy. The opposite of an Aperol Spritz refreshing time. However, the aperitivo is a beloved Italian tradition. It’s a ritual where you slow down, unwind, and are able to relax with friends. During the trip I enjoyed many an aperitivo, but never had an actual Aperol Spritz, until I returned.

The funny thing is I saw many people drinking Aperol Spritzes, but often I opted for wine to literally warm me up! Aperol traces its roots back to Padua, Italy. The aperitivo is a beverage, typically enjoyed before dinner, created back in 1919. The Aperol has a bittersweet flavor, aromatic botanicals, and lower alcohol content, making it a perfect pre-dinner drink – that won’t fill you up and even if you drink a couple, you can still make it to dinner!

Even though the Aperol Spritz has been a staple in Italian culture since 1919, it didn’t get popular here in the United States until 2010 or so. Aperitivos and lower-alcohol content drinks were starting to become more and more popular. As it stands today, it’s a staple at cocktail bars, Italian and non-Italian restaurants, and can be found most anywhere that serves brunch on a patio. I decided to try it out because truthfully it’s meant to be enjoyed on a hot summer day. And as we all know, it’s been a scorcher this summer, even if people are starting to cool down for the fall.

Aperol Spritz Ingredients

An Aperol Spritz is refreshing and one of the easiest drinks to make. The ratio is 3-2-1: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water. It’s that easy! Some people love an Aperol Spritz and some people find it to be too bitter. Tell me if you love it!

• Prosecco: Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine similar to Spanish Cava or French Champagne. I recommend choosing a dry (brut) Prosecco so your drink doesn’t turn out too syrupy or sweet (choose one that hits the sweetness level you prefer). Good choices range from 12 to 18 dollars. If you decide to go on the cheaper end, they’re not always as tasty. Trust me. I also buy a small bottle to enjoy one Aperol at a time!
• Aperol: Aperol is a brand of amaro, an Italian-style bittersweet liqueur that is commonly used as an apéritif. A bright red-orange (see below) liqueur that is made of citrusy, herbal ingredients, it has a distinct taste that might remind you of burnt orange and rhubarb.
• Club Soda: To add a little volume and help dilute the fizz, use any unflavored sparkling water. Always great to keep cans of sparkling water in your pantry for this reason. Just make sure to throw them in the refrigerator to help cool/chill the drink (even though you’ll add ice, it still helps!)
• Garnish: Orange slices. You can omit these if you don’t have them on hand. However, if you want to be fancy, add a slice with your ice as it is the classic garnish for an Aperol Spritz.

How To Make An Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz cocktails are beyond easy to make. No special equipment needed! I simply use my measuring cup to ensure the right ratio. 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part club soda.

1. First, fill your glass with ice and let it chill for 30 seconds (trust me—it makes a difference).
2. Then pour in your measuring cup 3 ounces of Prosecco, 2 ounces of Aperol and one ounce of club soda.
3. Give it a good stir and then pour this mixture into your wine glass with the ice.
4. Garnish with an orange slice.

Even if you’re not in Italy, you have a great cocktail in hand and can channel the country’s long-standing tradition of aperitivo hour. This is the traditional Aperol Spritz. If you want to adjust the Aperol Spritz and make it less bitter, use less Aperol and more Prosecco. If you want it less boozy (Aperol is 11% ABV and Prosecco is 12%) you can always add in more club soda and less Aperol and Prosecco. Either way, enjoy, and Cheers!

What To Serve With Your Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is served as an aperitif. Aperitifs are meant to be served before a meal to help stimulate your appetite (and not fill you up too much!) They’re lighter in alcohol and more dry than sweet. Remember the Aperol is on the bitter side. Foods that will pair well will be salty, creamy/fatty, and sweet foods that will take the edge away from the bitter flavor.

• Homemade Hummus
• Mezze Board
• Marinated Feta
• Goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or burrata with crusty bread (dipped in olive oil)

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