Bubbly, citrusy, herbal, subtly bitter and lightly sweet…it’s the most classic bubbly mixed drink of them all. Meet the Aperol spritz! This drink is renowned the world over, reaching max popularity in the 2000’s. But did you know it’s actually a classic cocktail from the 1950’s? This Italian cocktail has been capturing hearts and minds for years. If you’re like us, you might have rolled your eyes to the popularity of this drink. But taste one made the right way: it’s absolutely worth the hype.
What’s in an Aperol spritz?
The Aperol spritz, or Spritz Veneziano, is an Italian aperitif: a drink for before a meal. The spritz was invented back in the 1800’s in Italy as a way to water down sparkling wine by mixing in…well, water! It wasn’t until the 1950’s that the Aperol spritz took the form it has today. It’s a cocktail on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning that there’s an “official” definition. The Aperol spritz has these ingredients in a 3-2-1 ratio:
Sparkling wine, like Prosecco or champagneAperolSoda water (not tonic water)
How to make the best Aperol spritz
The Aperol spritz is so easy to make: there’s no real technique involved at all! Just stir 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). Here’s how to make the best Aperol spritz:
Use a high quality Prosecco! The key to a great spritz: use great sparkling wine! The reviewer above complained about low quality Prosecco making the drink too sugary. Don’t do it! Grab a mid-price range bottle of Prosecco or champagne for this one with a dry flavor. Make sure both the Aperol and Prosecco are chilled. To minimize dilution, have both of the alcohols chilled as much as possible. Squeeze in the orange! Bring more tangy citrus notes by squeezing in the orange wedge to the drink, then adding it as a garnish.Use plenty of ice. Keep that beverage ice cold! Try clear ice for the most stunning look (see below).Use a straw! It’s optional, but drinking out of a straw keeps your hand from warming the glass. Less dilution, better drink!
What is Aperol?
Good question! Aperol is an Italian bitter (amaro) and you can identify it by its bright orange color and classic label. It’s an aperitif, a drink to stimulate your appetite before a meal. The original aperitif invented back in the 1860’s in Italy was Campari (the main ingredient in a Negroni). Many sprung up after that, each restaurant boasting its own unique aperitif. Aperol came along in 1919, and it was bought by the Campari company in the 1990’s. Aperol is bright orange and most commonly used in the Aperol spritz cocktail. The flavor is lightly sweet, bitter, and balanced, with notes of herbs and citrus. It has a fairly low alcohol content (22 proof or 11% ABV). Its light flavor is much more approachable than bitter Campari, which can be polarizing. Other drinks to make with Aperol? Try the uniquely delicious Paper Plane and Naked and Famous, or the sweet tart Aperol Cocktail.
Cousin drinks to the Aperol spritz
There are several drinks related to the Aperol spritz! If you like this one, you’ll love:
Campari Spritz Bitter and bubbly, it’s a common spin on the Aperol spritz.Americano The Americano is another bubbly cocktail using Campari, sweet vermouth, and lots of soda water.Negroni Sbagliato A spin on the Negroni using Prosecco instead of gin, it’s bubbly and more balanced than the original.
More spritzes
If you love bubbly spritzes, make sure to try these spritz recipes:
Spritz Veneziano Use any amaro, and garnish with olives!Amaro Spritz This bubbly drink has notes of caramel and cola.Campari Spritz Ultra bitter and bubbly.Cynar Spritz Bittersweet and effervescent, starring CynarLimoncello Spritz This sparkling drink has a pure lemon flavor.St Germain Spritz This floral, refreshing drink is easy drinking: perfect for summer!Lillet Spritz Light and breezy, it features Lillet Blanc and bubbles.
When to serve an Aperol spritz
The Aperol spritz cocktail is bubbly and light; it’s perfect for sipping as a:
Summer drinkBefore dinner drink (aperitif)Brunch drink
More great cocktails
Here are a few more of our great cocktails to add to your repertoire: 5 from 1 review
French 75 Cocktail A sophisticated cocktail made with gin and lemon! Or browse more champagne and Prosecco cocktails.Tom Collins Cocktail This popular sweet sour cocktail is light and bubbly! Don’t forget the cherry.Classic Margarita The very best classic margarita: lime, tequila and Cointreau. Perfection! And 10+ more ways to make a margarita.Favorite Whiskey Sour Perfectly balanced and so easy to make! Or add a foam topping to make it a Boston Sour.Classic Mojito Perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and just sweet enough.
