Name: Aperol Spritz Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 oz Aperol; 3-4 oz Prosecco; 1 oz Soda Water (To Top); 1 Orange (For Garnish)

The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and easy-to-make Italian cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It is typically served as a pre-dinner beverage, an aperitif before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

Aperol bottle and prosecco for classic cocktail

Photo copyright A Bar Above

HISTORY OF THE APEROL SPRITZ

This classic cocktail was created in Venice, Italy back in the 19th century (circa 1919 by the Barbieri brothers) and was originally known as the “Bitter Alla Venezia” because of the bitter flavors from the Aperol– which also creates that bright orange color. The Aperol Spritz gained popularity in the mid-20th century and is now enjoyed all over the world.

HOW TO MAKE THE APEROL SPRITZ

WHAT IS APEROL?

What is Aperol, you ask? It’s a bitter liqueur called Amaro (or Amari) that– along with the bright orange color– provides the bittersweet taste of this refreshing drink. The combination of orange, cinnamon, rhubarb, strawberry, and vanilla in this bitter orange aperitif provide a complex flavor to this sophisticated cocktail– or any of the alcoholic drinks in which it’s featured.

Campari brand is also an Amaro (and a more bitter one at that); if Campari is a little too strong for you, you can substitute Aperol instead in any recipe.

Bartender making a pre-dinner drink with bottle of prosecco italian wine and aperol for citrus flavor

Photo copyright A Bar Above

APEROL SPRITZ INGREDIENTS

We’ve seen this recipe made with regular white wine, but using dry Prosecco or sparkling wine really gives it a fizzy bite. However, if you only have everyday wine on hand, the sparkling water will still make it a bubbly cocktail– albeit not quite the sparkling drink it’s intended to be.

Typically, this refreshing spritz cocktail is served in a white wine glass, but in a pinch, you can use a rocks glass. Also not that if you only use a dash of soda, the alcohol content of this bubbly drink is going to be pretty high. Consider yourself warned.

Bartender showing Aperol spritz bittersweet drink with orange slice for garnish

Photo copyright A Bar Above

Overall, this is one of those delicious beverages with basic ingredients that requires very little prep time and is kind of the perfect day drink. So, next time you’re looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail, look no further than this Italian aperitif, the Aperol Spritz!