Aperol Spritz recipe – sunshine in a glass!

Say hello to Aperol Spritz, the cheeky little Italian apéritif you’ll love.

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I first noticed people drinking the Aperol Spritz cocktail in Venice. As the sun started to set at aperitivo time, everywhere I looked people were sipping fluorescent-orange cocktails. In the piazzas and canal-side cafés, in bars, terraces and trattorias. Everywhere – Aperol Spritz.

Aperol Spritz Recipe

I’m usually a gin and tonic kinda girl but, of course, I had to try it. Aperol Spritz tasted so different from any other Italian drinks I’d tasted before. I’d been Spritzed!

Now, whenever I’m in Italy I have to treat myself to at least one Aperol Spritz cocktail. I take a moment and enjoy a sunset and the gentle bitterness of this unique aperitif.

I’ve quaffed a spritz or two in Portofino, Positano and Catania to name a few places and I’ll be sure to have a one when I’m in Venice in September. Yup, the future’s orange!

I’ve added this Aperol Spritz recipe to my repertoire so we can enjoy them at home in the UK on a summer’s evening. The light fruity taste of Aperol Spritz is the perfect summer drink. It’s the complete opposite to my blackberry vodka recipe which is perfect for winter evenings by the fire.

Where does Aperol Spritz come from?

The Spritz is a legacy from Austria, which is why it was originally more popular in northern Italy. It’s sold in bars and cafés all over the country and in Spain and the UK too.

In fact you can buy Aperol in one of the UK’s leading supermarkets or here online.

My Aperol Spritz glass of choice is a large goldfish bowl glass.

What is Aperol Spritz made of?

Aperol Spritz contains alcohol but not too much (11% ABV) so it’s perfect for a pre-dinner drink. It’s made with infusions of sweet and bitter oranges, rhubarb, gentian, herbs and roots.

The Aperol Spritz recipe is a closely guarded secret so I can’t divulge any further. Campari is similar but not as sweet and with a higher alcohol content.

What does Aperol Spritz taste like?

Aperol Spritz is decidedly delicious; very slightly bitter with a sweet hint of orange and a light tang of herbs. The Prosecco or Champagne gives it sparkle and the soda water refreshes. It’s Italy’s answer to Pimms. Summer in a glass.

When to drink it – Aperitivo

The best time to order Aperol Spritz in Italy is aperitivo hour which is actually a couple of hours, usually between 7 pm and 9pm. This is when Italians meet to relax after work with a cocktail or glass of wine and some nibbles before dinner.

An aperitivo bar will always serve nibbles with your drink. The ones below came with our Aperol Spritz in Catania, Sicily. After a couple of glasses of Spritz and two rounds of nibbles, which are included in the price of the drink, we almost didn’t need dinner!

It’s a good way to chill after a day’s sightseeing and indulge in a bit of people watching while you wait for dinner. The image below shows the tasty bites we were served with our Spritz during Aperitivo in Catania.

Aperol Spritz Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of Prosecco or Champagne
• 8oz (235 ml) of your chosen Aperol
• Soda water
• Orange slices to garnish
• Ice

How to make Aperol Spritz

Add ice cubes to large white wine glasses or tumblers – fill to a third of the way up the glass

Add 2 oz (60 ml) of Aperol to each glass

Add  2 oz (60 ml) of Champagne/Prosecco to each glass

Spritz with a splash of soda water

Garnish with orange slices and sip away

Tip: You could use ice cubes made from Prosecco or Champagne

A glowing sunset, roof terrace or patio garden is the perfect setting for your drink. Ideally, sip away in a Venice bar with a great view of the Grand Canal.

Yield: 4 drinks

Aperol Spritz Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Aperol Spritz Recipe

Print

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of Prosecco or Champagne
• 8oz (235 ml) of your chosen Aperol
• Soda water
• Orange slices to garnish
• Ice

Instructions

1. Add ice cubes to large white wine glasses or tumblers – fill to a third of the way up the glass
2. Add 2 oz (60 ml) Prosecco or Champagne
3. Add 2oz (60 ml) Aperol (or whatever bitter you’re using e.g. Campari)
4. Squirt in a dash of soda water to taste and stir (don’t overdo the soda water)
5. Garnish with slices of fresh orange and you’re ready to spritz

Notes

Tip: Make ice cubes from your Prosecco or Champagne which will keep your Aperol Spritz as chilled as possible.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 211Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 19mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 0gSugar 6gProtein 0g

Have you Spritzed?  What did you think?

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