Aperol Spritz — The most popular apéritif from Italy
With the Aperol Spritz, you have THE classic cocktail from Italy standing before you. Prepared with simple ingredients, this classic apéritif is served in a wine glass. The most important ingredients: Prosecco, ice cubes and of course Aperol!
The unique
Stylish, sparkling, and fruity, that is the Aperol Spritz cocktail. It probably is the most popular apéritif from Italy! Furthermore, it’s really easy to recognize: bright orange color, a wine glass with ice, and an orange slice. One glance is enough to know exactly what you are drinking.
The versatile
A classic apéritif is enjoyed before the meal. As a mood setter for the delicious things to come, so to say. The Aperol Spritz cocktail is so versatile that it always fits. Whether you’re relaxing with a friend in a sidewalk café, on a hot day or when you have something big to celebrate, the Aperol Spritz cocktail always creates the right atmosphere.
The international
It doesn’t matter if at home or on vacation, whenever you order an Aperol Spritz, everyone knows what you mean. Few cocktails have gone around the world like this sparkling mix. Regardless of the different food cultures in the countries, it manages to capture the taste and way of life.
Where does Aperol come from?
About 100 years ago, the brothers Silvio and Luigi Barbieri developed a very special liqueur. Later, they presented it at an international trade fair in northern Italy. This was only the beginning of the worldwide success story. Throughout the years, the liqueur has been mixed with countless variations of other drinks. The most popular is still the Aperol Spritz Cocktail.
What is Aperol made of?
What is in this fruity-bitter blend? It’s a distillate of rhubarb, bitter orange, and exotic ingredients like cinchona bark, yellow gentian, and a secret blend of herbs. It contains only 11% alcohol. In Germany, however, the percentage has been increased to 15%.
Aperol Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients
- 6 cl Prosecco
- 4 cl Aperol
- 2 cl carbonated water
- 3 ice cubes
- 1 slice orange untreated or organic quality
Preparation
- Add ice cubes to the glass.
- Pour the chilled Prosecco on top.
- Top off with Aperol.
- Add one or more splashes of cold carbonated water, depending on how much you like.
- Cut a little into the orange slice, so that you may stick it more easily stick it on the rim of the glass for decoration. Or directly place half a slice into the glass.
Nutrition
Tips for the perfect Aperol Spritz
How do I keep the liqueur from settling at the bottom of the glass?
Never pour the liqueur in first! Start, as described above, with the ice cubes and the Prosecco. This way, everything will mix better and the color will glow in an even orange.
Do I have to use an organic orange?
When shopping, pay attention to the food labels: The peel of oranges and lemons is usually treated with chemicals. This is done so that the fruits last longer and don’t dry out as quickly. Unfortunately, this peel should not come into contact with the other ingredients, if possible. You could remove the peel, but then the cocktail won’t look as perfect. With the organic orange, you are on the safe side.
With or without a straw?
In my opinion, the straw belongs to the cocktail: Nothing is better than sitting back, relaxing with the glass in hand and enjoying small sips through a straw. For the sake of the environment, it should not be made of plastic. In the end, the decision is up to you. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.
What to add as a little something?
The Aperol Spritz can be combined with many snacks. For example, italians love to enjoy it in combination with olives or slices of ciabatta. Small pieces of puff pastry or pizza sticks also go well. Just let your imagination run wild.
Leon is a food blogger, nutritionist, and passionate cocktail nerd. He loves trying out new cocktails and sharing his creations. Jonas is also one of the founders and part of the editorial team of Alcipedia.com.
