The refreshing orange-hued cocktail is gaining popularity. Make your own Aperol Spritz at home.
You’ve probably noticed a bright orange cocktail if you’ve been watching HBO’s White Lotus, which is set in Sicily. Many characters have been sipping this poolside drink on the beach while gazing at the stunning Sicilian scenery. What is this drink, which is served in a large wine glass with ice? It’s known as an Aperol Spritz. You should make this bright and sunny cocktail at home regardless of your proximity to a pool.
What Is an Aperol Spritz?
The Aperol Spritz is Italy’s most popular cocktail, made with prosecco, bittersweet Aperol, and a splash of sparkling water. Spritz cocktails originated in northeast Italy, near Venice, and are typically made with prosecco (the local sparkling wine), a splash of liqueur or fruit juice, and sparkling water or club soda. The Aperol Spritz is the most well-known spritz variation these days.
What Is Aperol?
Aperol is a bright orange, low-proof, bittersweet spirit made in Padua since 1919 from gentian rhubarb and cinchona. It’s a type of bitter liqueur known as amaro (or, literally, “bitter” in Italian). Aperol is approachable for newcomers because it is sweeter and less bitter than other amaro.
How Do I Make an Aperol Spritz?
Ingredients
- Aperol Spritz Ingredients
- These cocktails require four basic ingredients, plus ice.
1. Aperol
Only Aperol will suffice here. Aperol is a refreshing orange aperitif. The flavors are described as “zesty orange with complex herbal scents harmonized with a touch of vanilla” by the brand. At the liquor store, look for Aperol near the liqueurs or amaros.
2. Prosecco
Prosecco is a low-cost Italian sparkling wine comparable to Spanish Cava or French Champagne. I recommend using a dry (brut) Prosecco to avoid the drink becoming too syrupy or sweet. Good options range from $12 to $18.
3. Club soda
There is a need for some fizzy dilution. Any non-flavored sparkling water will suffice. For this purpose, I keep cans of sparkling water in my pantry.
4. Slice of fresh orange
If you don’t have one, an orange slice is a traditional garnish for an Aperol spritz.
Directions
Aperol spritz cocktails are ridiculously simple to make. There’s no need for a cocktail shaker or any fancy equipment! Simply fill a wine glass with ice, add Aperol, Prosecco, club soda, and an orange slice.
How to Adjust Your Aperol Spritz
The standard proportion is equal parts Aperol and Prosecco with a splash of club soda. However, you can experiment with the ratio until your Aperol spritz tastes just right. I prefer mine with more Prosecco than Aperol.
Make it less bitter
The bitter notes of Aperol can take some getting used to, so use less and more Prosecco to reduce the bitterness.
Make it less boozy
As written, your Aperol spritz contains approximately 11% ABV (Aperol is 11% ABV, and Prosecco is 12%). To reduce the alcohol content further, use more club soda and less Aperol and Prosecco.
What to Serve with Your Aperol Spritz
Aperol spritz is typically served as an aperitif. Apéritifs are intended to stimulate the appetite before a meal. They’re usually lightly alcoholic and dry rather than sweet.
Serve your Aperol spritzes alongside Italian or Mediterranean-inspired appetizers. Keep in mind that Aperol is a bit bitter. Salty, creamy/fatty, and sweet foods soften bitter flavors.
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