How to make an Aperol Spritz Cocktail

Today I look at how to make an Aperol Spritz cocktail; the coral-hued pre-dinner cocktail that reminds you of sunsets over Amalif. Or in my case, the beautiful Mauritian sunsets.

Aperol was created in Padua by Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in 1919. It has a bittersweet flavour with aromatic botanicals and a light alcohol content (around 11- 15% depending on where you live in the world). It is an amaro type of beverage similar to Campari.

The concept of Spritz comes from Austria and started when the Austrians found the northern Italian white wines too acidic and strong for their taste and would ask for a spritzen of water to make it more drinkable.

Also Read: Mint Julep Cocktail

The Aperol Spritz has been enjoyed in Italy for many years, but it is only in the last decade or so that its popularity became global. According to bartenders, the Aperol Spritz was one of the most requested cocktails during 2022.

The cocktail is prepared with Prosecco and Aperol and then topped off with a dash of sparkling water. Aperol is produced by the Campari Group.

What is the difference between Aperol and Campari?

Campari and Aperol both are a bitter red(ish) type of spirit and they are interchangeable. However, Aperol is softer, slightly sweeter, with a slightly lower alcohol content when compared to Campari. Aperol is also an ingredient in a Paper plane cocktail.

Campari is darker in colour and more intense and bitter with a higher alcohol content. It contains hints of rhubarb, berries, and a floral bouquet of unspecified herbs. Campari is a key ingredient in a well made negroni cocktail.

Aperol Spritz Cocktail Ingredients

This is a cocktail you can make easily at home. It only has 5 ingredients with no complex mixing or shaking.

1. Aperol

Only the real thing makes an Aperol spritz. Aperol is an Italian bitter apéritif with flavours of rhubarb, gentian and cinchona flowers. It has a vibrant coral colour.

2. Prosecco

Prosecco is a sparking white wine made in Italy. It must contain at least 85% of Glera grapes for it to be classified as Prosecco. Other grapes such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio can be blended with the Glera grapes, but these non-Glera grapes can’t make up more than 15% of the blend.

Look for an Extra Dry Prosecco as it has a nice level of sweetness to balance out the Aperol. If you don’t have real Prosecco, any good quality sparking wine will do.

3. Club soda or sparkling water

Any unflavored sparkling water will work well.

4. Slice of fresh orange

A slice of orange slice is the classic garnish for an Aperol spritz.

5. Ice

Diluting the spritz with a few ice cubes makes it perfect for hot summer afternoons.

The general ratio is equal parts Aperol and Prosecco plus a splash of sparkling water. However, I prefer a slightly sweeter spritz, so I add a bit more Prosecco than Aperol. This balances the Aperol bitterness and makes it less bitter.

Also Read: Martini Cocktail

Aperol Spritz Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Per cocktail

2 parts Aperol
3 parts Prosecco
1 part club soda or unflavored sparkling water
Orange slice, for garnish
Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

Add some ice to a wine glass. Pour in the Aperol and Prosecco.
Top your cocktail off with a splash of sparking water and add a slice of orange.

Perfect for late afternoon’s on the patio watching the sun go down over the Indian ocean. Aperol Spritz pairs well with olives, saucisson, freshly made hummus and crackers.