Walk through an Italian town during the late-afternoon—particularly in Northern cities like Milan and Venice—and you’ll find groups of people enjoying Aperol Spritzes. The after-work spritz is a long-established Italian tradition, and fortunately, it’s one that’s easily replicated anywhere.
A proper Aperol spritz tastes like summertime in Italy and looks like a golden orange sunset.
Ingredients
1) Aperol
Only Aperol will do here. Aperol is a bright orange apéritif. The brand describes the flavors as, “zesty orange with complex herbal scents harmonized with a touch of vanilla.” Look for Aperol near the liqueurs or amaros at the liquor store.
2) Prosecco
Prosecco is an inexpensive Italian sparkling wine similar to Spanish Cava or French Champagne. Recommendation is to choose a dry (brut) Prosecco so you drink doesn’t turn out too syrupy or sweet. Good choices range from 12 to 18 dollars.
3) Club soda
For some fizzy dilution. Any unflavored sparkling water will work.
4) Slice of fresh orange
You can skip this if you don’t have it, but an orange slice is the classic garnish for an Aperol spritz.
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
Aperol spritz cocktails are unbelievably easy to make. No cocktail shaker or fancy equipment required!
You’ll simply fill a wine glass with ice, then add Aperol, Prosecco, club soda and a slice of orange.
How to Adjust Your Aperol Spritz’
The generally accepted ratio is equal parts Aperol and Prosecco plus a splash of club soda. However, you can play around with the ratio until your Aperol spritz tastes exactly the way you like it.
Make it less bitter
Aperol’s bitter notes can take some getting used to, so you can reduce the bitterness by using less Aperol and more Prosecco.
Make it less boozy
As written, your Aperol spritz is around 11 percent alcohol content by volume (Aperol is 11% ABV and Prosecco is 12%). To make it even lower in alcohol content, use proportionally more club soda and less Aperol and Prosecco.
What to Serve with Your Aperol Spritz
The aperol spritz is commonly served as an apéritif. Serve your Aperol spritzes with Italian or general Mediterranean-flavored appetizers. Keep in mind that Aperol is on the bitter side. Salty, creamy/fatty and sweet foods take the edge off bitter flavors.
This cocktail recipe was retrieved from cookieandkate.com