If you know anything about me, it’s that I fancy myself Italian. Please don’t share that with my family as they will surely have me committed but in that word ‘fancy’ lies the key. Isn’t that really ‘pretends” but knows the truth? I’ve mentioned my love of Italian food, architecture and more. And now today…a favorite cocktail.
I just love an Aperol Spritz. It is as refreshing as it is beautiful and just so, well, you know…quintessentially Italian! I used Aperol last year when I did a trio of sorbets but I love it the most in this gorgeous cocktail.
A friend of mine is heading to Italy; I hope this post will inspire her to order an Aperol Spritz. A sort of ‘when in Rome’ moment as this cocktail is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands in the Veneto region every day.
Aperol is a brilliant Italian aperitif that includes bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, cinchona and other spices. It’s similar to Campari, but is much sweeter. The Sprtiz is simply a combination of Aperol, Prosecco and a bit of seltzer served on the rocks in a lowball glass and garnished with a slice of orange.Aperol (and Campari) are considered bitters and until recently I’ve kept my distance from them. I mean..bitter? But I’m slowing coming round and this particular beverage certainly helped. With Aperol, the bitterness is not really bitter in the way my mind was expecting. It was as if the sweet of the fruit and the tang of the peel were melded together; definitely a complimentary partnership.
This apertivo’ spread to the rest of the country and with it variants of the original Spritz. It’s only in the last decade that the combination of Aperol and Prosecco have become the most popular one. It’s fresh, sparkling, light…and just the perfect evening cocktail.
The quintessential Italian aperitif.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Aperol
- 3 oz Prosecco
- Club Soda
- Orange Slice for garnish
Preparation
- Place ice cubes in a low ball glass.
- Add Aperol, then Prosecco, and top with soda. Gently mix and garnish with an orange slice. Enjoy!
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
I just want to say how much I have enjoyed your blog. You write beautifully and have excellent taste! This recipe especially inspired me to let you know how much I’ve appreciated your writing because I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Italy, living in both Rome and Verona. I hope you’ll get to go some day! I know you’d enjoy it!
Annie,
Thank you so very much. I’ve balked at being called a writer because the focus for me is the cooking. I make something and then sit down and type out the words that come to mind; I’ve been told that my blog is so evident of my true voice. A bit silly, sometimes with a touch of sarcasm and always with a love of the food I’m preparing.
I hope I get there one day too. A lifetime of single parenting saw other things always at the top of the list…but I wouldn’t trade having my girls graduate from college for a lifetime in Italy. Wait…hmm, a lifetime? I should have thought through that more huh? Again, thanks so much!
I definitely do not know how to make any drinks, so I love reading all your drink recipes:-) I will head over to Michele’s blog now:-) Hugs, Terra
Terra Most Recent Post: Take 2 – Homemade Lemon Curd
Well this one is easy. The most difficult part might be finding Aperol as it’s not been in the states but for a couple of years. It’s worth a bit of a search though, promise.
goregous, the color alone is stunning, I can imagine it taste even better!
vianney Most Recent Post: New Recipe over at New Latina
It is very orange I will say that; you will have no doubt and you must try it.
This is one of my favorite, quintessentially Italian cocktails! Going to hop on over to get the recipe from Michele, but I’m looking forward to checking out more of your recipes! You have a beautiful blog and I’m glad to have found it.
So glad you did too Georgia. I could drink this cocktail like water. Light and refreshing and I actually love that it’s alcohol content is so low; over imbibing is not for me!
Campari is my absolute favorite spirit, so Aperol is right up there. I love simple, slightly bitter drinks like this. They really do make the perfect aperitif! Gorgeous photos too. Hmmm is it bad that I now want a cocktail and it’s 8am?
Katherine Martinelli Most Recent Post: Red Beet and Barley Risotto
So now it’s MY 8am and I’m thinking the same thing…but I’ll be good and do coffee. This however is on the docket for later; hoping the same for you!
Such a simple yet delightful cocktail.
Maris (In Good Taste) Most Recent Post: Double Chocolate Butterscotch Brownies
One you have to try Maris; it’s so good!
I don’t think I’ve ever even heard of Aperol. Clearly I don’t fancy myself Italian in the least. But it looks great!
Carolyn Most Recent Post: Maple Walnut Biscotti (Low Carb and Gluten-Free)
It was not the easiest thing to find but I think it’s only been available in the states for a couple of years so not all that popular. Yet it’s so good Carolyn. Aperol has such a low volume percentage of alcohol, it’s refreshing and unless you go totally nuts, isn’t a cocktail that will get you loopy…unless that is what you want!
bravissima Barbara! come mi piace un Aperol Spritz;)Light and refreshing. I also love drinks with Campari for that same reason. Lovely photos and I was just taken back to a moment in Italy when I enjoyed my first Aperol Spritz.
Lora Most Recent Post: Katherine Hepburn’s Brownies
And then I am reminded of who the real Italian is…you my friend. This will have to be the first drink we actually share someday. Deal?
I’ve got a new thing. I look forward to ‘Barb’s’ Friday Happy Hour. I just commented on your guest post that it’s like a sunset. A sunset somewhere in Italy, since you’re ‘Barbaraletta’ at times ;D
Lisa Most Recent Post: Rustic Chocolate Raspberry Almond Valentine Cake for SRC and #chocolatelove, plus, Bad Boy First Love Part Three
And I look as forward to you coming here and coming up with your latest name for me. :)
How could I possibly resist this beautiful cocktail? I’m heading over right now… and this is going to my cocktail Pinterest page for sure!!!
Thanks Brian…have you ever had one? So refreshing; just love them. And thanks for pinning me. Haven’t had that since high school. :)
Oh my favorite! I am in love with this drink. Reminds me of nice times spent in Venice.
I am most surprised at how few have ever heard of it. I actually love that Aperol is low volume alcohol content too…sometimes I love a cocktail but no buzz…like when driving?? :)
CIAO BELLA! Looking at this Aperol Spritz is like staring into the a gorgeous Mediterranean sunset … or is it sunrise? Maybe I need a sip, or a double, to refresh my memory.
Or all of the above. I just love them. Now I need to get myself to Italy huh?
OMG i fancy myself Italian too :D :D Check your friend’s site .. just lovely and this drink looks gorgeous.
Kankana Most Recent Post: Spinach Pesto with Roasted Garlic
Like Paula I am off to check out the recipe… and plan my next trip to BevMo to stock up on all the booze I am gonna need to make all of these wonderful cocktails!!!
Nancy@acommunaltable Most Recent Post: Potato Lover’s Month with Idaho Potatoes: Romesco Fingerling Potato Salad
It’s so easy…and so good. Especially in California where you are not looking at a foot of snow like I see in my backyard right now. :)
Off to visit Michele’s blog and learn more about what makes up this bright little cocktail!
Paula Most Recent Post: Introducing Angelyn!
It is so simple and so refreshing and good. One of my favorites all year long.
You’ve got me convinced! This looks so refreshing. Next time I’m in Italy . . .
Karen Harris Most Recent Post: A Treat for My Valentine: Pan de Polvo Pancakes
Or next time in Greenwood Village even. :)
A wonderful weekend drink!
Cheers,
Rosa
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