Aperol Spritz: Easy 2-Ingredient Cocktail [The Ultimate Guide]

The Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail, made by stirring Prosecco, Aperol bitter liqueur, and soda water in a wine glass filled with ice and garnished with an orange slice. This effervescent cocktail offers a well-balanced flavor profile, combining bittersweet and citrus notes. Typically served as an aperitif and at social events like brunches, it pairs well with light appetizers and seafood. A timeless creation dating back to 1919, the Aperol Spritz enjoys global popularity.

What makes it so popular?

First off, its delightful mix of flavors has universal appeal, striking a perfect balance between bittersweet Aperol, fizzy Prosecco, and a hint of citrus. Additionally, its relatively low alcohol content makes it a go-to choice for the summer and extended social events. It is also visually striking, thanks to its vibrant orange hue.

• Universal Appeal: Balanced bittersweet and citrusy flavors
• Low Alcohol Content: Ideal for lengthy social gatherings
• Instagrammable: Its bright orange color is a visual treat
• Must-Try: Suitable for both cocktail newbies and enthusiasts

So, are you convinced yet to give this iconic Italian classic a swirl? 🍹>>>

Ingredients

An Aperol Spritz is a simple yet flavorful cocktail that typically consists of 3 oz (approximately 90 ml) of Prosecco, 2 oz (around 60 ml) of Aperol, and a splash of soda water. These ingredients create the foundation for the vibrant and effervescent drink that many have come to love.

• Prosecco: 3 oz (90 ml)
• Aperol: 2 oz (60 ml)
• Soda Water: A splash (optional)

Ingredient Alternatives

Aperol Substitutes

While Aperol is the star of the show, you can also substitute it with other aperitifs like Campari, Cynar, or Select for a different twist. These alternatives will offer a different flavor profile, ranging from bitter to herbal.

• Campari: More bitter than Aperol
• Cynar: Herbaceous notes
• Select: Balanced and mild

Prosecco Substitutes

In the place of prosecco, you can use any other type and brand of sparkling wine.

Soda Water Substitutes

The soda water is optional in this cocktail. If you do decide to include it in your recipe, feel free to use any type and brand of sparkling water.

Flavor Profile

The Aperol Spritz presents a beautiful blend of sweet, bitter, and fizzy. Its unique taste profile makes it highly drinkable; think of a tantalizing dance between citrusy orange, complex herbs, and sparkling effervescence.

• Sweet: Aperol’s sugary side
• Bitter: Complexity of herbs
• Fizzy: Prosecco’s effervescence

Best Ratio

A well-balanced Aperol Spritz is often made in a 3:2:1 ratio of Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water. However, the proportions can be adjusted according to personal taste. The key is to aim for a balance so that no single ingredient overpowers the other.

1. Prosecco: 50%
2. Aperol: 33%
3. Soda Water: 17%

Best Ingredients

For the finest Aperol Spritz, opt for high-quality Prosecco and fresh soda water. Quality matters, as a good Prosecco can elevate the cocktail from good to great. A freshly opened bottle of soda water ensures maximum fizziness.

• Prosecco: High-quality, well-reviewed
• Soda Water: Freshly opened bottle
• Aperol: No substitute for quality here

Tools & Equipment

For an Aperol Spritz, you’ll generally need a wine glass to accommodate the volume and ice, a stirring stick for gentle mixing, and a jigger or measuring tool for accurate pouring. These tools aren’t just for show; they’re crucial for achieving the perfect balance and presentation of your cocktail.

• Wine Glass: Large enough for the liquid and the ice
• Bar Spoon: For a gentle mix, keeping the fizz intact.
• Jigger: To ensure accurate proportions.

Instructions

Making an Aperol Spritz is refreshingly straightforward. Start by filling a wine glass with ice. Pour in the Prosecco followed by Aperol, and then add a splash of soda water. Give it a gentle stir to combine, but not too much—you do not want to lose those effervescent bubbles. Garnish with an orange slice to round out the citrus notes.

1. Fill wine glass with ice: The foundation.
2. Pour Prosecco: The effervescent character.
3. Add Aperol: The star of the show.
4. Splash of soda water: For balance.
5. Gentle stir: To combine but keep fizz.
6. Orange slice: The finishing touch.

Stir or Shake

For an Aperol Spritz, stirring is the way to go. Shaking could dilute the drink too quickly and dissipate the fizz from the Prosecco. A gentle stir ensures that all the elements are well-integrated while preserving the effervescence that makes this cocktail so refreshing.

• Gentle stir: Mixes and chills without over-diluting
• Preserve Fizz: Keep those bubbles intact

Ice

Ice plays a dual role in chilling the cocktail and offering a touch of dilution. Opt for larger ice cubes that melt slowly, ensuring the drink stays cold without becoming watery. The goal is a perfectly chilled, slightly diluted Spritz that hits all the right notes. It is recommended to pre-chill the glass before serving.

• Large ice cubes: Slow melt, less dilution
• Chilling: Pre-chill glass before serving
• Optimal Dilution: Cold but not watered down

Storage

If you find yourself with pre-mixed or leftover Aperol Spritz, it is best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Remember, the Prosecco will lose its fizz, so it might not be as effervescent when you revisit it. That is why it is strongly recommended to always make the cocktail fresh, just before serving.

• Airtight container: Keeps it fresh
• Fridge storage: Up to 48 hours
• Loss of fizz: Not as sparkling but still tasty

Scaling

Planning to serve a crowd? The Aperol Spritz is easily scalable. Just maintain the 3:2:1 ratio of Prosecco to Aperol to soda water. Make a large batch in a pitcher or punch bowl and let guests serve themselves. Just remember, add the Prosecco last to keep the fizz.

• Maintain Ratio: 3:2:1 is the golden rule
• Large batch: Pitcher or punch bowl
• Add Prosecco last: Preserve the effervescence

Troubleshooting

Common pitfalls include over-dilution, imbalance of flavors, or a flat Spritz. Ensure your ice is fresh, maintain proper ratios, and serve immediately for maximum effervescence. A well-crafted Aperol Spritz should be vibrant, balanced, and fizzy.

• Over-dilution: Use fresh, large ice cubes
• Imbalance: Stick to the 3:2:1 ratio
• Flatness: Serve immediately

Presentation

The vibrant orange hue itself is the hallmark of an Aperol Spritz, inviting you to take a sip. Presentation matters here. From the glass you use to the garnish you select, every element adds to the overall experience.

Glassware

Traditionally, an Aperol Spritz is served in a wine glass to allow room for ice and to show off its beautiful color. However, if you’re in the mood to mix things up, you can also opt for a highball glass or even a Mason jar for a rustic touch.

• Wine Glass: The classic choice for elegance
• Highball Glass: A taller, narrower option
• Mason Jar: A rustic twist for casual gatherings

Garnish

The classic garnish for an Aperol Spritz is a slice of orange, enhancing the drink’s citrus notes. If you’re feeling creative, you could go for a twist of grapefruit peel or even a sprig of rosemary to add an aromatic dimension. The garnish is where you can really let your personality shine through.

• Orange Slice: The go-to for a reason
• Grapefruit Peel: A tart alternative
• Rosemary Sprig: Adds an aromatic touch

It is important to focus on the visual and aromatic elements of your Aperol Spritz because the presentation is as much a part of the enjoyment as the taste.

Variations & Riffs

The Aperol Spritz is incredibly versatile, making it ripe for creative twists. It shares its DNA with other bubbly and refreshing cocktails, like the Negroni Sbagliato, which swaps Aperol for Campari and adds sweet vermouth; or the Venetian Spritz, which uses any bitter liqueur and sometimes also opts for still white wine instead of sparkling. There’s also the French Spritz that replaces Aperol with elderflower liqueur.

Popular Cocktails Similar to Aperol Spritz:

• Negroni Sbagliato: Campari, sweet vermouth, Prosecco
• Venetian Spritz: Any bitter liqueur; sometime uses still white wine over Prosecco
• French Spritz: St-Germain or other elderflower liqueur in place of Aperol

There are also countless other cocktails you can make with only two ingredients.

Experiment

If you’re looking for something new, create your own riff! Start with the classic Aperol Spritz recipe and swap out one ingredient at a time.

Consider replacing Aperol with another aperitif, like Campari for a more bitter edge, or Cynar for a more herbal touch. Alternatively, try using a flavored soda, adding a splash of fruit juice, or infusing the Aperol itself, the options are endless.

Just remember, balance is key, so no one element should overpower the others.

• Swap Aperol: Try Campari, Cynar, or Select
• Flavored Soda: Flavored soda water for a unique twist. Think grapefruit or elderflower soda.
• Fruit Juice: A dash of juice, such as grapefruit or pomegranate.
• Fruit: Add muddled berries for a fruity zing.
• Infused Aperol: Steep it in herbs like basil or thyme

Experimentation is half the fun, so don’t be afraid to venture outside the boundaries of the standard recipe.

Serving Occasions

The Aperol Spritz shines as the quintessential aperitif, perfect for kick-starting an evening. But its versatility means you can also enjoy it at brunch, pool parties, or lazy afternoons on the patio. Heck, it’s even made appearances at elegant weddings!

• Aperitif: Ideal pre-dinner drink to stimulate the appetite
• Brunch: A fun and colorful alternative to the usual mimosa
• Outdoors: Refreshing and casual, best enjoyed outdoors – think pool parties and garden or restaurant patios in the summer

Food Pairings

When it comes to food, the Aperol Spritz pairs beautifully with light bites. Think appetizers like prosciutto-wrapped melon or a caprese salad. Its refreshing flavor also complements seafood dishes like calamari or shrimp cocktail. For those into the charcuterie game, the salty notes of olives and cheese can really bring out the best in your Spritz.

• Light Bites: Prosciutto-wrapped melon, caprese salad
• Charcuterie: Olives, hard cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino
• Seafood: Calamari, shrimp cocktail

Whether it’s a casual get-together or a swanky soiree, there’s a time and a place (and a tasty dish) for an Aperol Spritz.

History & Name

The Aperol Spritz hails from Italy, specifically the Veneto region. Originally, “spritz” referred to a mix of water and wine, served to Austrian soldiers stationed in Italy. The Aperol part comes into play in 1919 when brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri introduced Aperol at an Italian trade fair. As for the name, “Aperol” is believed to stem from the French term “apéro,” a slang word for aperitif, while “Spritz” encapsulates the spritzy, effervescent nature of the drink.

• Origin: Veneto, Italy, inspired by Austrian soldiers’ water-wine mix
• Inventor: Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, debuting Aperol in 1919
• Name: A mash-up of French “apéro” and the effervescent “spritz”

So, in a glass of Aperol Spritz, you’re not just sipping a cocktail; you’re partaking in a beverage steeped in cultural and historical significance.

Ready to make this effervescent, colorful, bitter-sweet and citrusy deliciousness? Go ahead & share it with me on the socials! >>>