5 Ingredients or Fewer
by: Marian Bull
May17,2021
4.8
4 Ratings
- Prep time 1 minute
- Serves 1
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Author Notes
Once enjoyed exclusively in its native Italy, the Aperol spritz has become world-famous over the last couple of decades for its powerfully refreshing qualities, bright color, lower alcohol content, and overall simplicity. If you’re hunting for a poolside pour or perfect porch sipper, look no further than this light, colorful summer drink that’s as easy to assemble as it is to swig.
Aperol is a vibrant orange apéritif or aperitivo with roots in Padua, Italy, originally enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite—though it can also be beneficial as a digestif after a meal. Its signature bitter flavor comes from a combination of aromatic ingredients like burnt orange, rhubarb, and gentian, and it packs in a little more sweetness and slightly less of a boozy punch than its crimson cousin, Campari. In fact, Aperol is made by Gruppo Campari, which produces the ruby-hued star of the Negroni, Boulevardier, and Jungle Bird co*cktails.
Aperol’s bitter qualities make it ideal for mixing into drinks and punches, but this liqueur is most popular mixed with prosecco over a few ice cubes in a large wine glass and garnished with an orange slice for a classic Aperol spritz. The prosecco’s sweetness and lively fizz helps temper Aperol’s sharpness for better palatability among those less-accustomed to bitter flavors. I usually grab a bottle between $10 and $15, since it will be mixed. Adding a splash of soda water before serving is traditional for this lower-alcohol co*cktail, but optional. If you’re looking for a stronger sip with a more vibrant orange color, simply omit.
I like this in a very large wine glass with lots of ice on a hot day (and don't skip the sunscreen!) —Marian Bull
- Test Kitchen-Approved
What You'll Need
Watch This Recipe
AperolSpritz
Ingredients
- a few large ice cubes
- 1 1/2 ouncesAperol
- 1 splashProsecco
- 1 orange wedge or twist, to garnish
Directions
- Pour the Aperol over ice cubes in a large wine glass, tumbler, or mason jar.
- Top with about 3 ounces of Prosecco or until the mixture is a color that makes you happy.
- Garnish with orange, and serve. Be sure to have extra orange slices on hand—you're going to want a second.
Tags:
- co*cktail
- Aperitif
- Italian
- White Wine
- Liqueur
- Quick and Easy
- 5 Ingredients or Fewer
- Bastille Day
- Entertaining
- Dinner Party
- Summer
- Memorial Day
See what other Food52ers are saying.
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Teresa
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JohnZ
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monpeasch
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Peri Moritz
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kimikoftokyo
Popular on Food52
15 Reviews
Sara E. June 22, 2021
Last fall, I made a "winter" version with lambrusco instead of prosecco and a splash of orange juice instead of seltzer. Garnished with an orange slice. Everyone loved it.
OldGrayMare June 22, 2021
Have loved this co*cktail for several years ever since a friend turned me onto it. Makes a great summer sipper (altho, living in Florida it has become my “winter sipper”).
Now, for the ghastly horrible hot summer nights, its a Porto Tonico (white port and tonic).
Teresa April 18, 2020
Sparking water topper allows you to have more,more,more. Couple of “twists” ..in Venice add a lovely olive for the perfect contrast taste/color but also because well, it’s Venice. And in my little Tuscan hilltown specify Spritz Royale for Prosecco otherwise dry white wine is used. All good .
JohnZ May 15, 2015
Try substituting cappelletti for the aperol. Cappelletti is a bit more bitter than aperol, but we have come to prefer it.
monpeasch February 19, 2015
I also discovered this co*cktail in Italy some years ago. I asked the waiter what the orange drink was everyone was having. He said Aperol Spritz. I loved it and lucky for me, I can easily find Aperol at the Virginia ABC stores. I also add a splash of sparkling mineral water.
cpc February 18, 2015
I first discovered this refreshing summer co*cktail in northern Italy and quickly became a fan. Now, thanks to Aperol's advertising campaign, it's readily available in the states. It's the perfect co*cktail for people who don't drink much, especially on a warm day.
Peri M. October 1, 2014
One of our favorite summer co*cktails also. One addition is we add a half ounce of St. Germaine (elderberry liqueur) and use the sparkling water.
kimikoftokyo July 31, 2014
Can I use sparkling rose ?
Marian B. July 31, 2014
I've never tried that but my gut response is "sure why not!"
kimikoftokyo July 31, 2014
alright thats good enough for me ! lol may change the flavor though maybe a dryer rose
Carl July 29, 2014
Finding the Aperol in State Liquor stores can be a chore at times.
MrsWheelbarrow July 28, 2014
I adore this co*cktail, Marian!
Marian B. July 31, 2014
Me too! Next time you're in the city we'll drink them. (Book party refreshments???)
Exbruxelles July 22, 2014
I agree: Skip the soda water. This is the best summer drink ever.
Marian B. July 31, 2014
Yeah!
