Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is an easy drinking cocktail that combines Aperol, prosecco, and club soda.  Its sunny color makes it the perfect cocktail for summer, but it’s so delicious you will drink it year-round.

A cure for the winter blues?

Christmas is over, and the winter doldrums have set in.  It’s this time of year that I find myself in need of a little reminder of summer.  And if the combination of Aperol and prosecco doesn’t scream summer, I don’t know what does.

A classic cocktail, the Aperol Spritz combines some of our favorite ingredients in a very simple drink whose color is reminiscent of a warm summer sunset, a gentle reminder that summer is never too far off.

Aperol cocktails

Aperol is one of those liqueurs that is best mixed in another cocktail, and I do believe the Aperol Spritz is probably the most well known cocktail using it.

I often use Aperol interchangeably with Campari, although there are some differences between the two.  For any of the following, you may want to sub in Aperol for Campari if you prefer a sweeter, less bitter drink:

• Italian Margarita
• Grapefruit Negroni
• Classic Negroni

We also use Aperol in our Moscato Sangria.

What to serve with Aperol Spritz?

The Aperol Spritz is the perfect before-dinner cocktail, but I would also argue that it is the perfect partner to any type of brunch fare, like our semolina french toast with lemons and blueberries.

If having a dinner party, we’d recommend making an entire pitcher of Aperol Spritz, following the simple recipe of 3 parts Aperol, 2 parts prosecco, and a splash of club soda.  The recipe we outline below is for one large drink only.

In addition to the French Toast listed above, here are some dishes we think would pair well with the Aperol Spritz:

• Baked Portobello Mushrooms
• Sauteed Zucchini with Mushrooms and Burrata
• Stuffed Italian Peppers
• Chicken Sorrentino

How to make the Aperol Spritz

The recipe really couldn’t be simpler and requires only a few ingredients:  Aperol, prosecco, club soda or seltzer (we use grapefruit flavored), and ice.   An optional ingredient, that we think enhances the drink, is fresh squeezed orange juice.  Also optional, are orange slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish.

Begin by adding ice to a cocktail mixing glass, or cocktail shaker.  Add the Aperol and Prosecco, and orange juice (optional) and stir until combined.

Strain and pour into a wine glass with ice.  Top with club soda or seltzer.

Garnish with orange slices and rosemary sprigs.  Serve immediately and enjoy!

This recipe is super simple, but its gorgeous color, especially when accompanied with orange slices and rosemary for garnish, makes it look more complex than it is.

Another super simple spritz not to be missed is this hugo cocktail recipe.    Give that one a try if you like elderflower.

The Lillet Spritz is also great for light, floral spritz.

If you like Negronis but want something lighter, try the Americano.

Also, check out this limoncello spritz recipe.  If you love limoncello, you’re in luck!

And our new summer favorite.  The frosé – it’s a slushy strawberry rosé cocktail.

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