The Aperol Spritz is a great drink for a hot summer day. It’s light and refreshing, a little sweet and easy to sip.
These cocktails are very popular and it is easy to understand why. You can whip up a batch in a snap, they are pretty to look at and they’re delicious.
Recently the Aperol Spritz got a bad review in the Times (see The Aperol Spritz Is Not a Good Drink). You really do not want to publicly criticize the spritz. Fans of the cocktail responded quickly and passionately. For starters, see Entire Internet Agrees Aperol Spritz Is, in Fact, Good, You can then move on to Suddenly, everyone has an opinion on the Aperol Spritz and Look, NYTimes, You Can Hate On Aperol Spritzes, But We The Twitter Populace Love Them.
When all of this spritz fuss started happening, I had already started writing this post. Perfect timing!
These cocktails are very popular in Venice, often viewed as the original source of the Spritz. I’ll be in Venice later this week. Strictly for research purposes, I’ll try them while I’m there.
I’m including two versions of the Spritz in this post: the more traditional spritz served on the rocks with club soda and a “straight-up” version served without ice or club soda.
Tips
- While you don’t have to use the finest Prosecco available, buy a decent quality version.
- Lime slices also work well as a garnish. (I used clementine slices for the version on the rocks.)
Aperol Spritz on the Rocks
This cocktail is light and very refreshing.
Ingredients
This makes two cocktails.
- 16 ounces brut Prosecco
- 4 ounces Aperol
- 2 ounces club soda, chilled
- Orange slices for garnish
Directions
Add ice to two rocks glasses. Add the Prosecco, the Aperol and the club soda. Garnish with a slice of orange.
Aperol Spritz Straight Up
The addition of an olive to this cocktail adds a brininess that nicely balances the sweet Aperol. The ratio of Prosecco to Aperol is higher as well.
Ingredients
This makes two cocktails. Chill the ingredients in advance.
- 16 ounces brut Prosecco
- 4 ounces Aperol
- Olives
- Orange slices for garnish (optional)
Directions
Add the Prosecco to two wine or champagne glasses. Add the Aperol. Drop in an olive or two. Garnish with an orange slice.
Related Topics
Here are some other cocktails that include Italian spirits.