March 10, 2021

Aperol Spritz Cocktail

Aperol traces its roots back to Padua, Italy. The aperitivo is an appetite-whetting beverage designed to be consumed before dinner. Its bittersweet flavor, aromatic botanicals and easygoing alcohol content (it’s only 11% ABV) made it the perfect choice for pre-dinner sipping. The Aperol Sprtiz Cocktail is a western take on this classic liquer.

If you are new to drinking Aperol, I will warn you that it can be a bit bitter. If you don’t love the bitterness, I suggest swapping the club soda for blood orange soda. It adds sweetness and the orange flavor pairs beautifully with the Aperol Spritz Cocktail. This substitute is not traditional, but it is so darn good, no one will care! Note: I found Italian blood orange soda on Drizly.

Looking for that fun and refreshing spring beverage. Bring the piazza of Italy to your home with the Aperol Spritz Cocktail. Italy is the land of the aperitivo, or aperitif—a pre-dinner cocktail that’s usually light on alcohol and refreshing. But ,not weigh down the palate and it keeps the mood energetic.

What is Aperal?

Aperol is an Italian aperitif. Aperitifs are dry rather than sweet alcoholic beverages. They are typically served before eating to help stimulate one’s appetite.

The alcohol content of Aperol is 11%, which is half of it’s ‘brother’ drink, Campari. 11% alcohol content is similar to most wines that tend to have alcohol contents between 10% to 15%.

Can You Drink Aperol Straight?

Straight up, Aperol is far too bitter for my liking. Friends laugh at the face I pull after trying the aperitif. Many people order Aperol straight up thinking that Aperol is always served in the form of a spritz.

When Aperol was first invented, many people didn’t like the bitterness of the drink. So, they asked for some spritzy water to be added. Hence, the humble beginnings of one of the worlds most favored cocktails.

Maybe the most important big thing to know about Aperol is: It’s not Campari. But as far as the liquid products Campari and Aperol go, confusion is natural. There are several differences better explained here, but one big, portable takeaway: Campari is more. It’s darker in color, higher in alcohol, and has more up-front “can-you-deal-with-that?” bitterness in the flavor profile. Aperol is gentler, lighter, the kind of thing you can sip over the rocks poolside without making a bitter-pucker face and ruining the Insta moment.

Aperol Spritz

While any sparkling wine can be combined with Aperol and soda, note that a true Aperol Spritz calls specifically for Italian bubbly. Proseccos range from sweet to dry, so choose one that hits the sweetness level you prefer. Then make yourself a drink and relax. You might not be in Italy, but with a good cocktail in hand, you can at least channel the country’s long-standing tradition of aperitivo hour.

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Prep Time 2

Total Time 2

Course Appetizer, Pre-dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 1 drink