The Aperitivo Spritz is a delightful Italian cocktail that brings summer vibes to any gathering. It combines herbal liqueur, sparkling Prosecco, and a splash of soda for a revitalizing sip. To make it, mix equal parts of liqueur and Prosecco over ice, add a dash of lemon bitters, and top with club soda. Garnish with an orange wheel for a vibrant touch. Enjoy it with friends and discover more about this iconic drink's history and evolution.
History
The Spritz cocktail, which you might know today as the Aperol Spritz, has its roots in northern Italy, particularly Venice, where it emerged in the 19th century.
Initially, it was a simple blend of white wine and water, catering to locals and tourists drawn to the region's sparkling wine.
As the drink evolved, various liqueurs were introduced, with Aperol becoming a popular choice.
The Aperol Spritz gained significant traction in the early 2000s, thanks to its vibrant orange color and invigorating flavor, making it a summer favorite.
Today, this cocktail is commonly enjoyed as an aperitivo spritz, designed to stimulate your appetite and enhance social interactions, showcasing its enduring place in Italian cocktail culture.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 part Aperitivo Aplomado
- 2 parts Prosecco
- Dash of lemon bitters
- Club soda
- Ice
- Orange wheel (for garnish)
To prepare the Aperitivo Spritz, start by filling a spritz glass with ice to chill the drink.
Next, pour in 1 part of Aperitivo Aplomado followed by 2 parts of Prosecco.
Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients, then finish off with a dash of lemon bitters and a splash of club soda.
For the final touch, garnish your drink with an orange wheel on the rim of the glass.
Extra Tips: For the best results, make sure to use well-chilled Prosecco and serve the cocktail in a large spritz glass to allow for the right amount of ice and garnishes.
Feel free to experiment with different garnishes such as a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your Aperitivo Spritz during a warm summer evening or at your next gathering for a truly invigorating experience!
Cooking Steps
Start by chilling your glass with ice to keep your Aperitivo Spritz nice and cool.
Next, gently add the Prosecco and Aperol, then stir to blend the flavors without losing the fizz.
Finally, garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately over ice for the perfect invigorating drink.
Step 1. Chill Glass With Ice
To guarantee your Aperitivo Spritz stays perfectly chilled, begin by filling your wine glass with ice. This simple step enhances your drinking experience, keeping your cocktail cold for longer.
Let the ice sit in the glass for a few minutes; this effectively chills the glass and creates a frosty exterior, signaling a revitalizing Spritz inside.
Once the glass is adequately chilled, discard the ice to maintain the ideal temperature for your drink. A properly chilled glass not only looks inviting but also preserves the flavors and carbonation of your Aperitivo Spritz.
Step 2. Add Prosecco Gently
Adding Prosecco gently is essential for crafting the perfect Aperitivo Spritz.
After you've added the Aperitivo Aplomado and lemon bitters to your pre-chilled spritz glass, slowly pour the Prosecco over the ice. This careful approach helps maintain the effervescence and guarantees a balanced flavor, sticking to the recommended 2:1 ratio of Prosecco to Aperitivo.
By pouring it slowly, you minimize agitation, preserving those delightful bubbles that contribute to the drink's light texture.
Remember, topping off with club soda comes last to blend smoothly without losing carbonation.
Enjoy the revitalizing experience of your Aperitivo Spritz, knowing that each step enhances its delightful fizz and flavor.
Cheers!
Step 3. Add Aperol and Stir Gently
Pour the vibrant Aperol into your chilled spritz glass filled with ice, ensuring you've got an equal amount alongside the Prosecco you've already added. Typically, you'll want about 3 ounces of each for a balanced flavor profile.
To elevate the drink, add a dash of lemon bitters; this enhances the herbal notes of the Aperol and adds complexity.
Now, it's time to stir gently. Use a long spoon to combine the ingredients without losing the delightful carbonation from the Prosecco. You want that fizzy texture to remain intact.
Finally, top off your mixture with a splash of club soda for that extra fizz. Your Aperitivo Spritz is almost ready—just a few more touches to go!
Step 4. Garnish With Orange Slice
Once you've mixed your Aperitivo Spritz, garnishing with an orange slice brings a burst of color and aroma to your drink.
This classic garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the drink's bitter and sweet flavor profile.
To get the most out of your garnish, use a fresh orange slice; it maximizes flavor and looks great.
You can either place the orange slice on the rim of the glass or float it on top for an attractive presentation.
This traditional practice reflects the cocktail's Italian roots and elevates your overall drinking experience.
Step 5. Serve Immediately Over Ice
After garnishing your Aperitivo Spritz with an orange slice, it's time to serve it up for maximum enjoyment.
Start by selecting a chilled wine glass to enhance the experience. Fill the glass with plenty of ice to keep your cocktail invigoratingly cool.
Pour in 3 ounces of Aperol and 3 ounces of dry Prosecco over the ice, then add a splash of club soda for that perfect fizz.
Gently stir the mixture to combine the flavors, ensuring the wine and herbal notes meld beautifully.
Finally, enjoy your Aperitivo Spritz right away to fully appreciate its bubbly nature and vibrant flavors.
This is the ideal way to savor your delightful cocktail, so don't wait!
Final Thoughts
As you savor the invigorating taste of an Aperitivo Spritz, it's easy to see why this cocktail has become a beloved symbol of Italian summer culture.
The combination of herbal liqueur, sparkling wine, and club soda creates a revitalizing drink that perfectly complements sunny days and lively gatherings. With a moderate 8% ABV and around 200 calories, it's a guilt-free indulgence.
Traditionally garnished with an orange wheel, this drink not only tantalizes your taste buds but also stimulates your appetite, making it ideal before meals.
Originating from northern Italy, especially Venice, the Aperitivo Spritz invites you to slow down, enjoy good company, and embrace the essence of la dolce vita.
Cheers to the perfect summer sip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Aperitivo Spritz?
An aperitivo is a pre-meal drink meant to stimulate your appetite, often enjoyed in a social setting.
It typically features a combination of bitter and sweet flavors, served chilled. You might find it paired with light snacks or appetizers.
The experience encourages conversation and relaxation, setting the tone for the meal ahead.
What Is the Difference Between Aperitivo and Aperol?
Aperitivo refers to a category of drinks meant to stimulate your appetite before meals, encompassing various flavors and styles.
On the other hand, Aperol is a specific brand within that category, known for its vibrant orange color and bittersweet taste, created from a unique blend of herbs and roots.
While all Aperol is an aperitivo, not all aperitifs are Aperol.
You'll find a rich variety in the world of aperitivos beyond just Aperol.
What Are the Aperitivos for Spritzes?
When you think of the vibrant world of cocktails, the right aperitivos can make or break your spritz experience.
You've got options like Aperol, which offers a sweet, citrusy taste, or Campari, with its bold bitterness. If you prefer something earthy, try Cynar.
Each liqueur brings its unique flair, blending with Prosecco and soda to create revitalizing variations.
Ultimately, your choice defines the drink, balancing flavors and enhancing your enjoyment.
What Does an Aperitivo Spritz Taste Like?
When you take a sip, you'll notice a delightful bittersweet flavor that dances on your palate. The zesty orange brings brightness, while herbal notes add complexity.
As you continue, the dryness of Prosecco balances everything out, creating a revitalizing experience. The effervescence from club soda lifts the drink, making it feel light and invigorating.
With a slice of fresh orange, it's not only tasty but visually appealing too. Enjoy the experience!
