Aperol Spritz: From The Classic Recipe To Mod Cocktail Variations

If you’re absolutely obsessed with the Aperol Spritz you’re in good company! The classic cocktail is our favorite, easy-to-make, go-to summer cocktail. 

Aperol Spritz Ingredients: Aperol, Prosecco, Soda Water, Ice, Orange

The refreshing bitter-sweet Italian spritz is not only the quintessential warm weather cocktail for siping poolside and backyard BBQs but have you ever tried an Aperol cake? You’re drooling right? Yeah, we thought so.

The Aperol Spritz is so luscious, and looks so glamorous, it’ll have your tiktok on fire. Orange flame fire.

If you’re looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail on a sunny day, look no further than the Aperol Spritz. Want to mix things up? We’ve also got 9 variations to try plus food pairings! 

This Italian classic has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. 

With its bright orange hue, bubbly effervescence, and bittersweet flavor, the Aperol Spritz is the perfect balance of sweet and bitter and is sure to quench your thirst on a hot day.

In This Article:

• What does an Aperol spritz taste like?
• Aperol Spritz Recipe
• Aperol Cocktails
• Aperol Cake Recipe
• Food Pairing

What is Aperol Spritz?

The Aperol Spritz cocktail is a traditional Italian beverage composed of Aperol, Prosecco, soda water and an orange slice. It is a refreshing summer beverage that is simple to mix and best enjoyed on a warm day.

Where Did The Aperol Spritz Come From?

The origins of the Aperol Spritz drink can be traced back to the early nineteenth century in the Veneto area of Italy. The natives used to drink wine combined with soda water, known as “spritz,” to make the wine more refreshing and simpler.

The Barbieri brothers, who operated a distillery in Padua, Italy, began experimenting with making a less bitter liqueur than their famed Campari liquor in the 1910s. Aperol, a bright orange liqueur prepared with a proprietary blend of herbs and spices, was developed and promoted as a lighter alternative to Campari.

The Aperol Spritz, as we know it today, was invented in the 1950s when the drink became famous in the Veneto region. It immediately became a local and tourist favorite, and its fame extended throughout Italy and beyond.

Aperol Spritz has seen a recent spike in popularity, particularly in Europe and North America. The Campari Group purchased Aperol in the early 2000s which invested substantially in marketing the brand and pushing Aperol Spritz as a pleasant and stylish summer beverage.

This marketing campaign, combined with the growth of social media, has helped to popularize Aperol Spritz among younger generations who like photographing their drinks and posting them on Instagram and other social media platforms. Aperol Spritz has also become a popular staple at summer gatherings and festivals, adding to its appeal. The tourism authority of the Veneto area has even selected it as the official drink of the Venetian summer.

Furthermore, the popularity of Italian culture and cuisine has aided the popularity of the Aperol Spritz, as the cocktail is regarded as a quintessential Italian drink.

Overall, Aperol Spritz has come a long way since its humble beginnings in Italy’s Veneto area, and its popularity is growing as more people discover and appreciate this refreshing and tasty beverage.

What Does An Aperol Spritz Taste Like?

Aperol Spritz has a bittersweet and refreshing flavor with orange, herb, and spice undertones. The Aperol liqueur used in the cocktail has a particular flavor profile and is noted for its bright orange hue. It is less bitter than other bitter liqueurs such as Campari.

The Prosecco hints of effervescence to the cocktail, while the soda water dilutes the Aperol’s harshness. A slice of orange as a garnish adds a splash of color and enhances Aperol’s citrus undertones.

Can You Drink Aperol On Its Own?

While Aperol is commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails such as Aperol Spritz, it can also be consumed on its own, chilled, or over ice. 

Aperol can be used as an aperitif before a meal to boost the appetite. It is often served in modest amounts, comparable to other bitter liqueurs such as Campari. However, because Aperol is a low-alcohol liqueur with an ABV (alcohol by volume) of only 11%, it may not provide the same level of “kick” as other spirits like gin or whiskey. 

The Classic Aperol Spritz Cocktail And Its Variations

If you want to add more fun to your drink, you can create a classic Aperol Spritz. This classic Aperol Spritz cocktail contains all the simple ingredients mentioned above. The video below from Steve the Bartender can help guide you in the practical creation.

Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe 3-2-1

Aperol Spritz with Grapefruit

The addition of grapefruit juice gives the classic Aperol Spritz a slightly tart and citrusy twist, making it a perfect cocktail for a warm summer day. Adjust the proportions of the ingredients to your liking, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 3 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz soda water
• 1 oz grapefruit juice
• Ice
• Grapefruit slice for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
2. Add 3 oz of Prosecco to the glass.
3. Add 2 oz of Aperol to the glass.
4. Add 1 oz of soda water to the glass.
5. Add 1 oz of fresh grapefruit juice to the glass.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Aperol Sour

The Aperol Sour is a twist on the classic Sour cocktail that swaps the traditional whiskey or bourbon with Aperol, resulting in a refreshing and slightly bitter cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Aperol
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add 2 oz of Aperol, 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of lemon juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds to combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with an orange slice.

White Wine Aperol Spritz

The White Wine Aperol Spritz is a lighter and fruitier variation of the classic Aperol Spritz, thanks to the addition of white wine. You can use any white wine of your choice, but a light and refreshing wine like Pinot Grigio works well in this cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Aperol
• 3 oz white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
• 1 oz soda water
• Ice
• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
2. Add 2 oz of Aperol to the glass.
3. Add 3 oz of white wine to the glass.
4. Add 1 oz of soda water to the glass.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a slice of orange.

Aperol Negroni

The Aperol Negroni is a variation of the classic Negroni cocktail that swaps the gin for Aperol. The resulting cocktail is slightly sweeter and less boozy than the traditional Negroni, with a distinct orange flavor from the Aperol.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Aperol
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• Ice
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add 1 oz of Aperol, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 1 oz of Campari to the shaker.
3. Stir the ingredients together for about 10-15 seconds until chilled.
4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

Non-Alcoholic Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is typically served as a cocktail, but you can also enjoy the flavors of Aperol on its own by making a non-alcoholic version of the drink.

This non-alcoholic version of Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and flavorful drink you can enjoy. It has a bittersweet taste with notes of orange and herbs, and the soda water adds a nice effervescence to the drink.

Ingredients

• 2 oz of Aperol (or a similar non-alcoholic bitter aperitif)
• 1 oz of orange juice
• 3 oz of soda water
• Ice
• Orange slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add 2 oz of Aperol (or a similar non-alcoholic bitter aperitif) to the glass.
3. Add 1 oz of orange juice to the glass.
4. Top off the glass with 3 oz of soda water.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a slice of orange.

Other Cocktails to Make Using Aperol

Aperol is an adaptable liqueur that may be used in a wide range of drinks. Here are a few more cocktails that can be made using Aperol:

1. Aperol Spritz Mimosas
2. Aperol Margarita
3. Aperol Sour with Egg White
4. Aperol Manhattan

The Perfect Food Pairings for Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is a light and refreshing beverage that goes well with various cuisines. Below is a list of food pairings you can try for any occasion when serving Aperol Spritz.

1. Salty Snacks: The sharpness of Aperol Spritz complements salty nibbles such as potato chips, popcorn, and olives. The saltiness of these appetizers might assist in offsetting the bitterness of the drink, resulting in a pleasant and refreshing mix.

2. Light Appetizers: Aperol Spritz goes nicely with light appetizers such as bruschetta, crostini, and antipasti. The cocktail’s refreshing qualities match the flavors of these canapés, making for a fantastic accompaniment.

3. Seafood: Aperol Spritz goes especially well with seafood, such as grilled shrimp, scallops, and calamari. The cocktail’s vibrant tastes complement the lightness and freshness of the shellfish, making for a pleasant and delectable combo.

4. Fresh Fruit: Aperol Spritz also goes great with fresh fruit like strawberries, watermelon, and citrus. The sweetness of the fruit can assist in balancing out the harshness of the cocktail, resulting in a tasty and well-rounded match.

5. Charcuterie Board: Aperol Spritz goes nicely with a charcuterie board, especially one with salty cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and bresaola. The cocktail’s sharp and invigorating elements match the rich, savory flavors of the meats well.

6. Light Pasta Meals: Because Aperol Spritz is light and refreshing, it pairs well with light pasta meals like spaghetti with lemon and olive oil or penne with cherry tomatoes and basil. The cocktail’s bright citrus undertones match the fresh aromas of the pasta and herbs.

7. Grilled Veggies: Grilled veggies such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers go well with Aperol Spritz. The grilled vegetables’ smokiness matches the bittersweet notes of the cocktail, creating a tasty and refreshing mix.

8. Pizza: Aperol Spritz pairs well with pizza, particularly those with light toppings like Margherita or prosciutto and arugula. The cocktail’s refreshing and bitter elements match the savory flavors of the pizza, creating a great and gratifying pairing.

How to Make an Aperol Spritz Cake

An Aperol Spritz Cake is a delicious dessert inspired by the popular Aperol Spritz cocktail. The cake typically features a light and moist sponge cake infused with Aperol and orange flavors and topped with a sweet glaze made with Aperol and powdered sugar.

To make an Aperol Spritz Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• ¼ cup Aperol
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup Aperol
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, Aperol, and orange juice in a separate bowl.
4. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the Aperol and powdered sugar in a small mixing bowl until smooth.
7. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the cake using a spoon or pastry brush to spread evenly.
9. Let the cake cool completely before serving.

The resulting Aperol Spritz Cake is a light and refreshing dessert that captures the delicious flavors of the popular cocktail. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with an Aperol Spritz cocktail for the ultimate Italian-inspired treat!

Aperol Spritz FAQs