How to make the perfect Aperol Spritz
When the sun shines, there's nothing quite like an Aperol Spritz for a refreshing drink. Outdoor drinking in London and the rest of the UK is a sea of orange, bubbly drinks come rain or shine, but mostly shine. An Aperol Spritz is typically drunk as an aperitif – though we drink it any time of day, let's be honest – and is a combination of Aperol, prosecco and soda water, with a slice of orange. It's a simple recipe but it works so well and has a relatively low alcohol content (11%). On a balmy day in the sunshine, you cannot beat it.
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For another refreshing cocktail, try a Cointreau fizz.
What is Aperol Spritz?
That can be a two part answer really. First, people often ask ‘What kind of alcohol is Aperol?’ The vibrant orange drink is an Italian apéritif liqueur that has a bittersweet flavour thanks to being made with gentian, rhubarb and cinchona, a tree bark which gives tonic water its characteristic bitterness. It's often compared to Campari, another Italian apéritif but is slightly sweeter and less bitter than Campari, making it the perfect beginner's apéritif. Turn Aperol into an ‘Aperol Spritz’, and you're essentially adding Prosecco and soda water.
The ‘Spritz’ part of the cocktail name coming from the German ‘Spritzen’, meaning ‘spray’ or ‘splash’. The original Spritz cocktail is the Spritz Veneziano which uses Select as bitters and was created in Venice in 1920.
Why is it so popular? “Some things are enduring classics for a reason," says Loris Contro, Campari Group UK’s Italian Icons Brand Ambassador. “They’re timeless, and the Aperol Spritz is no exception. Just three ingredients in perfect balance, designed to elevate that special moment of coming together with the people who matter to you.”
How to make Aperol Spritz
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 1
Ingredients
Aperol Spritz recipe ingredients
Preparation
Method
Step 1
Pour the Aperol into the glass first, over ice (we like to serve ours in a large bowl-style wine glass but we've seen it served in many different glasses so grab what you have to hand).
Step 2
Add the prosecco.
Step 3
Add the soda water.
Step 4
Top with a slice of orange and enjoy!
