Refreshing, Italian, and classic, the Aperol Spritz has a long history in Italy and continues to be enjoyed by cocktail lovers around the world. Tones of sweet and bitter, and a whole lot of sparkly, brought to you by just the right amount of Prosecco and served with a fresh twist of orange, this delightful drink is always a crowd-pleaser.
If you want to know how to make an Aperol Spritz for your next cocktail party, or just for yourself while you binge-watch your favorite television series, we’ve got some great Aperol Spritz recipes. And just for your entertainment, we’ve even thrown in a few Aperol Spritz fun facts, along with some interesting history.
A Little About Aperol
Often served before meals to enhance appetite, Aperol has both sweet and bitter tones, includes earthy ingredients like rhubarb, and displays a gorgeous orange color. The vibrancy of its shade makes it a beautiful drink, especially when its garnished with a fresh orange twist. With an alcohol content of just 11%, this cocktail took off as a popular drink after WW2.
Aperol Spritz Fun Facts
Did you know, that in 2012, on June 29th, the “Largest Aperol Spritz Toast” made it into the Guinness World Records? Yes, It’s true. Over 2,600 people came to the Piazza San Marcos, which is located in Venice, to toast their way into this unique accomplishment.
Usually, an Aperol Spritz is served in a classic wine-shaped glass. However, a special Aperol Spritz Glass was designed in 2016 by Luca Trazzi from Venice. This unique glass looks like a bottle of Aperol that’s been turned over.
Aperol was first created by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, Italy. Typically it was served in Venice as white wine with soda. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that the Aperol Spritz, as we know it today, grew in popularity. Its recipe has gone unchanged since its creation.
Classic Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
Prosecco, 3 parts
Aperol, 2 parts
Sparkling water, 1 part
A fresh twist of orange
Directions
Take a glass of ice, and pour in the Aperol. Then, pour in the Prosecco. Top with sparkling water and stir. Garnish with a fresh orange twist.
Cheers!
The Perfect Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
Prosecco
Aperol,1 shot
Club soda
1 slice of fresh orange for garnish
First, place the ice into a large wine glass. Add the Prosecco to about ? full. Then add 1 shot of Aperol. Top it all off with just a splash of club soda. Stir well. Add an orange slice as a garnish, and serve. Enjoy!
Blood Orange Aperol Spritz
This recipe replaces the traditional club soda with Blood Orange soda, and it’s perfect for those who don’t care for the slightly bitter tones of Aperol.
Ingredients
3 ounces of Prosecco, or other sparkling wine
2 ounces of Aperol
1 ounce of Blood Orange Soda
Fresh orange twist, for garnish
Directions
Pour all the ingredients into a large wine glass that’s half-full of ice. Stir well, and garnish with the orange twist. Cheers!
Note: if you are looking to make a not so sweet Aperol Spritz, use a little less Aperol in the cocktail and be certain the Prosecco you’re adding is a dryer version.
And, if you really love Aperol and want to try it in a dessert, here’s a great recipe:
Aperol-Inspired Cake
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup sugar
Zest from 2 oranges
1 cup butter, softened
3 large eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup Aperol
Confectioner sugar, for dusting
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Coat cake pans with nonstick spray. Mix the sugar and zest in a bowl, or a food processor. Add butter and mix until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix again. In a different bowl, whisk the salt, flour, and baking soda. In another bowl, combine the orange juice and milk. Add the flour mix to the butter mix, then slowly add the milk mix. Beat together until well blended. Pour the batter into cake pans, and bake about 30 minutes, or until the toothpick tester comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.
Stack the layers on a serving plate, brush with Aperol, and dust with confectioners sugar. Delicious!
At Glass and Vine, we serve an incredible Aperol Spritz, along with a full bar menu and amazing dishes like Heirloom Tomato Salad and Grilled Salmon.
Glass and Vine is perfect for a family brunch, a business luncheon, or a romantic date night dinner. Our creative menu, impeccable service, and stunning setting will exceed your every dining expectation.
We are located at 2820 McFarlane Road in Miami. And because we know it matters, we now offer curbside takeout. Just call us at 305.200.5268 to order. To peruse our menu, and other restaurant details, please browse through our website.
