Aperol Spritz
A classic Italian cocktail that screams summer. The Aperol Spritz is my new summer beverage of choice and needs to be shared to enjoy.
We walked down the street…Â Waves crashing against boulders on the left. Brightly painted medieval buildings on the right. Sun shining above. Ocean breeze caressing our cheeks.
If we could only find the perfect spot to satisfy both parent and child, this would be the perfect day.
Then, up ahead we saw it. A colorful cafe and giant deck clinging to the boulders, with a clear view of swimmers and sunbathers perched below.
Lt. Dan and I walked to the table closest to the water’s edge and sat down. The kids dropped their bags and ran for the waves. Dan and I looked at each other and sighed. After several weeks of 24 hour togetherness, we could use a few grownup moments alone.
As we looked over the menu I asked Dan, “What do I want?”
“I think you want an Aperol Spritz.” he suggested.
Our favorite cafe in Porto Venere always served cocktails with a hearty side of Italian bar snacks… and potato chips.
And that was the beginning of my latest love affair, the Aperol Spritz.
We ordered these bitter-sweet cocktails several more times while in Italy. The delicate balance of the slightly bitter Aperol, with the sweetness and bubbles from prosecco and club soda, makes this a brilliantly refreshing summer beverage. Even now, I can’t stop thinking about them.
I set out to recreate the Aperol Spritz as we enjoyed it in Italy. After all, how difficult could it be to make this simple 3-ingredient cocktail? Last week, after several attempts of altering ratios, I yelled for Dan, “I’ve got it! Come taste.”
He sipped my Aperol Spritz, his eyes lit up, then he glanced down at the counter.
He turned the bottle of Aperol around to show me the oversized label with an official Aperol Spritz recipe on the back.
HA!
Oh well. I like my ratios better anyway.
This Aperol Spritz varies only the tiniest bit from the recipe on the bottle. Yet whether you make it like I do, or use the recipe on the bottle, this is a cocktail not to be missed!
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 2 ounces prosecco
- 2 ounces club soda
- Orange peel or slices for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the Aperol, prosecco, and club soda in a glass.
- Stir, then top with ice cubes. Garnish and serve.
My problem is the Prosecco looses its fizz, if not used right away. I loved this drink while in Italy, when I came home I looked & found it here. I enjoy a cocktail or two, then put bottles in fridge, went back 2 days later for another & all the fizz was gone…I did transfer it to a wine bottle because once the cork is  popped, you can’t reuse the bottle. Help…..I need suggestionsÂ
Hi Mary,
Have you see the champagne toppers that vacuum seal for freshness? This one is made specifically for bubbly wines:
https://www.amazon.com/FUNJIA-Stainless-Vacuum-Champagne-Stopper/dp/B01ET242IU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1507653878&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=vacuum%2Bseal%2Bchampagne&th=1
I used to bartend and to keep bubbles bubbly, I take an old cork from a whiskey/tequila/cognac bottle and put it on immediately after the pour and put back in the fridge. I’ve had it keep its bubbles so well, it surprised me by “POP!”ing open a second time.
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Been to the place you’re talking about! Loved you picture! Â Brought back lots of great memories. Â Didn’t try this drink when we were there but will try it at home, will close my eyes and bring myself back to that spot, even if just in my mind.Thank you!
JUST had the Aperol Spritz revelation ourselves, having spent the last 3 weeks in Italy. Can you believe it’s existed and noone told us?! We’ve been home just 24 hours and hubby is off to the liqueur store to hunt down Aperol. ;-) And I love your photo – we were in Porto Venere just a week ago…..
You should try the trentino Alto Adige version! With elderflower syrup instead of aperol and fresh mint leaves instead of Orange! Perfect!
Thanks Alice, will do!
What a gorgeous cocktail. That view paired with the snack bar–hello dream vacation.
Being Italian, I love Italy and can’t wait to return soon to visit again. I love this drink…thanks for sharing!
This looks so refreshing and I love the color!
My favourite cocktail for sure! Incidentally, I just came home with a bag full of groceries and a bottle of Aperol. I don’t even bother with club soda or lemonade. Just Aperol and Prosecco! :-) Lovely photos, Sommer.
What a gorgeous cocktail perfect for Friday!
Such a refreshing cocktail!
aaaahhhhh Italy- this is the best ever!
This is incredible, can’t wait to try it!
Perfect weekend cocktail!
This has my name all over it!! Gorgeous, gorgeous photos too!