What is Aperol
Aperol is an Italian bitter aperitif. The aperitif was created to be enjoyed before a meal to stimulate your appetite. With its bright color hue and bitter flavor, it is a unique spirit that has been enjoyed since the 1900s. It has a flavor blend of zesty citrus, aromatic herbs, and sweet vanilla and can be found near the liqueurs at your liquor store or grocery store. When combined with bubbly club soda and crisp Prosecco in an Aperol Spritzer, the result is a refreshing cocktail perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon. The week we were there, Rome was experiencing an epic heat wave. We were dealing with temperatures in the high 90s to low 100s the whole time we were there. Do you know what is insanely refreshing when you have been melting on the streets of Rome with three kids? An Aperol Spritz. The Aperol Spritz is made with an Italian aperitif, Aperol, and it was served all over Rome while we were there. I wasn’t the only one who wanted it to cool down. The great news is that you don’t need to melt in the Italian sun to enjoy this amazing cocktail. It is simple to make at home with three ingredients.
Aperol: The star of this cocktail, hence the name. There is no replacement for this Italian bitters aperitif, see more on the key ingredient below. Prosecco: An Italian sparkling wine. To avoid making your cocktail too sweet, choose a good quality prosecco with a dry flavor.Club soda: Any unflavored sparkling water will work for this recipe. It adds some extra carbonation and dilution.Orange slice: The signature garnish.
The Perfect Ratio
The keys to making the best Aperol Spritz at home are using good-quality ingredients and getting the ratio just right. Three ounces of sparkling wine or Prosecco, two ounces of Aperol, and just a splash of club.
Fill a glass with ice. I recommend using a large wine glass. Add the ingredients. Add the Prosecco, then add in the Aperol and a splash of club soda.Stir and garnish. Stir lightly and garnish with an orange slice.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to make this the best cocktail possible. You can simply alter a few of the ingredients to cater to your crowd, so that way everyone can enjoy an Aperol Spritz!
Open your bottle of Prosecco just prior to making your Aperol Spritzes so the bubbles are fresh.To make the cocktail less bitter, use less Aperol and more Prosecco.To make the cocktail less boozy, use less Prosecco and more club soda.
