Why The Aperol Spritz is the Drink of this Summer

This spritz makes a great summer drink due to its bright orange color! It’s light and colorful, and just in time for the sunshine.

Recently, I’ve been in the mood to whip up a dinner and cocktail recipe to sit and enjoy on the porch. This spritz may be what I’m craving.

The Aperol spritz is a classic Italian cocktail that reminds me of my time abroad in college, in Florence, Italy. Aperol is a bitter Italian liquor that’s popularly used in aperitivo drinks – essentially the Italian’s happy hour. Mixed with a sparkling wine, this drink is often used as a palate cleanser before dinner.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the Aperol spritz when I first tried it. What makes Italians LOVE these so much??? It’s a little bitter, with a citrusy taste – not usually my go-to. It did grow on me a little bit though. You can also change up the flavors by using less Aperol and more mixers, to create a sweeter, lighter flavor.

The Recipe

The great thing about this drink is that you can make it to the strength of your liking! Typically, one drink will look as follows:

1. Ice
2. 3 parts Prosecco
3. 2-3 parts Aperol
4. 1 part club soda (a splash on top!)
5. 1 orange slice 🙂

It tastes great with equal parts of wine and Aperol, if you’re into the bitter bite of the Aperol. I recommend you start with less Aperol if you haven’t tried it before. You can always pour in more if you decide you love it!

Other variations that I have heard are tasty include vanilla soda (hmmmm, an orange cream drink?), ginger beer, or grenadine on top of the club soda.

Enjoy with a Side of Pasta or Cheese or…

Nearly every time I enjoyed an Aperol spritz in Italy was with dinner or appetizers.

Since it’s typically consumed as a pre-dinner drink, some Italian restaurants will bring out a snack with your cocktail without you even asking for it.

This happened to me once at a little cafe on the western coast of Tuscany. It was in the town of Scarlino. I walked inside with two friends, looking for drinks and something to do. We each ordered an Aperol spritz, which was only a few Euros. The woman at the counter asked us to sit and declared that she would bring them over to us. A moment later, she then came over with 3 spritzes in tall wine glasses and 3 small bowls of pasta with tomato sauce. We were hungry for a snack before dinner, so we were so grateful to get some food that we weren’t even expecting.

Now, when I drink an Aperol spritz, I’m reminded of these simple little moments that never neglect to bring me a smile. I wish American happy hour always included snacks!

Cheers to the summer of 2022!

Yours Truly,

Cat Taylor