How to Make Aperol Spritz

Learn how to make Aperol Spritz with three ingredients. If you’re reading this, there may be a chance you’ve never tried an Aperol Spritz. Read on to learn all about this trendy Italian cocktail that’s incredibly popular across Europe. 

If you’ve never had an Aperol spritz cocktail, it’s time to change that: learn how to make Aperol spritz!

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If you’ve visited Europe, especially Italy, you’re probably well-aware of the iconic Aperol spritz. (EDITED: In fact since I posted this in 2018, Aperol’s popularity in the US has increased immensely. In 2022 alone it increased its sales by 50%. The White Lotus show has probably had a big influence on spreading the orange-colored cocktail’s traction in America.)

What is Aperol Liqueur Made From?

I wondered what the liqueur was made from and was surprised to discover that one of the main ingredients is rhubarb! No wonder I love it! Bitter and sweet oranges, along with other herbs comprise the primary flavors.

Where was Aperol Created? What about the Spritz?

The Aperol liqueur was invented by the Barbieri brothers in 1919, but the Aperol Spritz comes from Venice, where it became an alternative to the Venetian combination of white wine and soda. -Wikipedia

Another refreshing Italian cocktail: the limoncello spritz!

It was at my friend Jill’s (Mad About Macarons) house in France where I tried my first Aperol cocktail a few years ago. In fact, here’s the evidence. She was the first one to show me how to make Aperol spritz.

I was immediately smitten with this cocktail. What is it about this almost fluorescent, orange colored drink that is so appealing? Did you know the famous peach Bellini was also created in Venice, Italy? I’m not usually one to be taken by brightly colored food and drink, but this one got me. I’m not the only one.

Another cocktail you’ll love: a Hugo spritz!

Last year, my daughter was traveling around Europe for spring break. We had no idea she had gone to Lake Como until we spotted her on Instagram with a few Aperol spritzes in front of her!

What am I talking about? It’s not just my daughter and me who have been hooked, but most of Europe, it seems. In fact, I posted a photo of these spritzes on Instagram yesterday, and got a message from Jill R. She wrote, “My favorite cocktail! All the rage in Europe!”

So why is it that some things take off like a house on fire one place, and there are “crickets”, somewhere else? Culture? Availability? Advertising? Who knows, but I did my part to keep Aperol in business on my trip to Italy and Switzerland last month! By the way, in Italy, they pronounce it “spreetz”! So cute!

I will call your attention to the center photo on the top row, because this Aperol spritz is frozen! Talk about refreshing! I’d love to make an Aperol spritz in frozen form, so I’ll have to experiment.

Last month, I met up with my pal, Janice from Farmersgirl Kitchen. She was visiting Venice from Scotland at the same time that I was there. I was surprised to learn that she’d never had an Aperol spritz! We fixed that in a jiffy!

NOTE: in case you haven’t heard of it yet, look for Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto liqueur to make these Italicus cocktails! Now, let’s get to the point of this post~how to make this lovely cocktail!

How to Make Aperol Spritz

From the label of a bottle of Aperol

Ingredients

-Prosecco DOC (I recommend Valdo)

–Aperol

-soda water

– ice cubes

-slice of orange per drink

Fill a wine glass with ice. Add the prosecco, followed by the Aperol, and splash of soda water. Finally, add a slice of orange and serve.

Note: I noticed that Aperol’s website has a different “recipe” for a spritz: equal parts of prosecco and Aperol. They’re not silly–use more Aperol and they’ll be happier! However, I’m sticking with the original 3-2-1 recipe as that’s how it’s done in Italy.

Are you already an Aperol spritz fan? Have you never tried one? If so, have I convinced you to try an this Italian cocktail now that you know how to make Aperol spritz? Let me know in the comments below!

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