Ashely Garrett
Prosecco + Citrus Liqueur
The Aperol Spritz, a bright orange cocktail that combines prosecco and a slightly bitter citrus liqueur, is the drink you will want to be sipping this season. It has been seen in the hands of reality TV stars lately, and customized versions can be found on bar menus across the country. Make it your go-to cocktail all summer long by stocking up your bar at home with all the ingredients.
In 1912, Luigi and Silvio Barbiere inherited a liqueur company from their father. After seven years of perfecting the flavor, Aperol was born in 1919 and quickly became popular among young adults in Italy. While the liqueur itself had a strong following, a recipe for the Aperol Spritz cocktail wasn’t created until the 1950s.
Since the drink originated in Italy, it is typical to find it at Italian bars and restaurants. Luckily, you don’t have to book a plane ticket to enjoy this bubbly concoction. It’s easy to make, so you can bring the taste of Italy right into your home. While it is most often made with prosecco, club soda and Aperol, other variations use Campari and Cynar. Adaptations of the traditional recipe exist, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Try adding some grapefruit juice and vodka to create your own signature version.
Tradition of the Aperol Spritz
An Aperol Spritz is a variation of The Spritz, which is an apéritif cocktail. This means it is traditionally served before a meal. Apéritifs tend to be dry and are meant to stimulate the pre-meal appetite. From the beginning, the Aperol Spritz was served in Italy alongside appetizers called cicchetti, which could be anything from bite-sized sandwiches to olive plates. Modern-day drinkers pair it with brunch.
The cocktail’s signature ingredient, Aperol, is known for its bright color and hints of orange and rhubarb. Its alcohol content is low, at 11 percent, compared to other Italian apéritifs like Campari, which have an ABV of up to 28.5 percent, depending on the country in which it’s manufactured.
Find an Aperol Spritz recipe that interests you this summer or be adventurous and come up with a new, original spin on the classic cocktail. This fun and breezy drink is sure to transport you and your taste buds to your very own getaway in the rolling hills of Italy.
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
Transport yourself to the 1950s and make this cocktail the way it was consumed back when it was first created.
Ingredients:
- Prosecco
- Aperol
- Soda
- Orange slices
Directions:
Fill wine glass with ice. Add prosecco then Aperol in equal parts. It’s important to pour the prosecco first to keep the Aperol from settling on the bottom of the glass. Top the drink with a splash of soda and garnish with an orange slice.
Courtesy of www.Aperol.com
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