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Aperol – The perfect Italian aperitif

Aperol – der perfekte italienische Aperitif

The Venetian Aperol Spritz has become an indispensable part of our summers. Here you can find out everything about the red-orange top spritzer!

Origin and History of Aperol Spritz

The Italian liqueur Aperol with 11% alcohol is the alpha and omega in Aperol Spritz (sometimes also called Aperol Sprizz) and this is where its success story begins. The name is derived from the French "Aperitif", which already clarifies the primary, appetite-stimulating application of Aperol. The Spritz in the name goes back to the Austrian term "Gespritzter", which refers to a mixed drink of mineral water and wine. However, the adaptation "Spritz" from Northern Italy can also refer to a spirit mixed with Prosecco.

In the following, we trace the now century-old history of Aperol Spritz, which has become the number one summer trend drink throughout Europe.

An Aperol bottle stands between flower vases on a table in bright sunlight.

• 1919: The brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri from the Veneto region present their Aperol at the international fair in Padua, after seven years of refining the recipe at the Barbieri liqueur company, which they had inherited from their father. The recipe has remained unchanged ever since.

• 1950: Aperol as an aperitif became increasingly popular in Italy, especially among young adults, in the 1930s and 1940s, but it was not until now that the Aperol Spritz recipe was invented and marketed.

• 2003: Aperol is acquired by Campari . While Aperol Spritz had already become an insider tip in international metropolises in the 80s and 90s, it is now gaining more and more attention as a fashionable lifestyle drink.

• 2019: From now on, it is no longer possible to stroll through city centers in summer without noticing the characteristic reddish shimmer of Aperol Spritz glasses on the terraces of bars and cafés. One hundred years after its market launch, Aperol has become one of the most sought-after bitter liqueurs of all time

What is the secret of Aperol Spritz's success?

The reasons why Aperol Spritz is so popular are extremely diverse. In short: everything simply fits together, because this drink is so incredibly well-rounded, seductive and disarmingly refreshing. But let's take a closer look at the most important reasons for the success of Aperol Spritz.

The taste of Aperol Spritz

It all starts with the taste, which is simply unique. The craving for it cannot be satisfied by any other drink. The exact ingredients of Aperol are a well-kept secret, but we know that it contains rhubarb, cinchona bark, yellow gentian, bitter orange and aromatic herbs. The taste of Aperol is somewhat reminiscent of Campari, but is less alcoholic. In combination with Prosecco or wine, soda and ice, it offers a sweet-fruity and slightly bitter taste that is wonderfully refreshing on summer days – the Aperol Spritz is the orange sea of the city centers.

Aperol being poured into an Aperol Spritz glass with ice, on a set table.

The Aperol Spritz Spirit

But what makes Aperol Spritz so special is not just its taste, but the whole package. On the one hand, there's the wonderfully creamy, velvety texture that clings to the palate with every sip; on the other hand, it shimmers in that unmistakable red-orange color that pleases the eye and makes your mouth water. In short: an Aperol Spritz is illuminating and exudes good humor that is contagious and creates this special Aperol Spritz spirit.

Aperol Spritz as an Aperitivo

As if that weren't enough, Aperol also serves as an unsurpassed aperitif. An Aperol Aperitivo is truly celebrated in Italy and includes a convivial get-together with friends or family, one or two Aperol Spritz, and accompanying snacks such as antipasti, tramezzini or bruschetta. Is there a better prelude to an Italian dinner? We can't imagine it.

How is Aperol made?

Aperol is made from a distillate of rhubarb, bitter oranges, cinchona bark, yellow gentian and various herbs. The orange-red color is achieved with food coloring E 110. Because the recipe, unchanged since its market launch, is kept secret, we cannot provide more precise information about its production. However, we can say with certainty that whatever the Barbieri brothers brewed over a hundred years ago is simply delicious. On behalf of all Aperol Spritzers: Thank you!

Aperol Spritz: Drinking Recommendation and Recipes

We haven't even mentioned another recipe for success of Aperol Spritz: it's incredibly easy to make yourself. If you're hosting a summer garden party, Aperol Spritz is always the right choice, because with it you can make your guests happy without much effort. Cheers, hustle and bustle, and spritziness are guaranteed, and the right flair of Mediterranean Dolce Vita grandeur is also provided.

Below we present the original Italian recipe, as well as some delicious variations for even more Aperol spirit.

The classic Aperol Spritz recipe from Italy

For many Aperol enthusiasts, the original Italian recipe is still unsurpassed. The Aperol Spritz, also known as Aperol Sprizz or Aperol Veneziano, can easily be served in a wine glass, but for even more originality there are also dedicated Aperol Spritz glasses. Let's finally take a look at how this liquid gold gets into the glasses.

Two Aperol Spritz glasses stand on a table, next to an Aperol bottle, bright surroundings.

Ingredients

  • 50 ml Aperol Aperitivo 11%
  • 50 ml White wine or Prosecco
  • Soda
  • Ice cubes
  • ½ Orange slice
  • Note: The quality of the Aperol Spritz naturally increases with the quality of the white wine or Prosecco.

Perfect Glass

  • Aperol Spritz glass or regular wine glass

Preparation

First, fill the wine glass completely with ice cubes. Then add equal parts Aperol and Prosecco/white wine. Finish everything with a splash of sparkling mineral water and garnish the glass with half an orange slice. Now all that's missing is a straw and the original Venetian summer drink is served.

Aperol Royal

Now let's move on to the other sparkling Aperol mixed drinks. This royal Aperol cocktail uses the seductive art of the cherry to bestow a sensuous red drink upon its subjects.

Two bottles of Aperol and Cinzano stand with Aperol Spritz glass on marble table in front of man in suit.

Ingredients

  • 6 cl Prosecco
  • 4 cl Aperol Aperitivo 11%
  • Cherry juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Mint

Perfect Glass

Preparation

Add the Aperol with a dash of cherry juice and a few ice cubes to the glass, then top up with Prosecco. Garnish the Aperol Royal with a few mint leaves and serve with a straw.

Aperol Sour

If Aperol Spritz is not sparkling enough for you, you should try Aperol Sour. Thanks to freshly squeezed lemon juice, this variant is even more refreshing and therefore perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients

  • 50 ml Aperol Aperitivo 11%
  • 40 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 20 ml orange juice
  • 1 tsp powdered sugar
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange or lemon slice for garnish

Perfect Glass

  • Cocktail bowl

Preparation

Put all ingredients in the shaker and shake vigorously. Then strain into the bowl and garnish with the orange or lemon slice.

Winter Spritz

Now this article has been talking about summer all along, but what does a dyed-in-the-wool Aperol Spritz lover do in winter? It's simple: you try our Winter Spritz recipe and show some summery joie de vivre even in winter. With this Winter Spritz, every gloomy winter day can easily be brightened up.

Ingredients

  • 4 cl Aperol Aperitivo 11%
  • 8 cl Prosecco
  • 6 cl tangerine or clementine juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Cinnamon stick

Perfect Glass

  • Bulbous wine glass

Preparation

Put the Aperol together with some ice cubes and the tangerine/clementine juice in the glass and top up with Prosecco. With a cinnamon stick and straw, the Winter Spritz is ready to color your winter blues orange.

With these recipes and the necessary background knowledge, you should now be perfectly prepared to take action and enchant yourself and your Aperol community with this sunny summer drink and bring a piece of Italy to your home terrace, balcony or garden. We wish you much enjoyment.

 

FAQ – Questions and Answers

What is Aperol and where does it come from? +

Aperol is an Italian bitter liqueur with 11% alcohol, developed in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Veneto. It is traditionally drunk as an aperitif and is the base of the well-known Aperol Spritz.

Why is Aperol Spritz called "Spritz"? +

The term "Spritz" goes back to the Austrian "Gespritzter", a mixture of wine and water. In Northern Italy, this developed into a drink with Prosecco, liqueur, and soda, from which Aperol Spritz evolved.

What does Aperol Spritz taste like? +

Aperol Spritz combines sweet-fruity notes with a mild bitterness. Ingredients such as bitter orange, rhubarb, and herbs, in combination with Prosecco, soda, and ice, create a refreshing, balanced summer drink.

How is Aperol Spritz traditionally prepared? +

For the classic recipe, Aperol and Prosecco or white wine are added in equal parts to a wine glass filled with ice, topped with soda, and garnished with an orange slice. The quality of the wine or Prosecco significantly influences the result.

What variations of Aperol Spritz are there? +

In addition to the classic Aperol Spritz, there are various variations such as Aperol Royal with cherry juice, Aperol Sour with lemon juice, or a Winter Spritz with mandarin or clementine juice. These variations offer variety for different tastes and seasons.