The Aperol Spritz is Italy’s number one cocktail, the perfect drink to combat the heat and humidity of summer. Now everyone can enjoy a little Italy at home!

Orange liquor, prosecco, club soda and an orange slice in stemmed balloon glasses

Walk around Italy in the summer and you will see plenty of people enjoying an Aperol Spritz. After work, Italians love to partake in the aperitivo, a pre-meal drink that whets your appetite for dinner. All throughout Italy, in just about every town and city, you will find Italians partaking in this favorite tradition. If you visit this beautiful peninsula you too will happily join in the fun while taking in some breathtaking sunsets.

Aperitivo cocktails tend to be light on alcohol and bitter, thus they pair perfectly with salty snacks, cheeses and cured meats. The idea is to enjoy a beverage that goes well with with appetizers and small plates.

The Aperol Spritz was created in 1919 by bartender Raimando Ricci. It has a bitter, citrusy taste and is known for its bright orange color. It’s one of Italy’s favorite aperitivo cocktails. As Prosecco became more popular in the 1990’s so too did the Aperol Spritz and it has become well-known world wide. Quickly mix it up by adding 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda with a slice of orange. Prosecco adds fresh bubbles, Aperol and intense orange color, soda to boost the bubbles and an orange slice to add a touch more sweetness and more vibrant orange color.

Aperol Facts

Lightly alcoholic, bitter, citrusy with a hint of vanilla and complex herbal scents
Known for its intense orange color

Has a velvety, woody texture
Refreshing and thirst quenching
Created by Luigi and Silvio Barbieri

What type of glass is an Aperol Spritz served in?

A stemmed, wide, balloon glass filled with ice is the traditional way in which to serve this popular cocktail. A perfectly mixed Aperol spritz should be uniform and bright orange in color. If the cocktail is not an even orange color, gently stir to incorporate all the ingredients.