What Does an Aperol Spritz Taste Like?

The Aperol spritz has been everyone’s favorite brunch cocktail for the past few years. With only three ingredients, it gives you something light to sip before a meal or something to drink with a friend after work.

Some say the Aperol spritz isn’t a cocktail but more of a mixed drink, but I think most people agree that it’s a refreshing drink.

So what does an Aperol spritz taste like?

The Aperol Spritz has a sweet and slightly bitter taste with a hint of orange and herbs. The soda water adds a refreshing and effervescent quality to the cocktail while also balancing out the sweetness of the Prosecco and Aperol. It is the perfect drink for a warm summer day.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Aperol. You’ll learn how to make the perfect Aperol Spritz at home, as well as which foods to pair it with, different variations of the drink, and also some tips for enjoying the drink to the fullest.

Brief Overview of Aperol

Aperol belongs to a family of drinks called Amaro. This is a spirit-based family of bitter drinks that includes some other drinks like Cynar and Campari. The drinks in this family have a characteristic bitter taste.

Aperol is a light Amaro and less bitter than the others. It is an orange-colored, low-alcohol aperitif made from a secret recipe of orange, rhubarb, gentian, cinchona, and other herbs and spices.

Its light, bittersweet flavor and vibrant orange hue make it a perfect addition to sparkling Prosecco for the classic Italian cocktail, the Aperol Spritz. Aperol can also be enjoyed as a refreshing and light aperitif on its own, either chilled or over ice with a slice of orange.

How To Make the Perfect Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion – be it a relaxed summer evening or an alfresco gathering with friends.

The Key Ingredients of the Aperol Spritz

• Prosecco: Prosecco is a type of Italian sparkling wine that gives the drink a light, bubbly texture and a slight sweetness that balances out the bitterness of the Aperol.
• Aperol: Aperol is slightly bitter and citrusy, with subtle hints of herbs and spices.
• Club Soda or Soda Water: This carbonated water adds a refreshing fizz to the Aperol Spritz.
• Orange Wedge: An orange wedge is traditionally used to garnish the Aperol Spritz. It adds to the citrus of Aperol and is for aesthetic purposes.
• Ice: To chill the drink and keep it cold.

Now that you know the ingredients needed for an Aperol Spritz, let’s get right into making this cocktail.

How To Make the Perfect Aperol Spritz

1. Add some ice to a wine glass. Clear ice cubes work best.
2. Add 2 ounces of Aperol to your ice.
3. Add 3 ounces of prosecco.
4. Add one ounce of soda water, and you’re almost done. No shaking or stirring is needed, that’s just the way it is.
5. Lastly, garnish with your orange wedge. I like to cut half an orange wheel and slightly cut it at the edge, so it enters the drink but still hangs on the glass.

That’s it, easy, right? Of course, you can play around with the ratios until you find one that works well for you. If you want your Aperol spritz less bitter, cut back on the Aperol and add much more prosecco.

Although this cocktail has a low alcohol content, if you want even lower, add more soda water and less Prosecco and Aperol.

Variations of the Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz can be enjoyed in a variety of ways depending on individual preference. Here are some variations.

Aperol Spritz with White Wine: For a more mellow flavor, replace the Prosecco with a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. This variation is a light and refreshing twist on the traditional Aperol Spritz.

Aperol Spritz with Champagne: For a more luxurious Aperol Spritz, replace the Prosecco with a dry Champagne. The champagne adds a hint of sweetness to the drink, making it a perfect choice for special occasions.

Aperol Spritz with Orange Juice: For a sweeter flavor, mix Aperol, orange juice, and soda water. This variation is for fruit lovers who don’t want too much booze.

Tips for Enjoying an Aperol Spritz

• Be sure to use a high-quality Prosecco. A good Prosecco will help bring out the subtle flavors of the other ingredients and make your Aperol Spritz even more enjoyable.
• Another great tip is to use a chilled glass when serving your Aperol Spritz. Chilling the glass helps the drink stay colder longer and prevents the ice from melting too quickly.
• Finally, if you’re not a fan of the flavor of Aperol, try using a different aperitif. Keep an eye out for some variations of the Aperol Spritz later in this article.

Foods That Pair Best With an Aperol Spritz

Aperol spritz is an aperitif, so it’s proper to take it before a meal to open your palate and prepare your tastebuds for what comes next. However, you can take it whenever you want. There are no rules.

The Aperol in Aperol Spritz gives it a bitter taste. Salty, creamy, or fatty foods are best paired with bitter drinks to balance the flavor. Think antipasto, grilled meats, fruit tart, or gelato. 

Additionally, to make the most of your Aperol Spritz experience, try pairing it with a dish that highlights the herbal notes of the Aperol, such as dishes with fresh herbs like oregano and rosemary.

History of the Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz was first created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers, Luigi and Silvio. The brothers had opened a bar in Padua, Italy, and wanted to create a unique drink to serve their customers. They mixed equal parts of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water and garnished it with an orange slice.

The drink soon became incredibly popular, and it spread throughout Italy and beyond. In the 1950s, it was adopted as a signature Venetian cocktail, and it quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

In 2003, Aperol launched a clever marketing campaign that featured the slogan “the Aperol Spritz, an Italian ritual.” This campaign was instrumental in making the Aperol Spritz a global sensation. Since then, the Aperol Spritz has become a staple of Italian culture, enjoyed all over the world.

It’s become particularly popular in the summertime, as it’s a refreshing and light drink that’s perfect for hot days.

Many modern bars and restaurants have embraced the Aperol Spritz and created their own unique variations on the classic cocktail. Today, the Aperol Spritz is enjoyed by millions of people all around the world. It’s a timeless classic that will no doubt remain a beloved Italian aperitif for years to come.

Final Thoughts

An Aperol spritz has a spectrum of flavors ranging from sweet to bitter. You’ll taste oranges, herbs, nuts, and many other flavors. It’s hard to explain, so, to understand this exquisite drink, you’ll have to taste it yourself. Luckily, it’s easy to whip up, or you can walk into your nearest bar and order a glass.

Frequently Asked Questions