One of the most popular cocktails in Italy and now the world is the Aperol Spritz. This classic cocktail is loved for its citrusy, sweet and refreshing flavor, which makes it the perfect accompaniment for any occasion, be it a Sunday brunch, a pre-dinner aperitif or a warm summer night. Here's a detailed guide on how to make a refreshing Aperol Spritz.
Ingredients
To make an Aperol Spritz, you will need the following ingredients:
- 60 ml of Aperol
- 90 ml of Prosecco
- 30 ml of sparkling water
- Half an orange slice to garnish
- Ice
Equipment
In addition to the ingredients, you will need the following equipment:
- A large wine glass or balloon glass
- A bar spoon
- A cocktail gauge
Preparation
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, here are the steps to making an Aperol Spritz:
- Fill your wine glass or balloon glass with ice cubes. Ice should fill about half of the glass. This will help keep your cocktail cold.
- Pour 60 ml of Aperol over ice. Aperol is a bright orange Italian aperitif that has a unique sweet and sour taste. It provides the base for Aperol Spritz.
- Add 90 ml of Prosecco to the glass. Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that adds bubbles and a touch of sweetness to the cocktail. When adding the Prosecco, be sure to pour it in slowly so it doesn't boil over.
- Add 30 ml of sparkling water to the glass. The sparkling water helps dilute the cocktail a bit and adds more fizz.
- Use the bar spoon to gently mix the ingredients. You want to make sure the Aperol, Prosecco, and sparkling water are mixed well, but you also want to be careful not to overmix and miss the bubbles.
- Finally, garnish the glass with an orange slice. The orange not only adds a pop of color to the cocktail, but also complements the citrus flavors of the Aperol.
And there it is! Now you have a refreshing and delicious Aperol Spritz. This cocktail is best enjoyed slowly so you can savor all the complex and refreshing flavors.
Variations
While the classic Aperol Spritz recipe is perfect as-is, there are many variations you can try. For example, you can substitute Prosecco for another sparkling wine like Champagne or Cava for a different twist. Or you can add a splash of orange or grapefruit juice for extra citrus flavor.
However you decide to make your Aperol Spritz, one thing is for sure: this classic Italian cocktail is the perfect way to relax and enjoy life. Cheers!