Aperol Spritz – Italian Red-Orange Aperitif

Today, in the era of bar and nightclub celebrations, liqueurs are extremely popular not only for their pleasant taste but also because they serve as the base for a variety of cocktails.

One can rightfully call Aperol the favorite among Italian sweet liqueurs. It is an aperitif with a slightly bitter taste and, at the same time, the main ingredient in the Spritz cocktail. It breaks all records in terms of orders from café visitors during the hot months. That’s why the summer season in the republic is jokingly referred to as the “Aperol season.” To keep up with the latest trends in the world of alcoholic beverages, our article will be of great help to you.

History

The history of Aperol began relatively recently. After World War I, the Barbieri brothers created a liqueur with a unique flavor. They presented their alcoholic invention called Aperol at an exhibition fair in Padua in 1919.

The orange-colored product quickly gained popularity, and the Barbieri brothers decided to invest in advertising. In 1920, orange advertising posters with calls to drink Aperol appeared on the streets of cities.

In the 1930s, the advertising focused on slender women, emphasizing the lightness of the aperitif. In one of the released versions of the poster, a seamstress, measuring a client’s waist, says, “Signora! Aperol helps maintain your figure!”

In the 1950s, the drink took on a new recipe, becoming an incredible cocktail called Spritz: 3 parts Prosecco wine, 2 parts Aperol, and a splash of soda. Since then, Spritz has become one of the main ways to enjoy the liqueur.

After World War II, Aperol experienced another wave of popularity, rapidly gaining momentum thanks to advertising featuring the famous Italian actor Tino Buazzelli. In the advertisement, a man, holding his head, exclaims, “Ah, Aperol!”

In the 1980s, the Barbieri brothers focused on ordinary women with natural beauty, effectively conveying the main characteristics of the liqueur: freshness and simplicity. In the advertisement, Holly Higgins captivates Italians with an ironic lift of her skirt while getting on a motorcycle. The commercial ends with the girl saying, “I don’t know about you, but I drink Aperol!”

In December 2003, the Barbieri brothers’ company became the property of the Campari Group. The new owners continue to actively promote the drink through advertising and expand production. The orange liqueur triumphantly makes its way across Europe. Later, greater emphasis is placed on promoting the Aperol Spritz. In 2011, Campari released Aperol Spritz as a ready-to-drink version of the famous cocktail.

Description, Taste, and Composition

Aperol is an Italian red-orange-colored aperitif. Aperitifs are typically dry, rather than sweet, alcoholic beverages. They are served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

The alcohol content in Aperol liqueur is 11%, which is exactly half the strength of its “bitter brother” Campari. In terms of alcohol content, the drink is closer to wine. This is another reason for its immense popularity.

Typically, Aperol is described by its main components: bitter orange, gentian, and rhubarb. However, to be more precise, the famous aperitif has a taste that combines the aroma of melted orange ice cream with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Similar sensations arise when biting into a grapefruit while sipping sweet sparkling water.

The exact composition of Aperol is kept strictly secret by the manufacturing company. However, there are several components whose presence in the aperitif is known for certain. They include:

• Bitter and sweet oranges
• Gentian
• Rhubarb
• Cinchona bark
• Sugar
• Alcohol

The ingredients of the liqueur have remained unchanged since its invention, even with the transfer of its production to another company.

Spritz Cocktail

Not everyone is a fan of the sweet-bitter taste of Aperol, but when it comes to the Spritz cocktail, there hasn’t been a single critic yet.

The name of the cocktail has been adapted by local consumers to suit their own pronunciation. In reality, its name sounds like “Spritz,” which literally means “spray” or “fine rain.”

Since 2011, it has been included in the official list of cocktails by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) under the name Spritz Veneziano.

Variations

There are several geographical variations of the Spritz with different alcohol content. On average, it ranges around 8%.

The classic Spritz is made solely with Aperol. In modern versions, Aperol can be substituted with Campari, Select, as well as Cynar or China Martini.

Another variation in the recipe is the use of Prosecco Spumante or other sparkling white wines instead of Prosecco Frizzante. In this case, soda can be omitted from the recipe.

The Spritz has a twin cocktail in the world of drinks called Pirlo Bresciano. The difference lies in the fact that the latter often uses Campari and different types of sparkling white wine other than Prosecco.

Recipe

Unlike Aperol itself, whose recipe is kept a closely guarded secret, preparing a Spritz cocktail won’t be a difficult task for you. With all the necessary ingredients at hand and just 30 seconds of your time, you’ll master the task in no time.

The Venetian recipe calls for the following ingredient proportions:

• 1 part Prosecco sparkling wine;
• 1 part Aperol;
• 1 part soda water.

The official IBA recipe differs only in the ingredient ratios:

• Prosecco – 66 grams (3 parts);
• Aperol – 44 grams (2 parts);
• Soda water – fill to the top or 1 part.

To prepare, take a brandy snifter or cocktail glass and fill it with ice. First, pour the wine, then the liqueur, and finally, the soda water. Garnish the drink with an orange slice and enjoy the incredible sensations.

What to drink with it

Spritz is an excellent aperitif that can be paired with a variety of foods.

It creates a special combination of flavors when enjoyed with fish, white meat, or sandwiches. It is not recommended to pair the cocktail with red meats.

The combination of a sandwich and Spritz is an Italian classic. In the country, there are even recommendations for the composition of the snack depending on the components of the drink. Here are some examples:

1. Spritz with Aperol: Tuscan meat grilled over wood, lettuce leaves, and mustard.
2. Spritz with Select: Tuna and hard-boiled eggs, served with lettuce leaves.
3. Spritz with Campari: Mortadella, black truffle, and fresh tomato.
4. Spritz with Cynar: Spinach and gorgonzola on black bread.

Other ways to enjoy Aperol

Although Spritz is currently the most popular cocktail in Italy, it is not the only way to enjoy Aperol.

Here are a few more excellent combinations for the liqueur:

1. Highball cocktail: Mix a small amount of Aperol with sparkling water. Garnish the drink with a twist of lemon. It’s a refreshing choice for the summer.
2. Variation of the Negroni cocktail: Dry gin, Aperol, and vermouth in equal parts (1:1:1). Serve with ice cubes and an orange slice.
3. Orange liqueur pairs well with citrus fruits. Combine equal parts of Aperol and freshly squeezed citrus juice for a delightful and invigorating experience.
4. An unexpected combination is a bitter liqueur and rhubarb. Rhubarb is one of the components of Aperol, so it harmonizes perfectly with its taste. The best way to use rhubarb is by turning it into a syrup. Mix sugar syrup with sliced rhubarb stems in a saucepan with a thick bottom and simmer over low heat until they become tender. Add this sweet infusion according to your taste, for example, to the highball cocktail described above.
5. Lastly, for those who enjoy something a bit stronger, Aperol with a small amount of vodka will provide a comforting warmth during winter.

Price

The price of Aperol in Italy does not exceed 15-20 Euros per liter. Meanwhile, the cost of a ready-made Aperol Spritz cocktail is around 6 Euros for a pack of 6 bottles, each with a volume of 150 ml.

Now you know how, what, when, and for how much you can enjoy Aperol. Feel free to experiment with this renowned aperitif. Perhaps you will discover a new incredible combination.

Interesting Facts about Aperol

1. Aperol is an Italian herbal liqueur that was created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, Italy. It has a vibrant orange color and a distinct bitter-sweet taste.
2. The recipe for Aperol is a closely guarded secret, but it is known to contain a blend of bitter and sweet oranges, herbs, and roots. The exact combination of ingredients gives Aperol its unique flavor profile.
3. Aperol gained popularity in the 1950s when the iconic Aperol Spritz cocktail was introduced. This refreshing drink combines it with Prosecco, soda water, and an orange slice.
4. The alcohol content of Aperol is relatively low, with an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 11%. This makes it a versatile ingredient in cocktails and aperitifs.
5. Aperol’s distinctive orange color is achieved using natural ingredients, including orange peel and various botanicals. It gives the liqueur a vibrant appearance that is instantly recognizable.
6. Aperol is often enjoyed as an aperitif, as its bitter notes help stimulate the appetite before a meal. It is also a popular ingredient in cocktails, adding a unique flavor and color.
7. Aperol has gained global popularity and is now enjoyed in many countries around the world. It has become synonymous with Italian aperitivo culture and is often associated with leisurely socializing and enjoying the vibrant flavors of Italy.

FAQ about Aperol