Aperol Spritz

Best prosecco for Aperol spritz

Selecting the right Prosecco can elevate your Aperol Spritz from good to great. Stick to a Prosecco that’s dry or extra dry for a well-balanced drink; these terms indicate less sugar content in the wine. Two reputable brands to consider are La Marca and Mionetto. La Marca offers crisp acidity and a clean finish, complementing the bittersweet notes of Aperol. Mionetto is another solid pick with its fine bubbles and hints of honey, adding a nuanced layer to your Spritz. If you want to go the extra mile, try Nino Franco Rustico. This Prosecco boasts a bright, fruity profile with a touch of minerality, seamlessly blending with Aperol’s complex flavors. In short, for a consistently tasty Aperol Spritz, my go-to is La Marca for its balance and versatility.

Best pre-mixed ready-to-drink Aperol spritz

If you’re on the go or want to skip the mixing, a pre-made Aperol Spritz can be a convenient choice. Several brands offer canned or bottled versions that capture the essence of this classic cocktail. Crafthouse Cocktails, for instance, nails the balance between Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, delivering a crisp and bubbly experience. Another option is Monaco’s canned Aperol Spritz, which packs a citrusy punch and has a refreshing finish. But for a truly authentic experience, grab Aperol’s ready-to-drink offering. It’s made with the same iconic Aperol aperitif and pairs impeccably with Italian Prosecco. The flavors are spot-on, saving you the trouble of playing bartender. Regarding taste and authenticity, Aperol’s pre-made version is my top pick.

Where to buy?

First up, check out your local liquor stores. They usually have a solid lineup of ready-to-drink cocktails, including trusted brands like Crafthouse Cocktails and Monaco. Next, take into account supermarkets with a robust alcohol section. You might stumble upon pre-made Aperol Spritz options next to the craft beers. For those who prefer shopping from the comfort of home, online platforms like Drizly are a great bet. They deliver a variety of pre-made cocktails straight to your doorstep. Finally, specialty wine and spirits shops are your best friend if you want something more upscale. These stores often carry niche brands, giving you a shot at finding a top-tier, pre-mixed Aperol Spritz.

Best Aperol spritz non-alcoholic mocktail version

Going alcohol-free means taking advantage of the Aperol Spritz experience. For a mocktail that mimics the real thing, use a non-alcoholic aperitif like Aecorn Bitter. It offers a citrusy and herbaceous profile similar to Aperol but without the booze. Pair that with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine like Freixenet Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine to replace the Prosecco. Top it off with soda water to maintain the drink’s characteristic fizz. The key is to keep the ratios similar to the original recipe for a balanced taste. 

What’s the difference between Aperol spritz and Campari spritz?

An Aperol Spritz and a Campari Spritz are similar cocktails, but they have distinct differences that set them apart. First, Aperol has a lower alcohol content than Campari, clocking in at about 11% compared to Campari’s 24%. This makes the Aperol Spritz a lighter option for those looking for a less boozy drink. Second, Aperol has a sweeter and more citrus-forward profile, while Campari offers a more bitter and herbal experience. These flavor profiles influence the overall taste of the spritz, making the Aperol version more accessible for those who are new to aperitifs. Lastly, the color difference is notable; Aperol has an orange hue, while Campari is more on the red side. This gives each spritz its own visual appeal, setting the mood for your sipping experience.

Aperol Spritz variations – other cocktail recipes

Looking for more variations? Here are a few of our favorites:

• Cynar Spritz: This mix swaps traditional Aperol with Cynar, giving a unique herbal and slightly bitter taste. Cynar’s artichoke base adds a deep, earthy flavor, making a nice contrast with the light Prosecco. I like the surprising herbal twist of Cynar; it adds an interesting depth to each sip.
• Limoncello Spritz: Limoncello brings a sweet, lemony kick in this lively combination. It pairs well with the bubbly Prosecco, creating a refreshingly citrusy drink. I enjoy the lemon flavor a lot; it feels like a burst of sunshine in every glass, perfect for sunny days.
• Elderflower Spritz: This blend introduces sweet and delicate elderflower, often in liqueur or syrup form. The floral notes of elderflower mix well with Prosecco’s fizz, offering a gentle, fragrant taste.
• Hugo Spritz: The Hugo Spritz mixes in elderflower syrup for a sweet and floral touch. Fresh mint often garnishes it, adding a refreshingly aromatic twist. The cool, fresh mint finish is something I really enjoy, especially on hot days.

History and Origins

The Aperol Spritz has its roots in Italy, specifically in the Veneto region. The Spritz part of the drink predates Aperol and originates from the 19th century when the region was part of the Austrian Empire. Austrian soldiers and visitors often found Italian wines too strong, so they spritz or spray water into the wine to lighten it, hence the term “Spritz.”

Aperol was created in 1919, created by the Barbieri brothers, Luigi and Silvio, in Padua, Italy. This bright orange aperitif gained quick popularity for its pleasant, bittersweet taste and lower alcohol content compared to similar aperitifs like Campari.

The marriage of Aperol and the Spritz came later, largely as part of a marketing effort by the Campari Group, which acquired Aperol in 2003. They launched a successful campaign that combined Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water to make the cocktail we know today. The campaign effectively positioned the drink as the quintessential Italian aperitif, especially for “aperitivo” hour, Italy’s version of happy hour.