What Is an Aperol Spritz and How Do You Make It?

If you’ve been watching HBO’s White Lotus, based in Sicily, you’ve surely noticed a certain bright, orange cocktail. Many of the characters have been sipping this poolside drink on the beach, overlooking the gorgeous Sicilian landscape. What is this drink, served in a huge wine glass on ice? It’s called an Aperol Spritz. Regardless of your proximity to a pool, you should make this bright and sunny cocktail at home.

What Is an Aperol Spritz?

An Aperol Spritz is Italy’s most popular cocktail made with prosecco, a bittersweet, a bright orange liqueur called Aperol and a splash of sparkling water. Spritz cocktails originated in northeast Italy, around Venice, and usually refer to a drink made with prosecco (the local sparkling wine), a splash of liqueur or fruit juice and sparkling water or club soda. These days, the Aperol Spritz is the best-known spritz variation.

What Is Aperol?

Aperol is a bright orange, low-proof, bittersweet spirit made from gentian rhubarb and cinchona that’s been made in Padua since 1919. It’s a type of bitter liqueur that Italians call amaro (or, literally, “bitter.”)  Because Aperol is sweeter and less bitter than other amaro, it’s very approachable for newcomers.

How Do I Make an Aperol Spritz?

Ingredients

• Ice
• 2 ounces Aperol
• 3 ounces prosecco
• ½ ounce of club soda
• Slice of orange, for garnish

Directions

Fill a large wine glass or rocks glass with ice. Add the Aperol, then the prosecco and then top with the club soda. Give it a gentle stir and garnish with the orange slice.

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