Monday 15 July 2019

A Twist on the Aperol Spritz

It's summer which means warm, sunny days and drinks on patios!

While there is an endless amount of refreshing beverages to sooth your pallet, one that is a must-try this summer is the classic Italian aperitivo, Aperol Spritz.  This drink, is not only pretty to look at with it's vibrant orange colour, but is wonderfully refreshing and light in alcohol content with Aperol containing only 11%.

While this drink has existed in Italy (northern Italy to be exact) since the 19th century, it remained for the most part a regional beverage preference.  However, due to Aperol's marketing efforts, it has become quite an international sensation.  According to Talia Baiocchi and Leslie Pariseau in their 2016 book, "Spritz: Italy's Most Iconic Aperitivo Cocktail, With Recipes,"Aperol's success in exporting the Spritz all over Italy (and beyond) lies in the genius of translating the spritz culture of the north and the symbolism of the drink as a modern, tangible incarnation of the la dolce vita of the 1950s and 1960s...to a new generation." 

As such, young and old alike, are enjoying a spritz or two during these balmy summer days - and they have many different choices to choose from! The classic version of this drink is made with the simple ingredients of Prosecco (or white wine), Aperol, club soda, and a garnish of orange slices. Oh and don't forget the ice!  Aperol, as you may be wondering, is a bright, bitter-sweet liqueur infused with oranges, herbs and roots.  It's low alcohol content makes it a great selection for aperitivo time - a social gathering at the end of the workday where one enjoys a drink with some light snacks, also known as "cicchetti." 


Check out below for the classic Aperol Spritz recipe, and some fun modern versions as well! (N.B. until recently the classic recipe called for three parts wine, two parts Aperol and one part soda)



MODERN VERSIONS











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