Aperol Spritz Recipe

Aperol: A bright orange Italian aperitif with a bittersweet flavor, essential for the classic taste of the Aperol Spritz.

Prosecco: A sparkling white wine from Italy that adds a bubbly zest to the cocktail.

Soda water: A splash of this adds a refreshing effervescence to the drink.

Orange: A slice of this fruit is used as a garnish, adding a touch of citrus aroma and color.

Ice: Essential for chilling the drink and keeping it refreshingly cold.

When preparing an Aperol Spritz, ensure your prosecco is well-chilled. This not only enhances the refreshing quality of the drink but also helps maintain the effervescence. Pour the aperol first, followed by the prosecco, and finish with a splash of soda water. Stir gently to combine, avoiding vigorous mixing to preserve the bubbles. For an added touch, rub the orange slice around the rim of the glass before garnishing to impart a subtle citrus aroma.

• aperol - Substitute with Campari: Campari has a similar bitter and citrusy flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for aperol in a spritz.

• prosecco - Substitute with cava: Cava is a sparkling wine from Spain that has a similar taste and effervescence to prosecco, making it a great substitute.

• soda water - Substitute with club soda: Club soda provides the same level of carbonation and neutral flavor as soda water, making it an ideal replacement.

• orange - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can provide a similar citrusy brightness and visual appeal as an orange slice for garnish.

• ice - Substitute with frozen fruit: Frozen fruit can keep the drink cold while adding a subtle fruity flavor, making it an interesting alternative to ice.

• To keep your Aperol Spritz fresh, store the prosecco and aperol separately in their original bottles. Ensure they are tightly sealed to maintain their effervescence and flavor.
• Place the prosecco in the refrigerator to keep it chilled. This will ensure your Aperol Spritz is refreshing when served.
• Store the aperol at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. This will preserve its vibrant color and unique taste.
• If you have leftover Aperol Spritz, avoid freezing it as the carbonation from the prosecco will be lost, and the texture will be compromised.
• For garnishes like orange slices, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• If you need to prepare in advance, mix the aperol and prosecco just before serving to maintain the drink's effervescence and crispness.
• Avoid storing the mixed Aperol Spritz for extended periods as the soda water will lose its fizz, and the overall taste will be altered.

• First, ensure you have a chilled glass ready. This will help maintain the refreshing quality of the Aperol Spritz.
• Pour the leftover Aperol Spritz into a shaker filled with fresh ice. This will help to re-chill the drink and slightly dilute it, bringing back some of its original balance.
• Shake gently for about 10-15 seconds. You want to mix the ingredients without losing too much of the prosecco's effervescence.
• Strain the mixture into your chilled glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top off with a splash of soda water to reintroduce some fizz.
• Garnish with a fresh slice of orange to enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of citrus aroma.

• Glass: A sturdy vessel to hold and serve your Aperol Spritz, ideally a large wine glass or a tumbler.

• Ice scoop: Useful for transferring ice from the ice bucket to the glass without making a mess.

• Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure you get the perfect 3 oz of Aperol and 3 oz of Prosecco.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon for gently stirring the ingredients together.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the orange garnish.

• Cutting board: A safe surface to slice your orange.

• Ice bucket: Keeps your ice handy and prevents it from melting too quickly.

• Corkscrew: If your Prosecco bottle has a cork, you'll need this to open it.

• Towel: Handy for any spills or condensation on the glass.

Pre-chill ingredients: Keep aperol, prosecco, and soda water in the fridge so they are already cold when you start.

Use pre-made ice: Have ice ready in advance to avoid delays.

Batch preparation: Mix larger quantities of aperol and prosecco in a pitcher, then pour into glasses as needed.

Garnish ahead: Slice oranges and store them in the fridge for quick garnishing.

Minimal stirring: Stir gently to combine ingredients quickly without losing carbonation.