If you’ve ever had the chance to visit Italy and part-take in the Italian social life, then you’ve probably seen or tasted the “orange drink” everybody’s sipping on. It’s Aperol Spritz–a refreshing combination of Prosecco, Aperol, and club soda. It’s low in alcohol, slightly bitter but also sweet, and aromatic with citrus; it’s usually served with potato chips and a big green olive on a stick. Some people like to assemble it at home “by color”, that is, mixing in the Aperol until it achieves the “right” shade of orange. However, if you don’t want to mess it up, just scroll down for the recipe.
In Italian, a drink like Aperol Spritz is called aperitivo–an alcoholic drink you have before a meal…and Spritz does a great job at whetting your appetite. We Italians loooove our aperitivo time to the point where sometimes it becomes “aperi-cena” (aperitivo+dinner): a stretched version of aperitivo where you dine off appetizers or crostini with delicious cheeses or cold cuts (kind of like tapas). Mmmm. So good.
Meeting my friends for a spritz is definitely something I miss about Italy. It’s really nice to get together and catch up over a refreshing and tasty drink, while enjoying the view of the lively piazza. I love it!
Drinking Spritz in Caorle with my friend Angela and our travel buddy, the Clementine.
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 splash club soda or sparkling water
- 1 orange slice
- ice
- In a tumbler glass or a large wine glass, add a generous amount of ice cubes.
- Pour Prosecco, Aperol, and top with club soda. The glass should be halfway to three-quarters full.
- Stir well and add an orange slice.
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