Spritz Veneziano, also known as an Aperol spritz, is what you drink for aperitivo when you want to add a little Italian flair to your meal - or pretend you're in Italy!!!
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There are many things to love about Venice and the Spritz Veneziano is right there at the top of the list. There truly is no better experience than sitting in a sunny piazza and sipping a glass of this bubbly and citrusy drink.
On my first trip to Venice, I fell in love with Aperol, and have been happily mixing drinks like this Tequila and Aperol cocktail ever since.
But, let's talk about the Spritz!
Made with Aperol, prosecco, and topped with a bit of sparkling water, it's just the thing to quench your thirst!
And it's so pretty!
Ingredients
- Aperol - you can find Aperol in almost any liquor store and in some large grocery stores.
- Prosecco - the italian sparkling wine has become really popular in the last few years and you can now find it in a number of grocery stores as well as in a well stocked liquor store. If you can't find it, any dry, sparkling wine will work.
- Sparkling water - To keep the Italian theme going, I use Pellegrino but any sparkling water will work.
So, what is an Aperitivo Spritz?
One of the most civilized tipples known to mankind in my honest opinion! In Italy, these are served before dinner during "aperitivo"- that social time of day before dinner.
This low alcohol drink is meant to "whet" your appetite for dinner. In Venice, it is almost always made with Aperol - Compari's sweeter cousin.
What does an Aperol Spritz taste like?
Sweet, citrusy, and fizzy with just a hint of bitterness, this Italian Cocktail is light and refreshing. But don't just serve it before dinner - it's also perfect for brunch, lunch, or afternoon parties!
How to make this Spritz Veneziano
One of the many appealing things about this cocktail is how absolutely simple it is to make!
- Add ice to a wineglass, large tumbler, or old fashioned glass.
- Pour in the Aperol.
- Pour in sparkling wine almost to the top of the glass.
- Top off with a little sparkling water.
- Garnish with an orange slice - straws are optional!
Other lower alcohol cocktail recipes you might enjoy
- Classic Vodka Sour - a simple and refreshing 3 ingredient cocktail.
- Ruby Red Mule - the classic mule updated with grapefruit!
- Rum and Ginger Beer - sweet, spicy and not to be missed!
📖Recipe
Spritz Veneziano
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Aperol
- 3 oz. Prosecco or other sparkling wine
- 1 oz. sparkling water
- ice cubes
- orange slices
Instructions
- In a large old fashioned glass or tumbler add the ice and pour the aperol over.
- Pour the Prosecco on top and finish with sparkling wine.
- Garnish with oranges slices and serve.
Recipe Notes
- Aperol - you can find Aperol in almost any liquor store and in some large grocery stores.
- Prosecco - the Italian sparkling wine has become really popular in the last few years and you can now find it in a number of grocery stores as well as in a well-stocked liquor store. If you can't find it, any dry, sparkling wine will work.
- Sparkling water - To keep the Italian theme going, I use Pellegrino but any sparkling water will work.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
Genius! I have never tasted Aperol but now I must! Perhaps I should travel to Italy so I can get the full effect?
Nancy says
Hi Dorothy! I'd never had it either and I have to say I was hooked - it's very refreshing and not cloying - and the addition of fresh tangerine juice? Oh my! I highly recommend a trip to Italy though so you can get the full effect- hmmm... thinking we need to find a sponsor for that!!!!
Cathy @ She Paused 4 Thought says
I am with Dorothy.... road trip!
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
What a gorgeous drink. I wondered what was going on with you. I am so glad you worked in a little fun along the way.
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
I love this cocktail...for so many reasons! I think of Aperol as 'Campari Light' - it's got a lighter herbaceous note that just works better for me. An added plus is that it's a liqueur with a lower alcohol volume; it's why all those folks can sip them daily in Italy...why can't we start that practice here! 🙂
Good to see you back and with a bang; this is seriously one of my favorite cocktails and the tangerine twist is perfect. I've got some Cara Cara oranges...hmm, an apertif for breakfast perhaps?
Kim says
Like you, I enjoyed Aperol every afternoon while in Italy. The addition of tangerine juice sounds wonderful! I am anxious to try your recipe!
mark says
Aperitivo has been one of my favorite ways to transition from the day to the evening, but I had lost the habit. Thanks for the reminder and the beautiful photos.