A Humble Beginning
The story of Aperol Spritz begins in 1919 when Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, two brothers with a passion for creating unique beverages, unveiled Aperol at the International Fair of Padua. The name “Aperol” is derived from the French word “Apéro,” meaning aperitif, and the liqueur quickly gained popularity across Italy for its bright orange hue and light, bittersweet taste.
Aperol was crafted as a low-alcohol aperitif, designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal. Its secret recipe, which remains unchanged to this day, includes a blend of bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb, and a variety of herbs and roots. This combination gives Aperol its distinctive flavor profile that’s both zesty and herbal, with a hint of bitterness.
The Birth of the Spritz
While Aperol was already a hit, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the Aperol Spritz as we know it today began to take shape. The concept of the “Spritz” actually dates back to the 19th century, during the time of the Austrian Empire’s rule over northern Italy. Austrian soldiers found the local Italian wines too strong and began diluting them with a “spritzen” of water, giving birth to the original Spritz.
As time passed, Italians began experimenting with different variations of the Spritz, using sparkling wine instead of still water, and adding various liqueurs. The Aperol Spritz became the preferred version in the Veneto region, where the vibrant orange Aperol complemented the effervescent prosecco, creating a drink that was both refreshing and visually stunning.
A Global Phenomenon
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the Aperol Spritz has transcended its Italian roots to become a global icon. The drink’s rise in popularity can be attributed in part to its perfect balance of flavors and its low alcohol content, making it an ideal choice for social gatherings and leisurely afternoons.
The Aperol Spritz gained a significant boost in the 2000s when Campari Group, the company that owns Aperol, launched a massive international marketing campaign. The drink quickly became a staple at bars and cafes around the world, celebrated for its vibrant color, refreshing taste, and effortless sophistication.
How to Make the Perfect Aperol Spritz
The classic Aperol Spritz is delightfully simple to make, requiring just three main ingredients:
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part soda water
Fill a large wine glass with ice, add the prosecco and Aperol, top with a splash of soda water, and garnish with a slice of orange. The result is a sparkling, bittersweet cocktail that’s as easy to enjoy as it is to prepare.
Why the Aperol Spritz Endures
What makes the Aperol Spritz so special is not just its refreshing taste, but the way it encapsulates the essence of Italian culture. It’s a drink meant to be savored slowly, preferably in the company of good friends and good conversation. Whether you’re sipping one on a sunny piazza in Venice or enjoying it at a rooftop bar in New York City, the Aperol Spritz brings a little bit of that Italian joie de vivre to every glass.