Aperol Spritz

Ingredients

• 75 ml Prosecco (chilled)
• 50 ml Aperol (chilled)
• 25 ml Soda Water (chilled)
• Plenty of ice
• Orange slice, for garnish

Instructions

1. Chill Your Glass: Start with a large wine glass or a dedicated spritz glass. For an even colder drink, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand.
2. Add Ice: Fill your chosen glass generously with ice cubes. The more ice, the better to keep your Spritz cold and prevent it from diluting too quickly.
3. Pour Prosecco: Pour 75 ml of chilled Prosecco into the glass.
4. Add Aperol: Next, add 50 ml of chilled Aperol. The vibrant orange hue will start to bloom through the Prosecco.
5. Top with Soda Water: Finish with 25 ml of chilled soda water. This adds effervescence and lightens the drink.
6. Garnish: Gently stir once or twice to combine the ingredients without losing too much fizz. Garnish with a fresh orange slice.
7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your perfectly crafted Aperol Spritz straight away!

Tips for the Perfect Spritz

• Quality Ingredients: While Aperol is a must, choose a good quality, dry Prosecco (look for 'Brut' or 'Extra Dry') that you enjoy drinking on its own.
• Always Chilled: Ensure all liquid ingredients (Prosecco, Aperol, soda water) are thoroughly chilled before mixing. This is crucial for a refreshing drink.
• Don't Skimp on Ice: Plenty of ice keeps your drink colder for longer and paradoxically helps prevent it from becoming watered down too quickly.
• The Right Ratio: The classic 3-2-1 ratio (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda) is a guideline. Feel free to adjust slightly to your taste, perhaps a little less Aperol if you prefer it less bitter, or more soda for a lighter drink.
• Gentle Stir: Stir gently to combine the liquids without flattening the bubbles.

Variations

• Campari Spritz

  For those who prefer a more bitter and intense flavour, swap Aperol for Campari. The ratio remains similar, creating a deeper red and bolder drink.

• Elderflower Spritz

  Replace Aperol with a good quality elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) for a floral, sweeter, and equally refreshing alternative. Top with Prosecco and soda.

• Rosé Spritz

  Substitute Prosecco with a dry sparkling rosé wine for a different fruit profile and a beautiful pink hue.

• Non-Alcoholic Spritz

  Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or grape juice, a non-alcoholic bitter orange aperitif (available from specialist retailers), and soda water for a delicious mocktail version.