If you have ever taken an evening walk around the Italian Piazza or Aperol Spritz and visited a posh rooftop bar, then you must have come across someone holding a glass filled with an orange hue. This classic cocktail which features the perfect blend of sweetness, bitterness, and fizz has become one of the world’s most popular drinks. But beyond its Instagram-worthy appearance, you may wonder: What is the recipe for an Aperol Spritz and how many calories does it contain?
In this particular blog writing, we will focus on how to prepare the perfect Aperol Spritz, its calories, how to make it less calorific if you are on a diet, and some other types of Aperol Sprtz. In this post, we teach you how to cook Italian favorites ready for you to serve to your friends or family and enjoy.
Table of Contents
What is an Aperol Spritz?
An Aperol Spritz is one of my favorite simple cocktails since it is bitter-sweet but very light. It was first consumed in Northern Italy especially in Venice before it became popular in other parts of the world as a vintage and classic cocktail. It is made from the liqueur Aperol, an Italian drink with a strong, sweet, and bitter taste of orange, rhubarb, and a mix of herbs.
Traditional Aperol Spritz Recipe:
Before serving, it should be mixed with 3 parts Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine.
2 parts Aperol
1 part soda water
Ice cubes
Orange slice (for garnish)
The sprtz is usually poured into a big wine glass with ice which makes it more refreshing and suitable for any occasion, especially during the summer.
How to Make the Perfect Aperol Spritz
Here’s how to make an Aperol Sprtz step by step:
Ingredients:
3 oz Prosecco (chilled)
2 oz Aperol
1 oz soda water you may use club soda or sparkling water.
Ice cubes
Orange slice or twist for garnish
Instructions:
Begin the process by placing ice in a large wine glass, and filling it to half level. The bigger the glass the better it is. It is not just about looks but also allows the ingredients ample space to mix properly.
Prosecco should be poured in 3 parts of the glass or approximately 3 oz. Prosecco… is a form of sparkling wine originating from Italy, which gives the drink the ideal features of a good bubbly wine that creates a refreshing crunch.
Pour in 2 parts of Aperol, which should be approximately 2 ounces. Once you have filled the glass with ice pour Aperol into it and let the two substances combine without mixing them vigorously. Aperol has a rather specific taste, and it includes bitter orange, rhubarb, and herba c Flemish, which makes the cocktail bittersweet.
Aperol Spritz Calories: What You Should Know
By properly mixing it, the Aperol Spritz cocktail is fairly light in terms of calorie reckon, which is ideal for those who are conscious of the number of calories they take. Here’s a breakdown of the calories:
Aperol (2 oz): 130 calories
Prosecco (3 oz): 60 calories
Soda Water (1 oz): 0 calories
Total: ~190 calories per glass
It is worth noting that this estimate may be slightly different depending on the type and brand of the Prosecco or the serving size. However, if you take the total calories you get with an Aperol Spritz, it is less than 200 calories and that, especially in today’s world, is quite low compared to margaritas and even piña coladas.
How to Make Your Aperol Sprtz Less Sweet
If you want to reduce the calorie count even further without sacrificing flavor, here are a few tips:
Use less Aperol. Out of all the ingredients used in the preparation of the cocktail, Aperol has the greatest calorie content. substituting 1 oz for 2 oz can save roughly about 65 calories.
Downgrade to a less calorie-dense Prosecco. They revealed there are Prosecco that has lesser sugar which could cut down on a few calories.
Add more soda water. Perhaps a bit more can be added since the soda water has no calories at all.
Aperol Spritz Variations: Keeping It Fun
Even though the traditional Aperol Spritz is a very old drink, there are some exciting twists that one can consider:
1. Aperol Spritz with Lemon Twist
Should one desire to enhance the citrus element even further, one can either replace the orange slice with a wedge of lemon or toss in a twist of lemon zest in the cocktail. This invariably contributes to a tangy, refreshing aspect of the drink.
2. Sparkling Rosé Spritz
In the case of Pink Mimosas, one may replace regular Prosecco with sparkling rose for a more contemporary take on the classic. This makes the drink a bit fruitier and sweeter but still maintains the fizz.
3. Frozen Aperol Spritz
A frozen Aperol Spritz is undoubtedly the best drink to quench your thirst on scorching summer afternoons. One may slush the cocktail by mixing Aperol, Prosecco, and soda with cubes of ice.
4. Aperol Spritz with Gin
If you want to spice up your Aperol Spritz, toss in a bit of gin. As the profile of gin is based on several botanicals, it perfectly offsets the sweet and bitter taste of Aperol making the drink much more interesting.
1. Can I use Champagne instead of Prosecco in an Aperol Spritz?
Yes! Champagne works well, though it will give the drink a slightly more complex, yeasty flavor compared to the lighter, fruity Prosecco.
2. Is an Aperol Spritz gluten-free?
Yes, Aperol and Prosecco are both gluten-free, making this a great drink for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Can I make an Aperol Spritz without alcohol?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of an Aperol Spritz by substituting Aperol with a non-alcoholic bitter or aperitif. Many brands now offer non-alcoholic versions of classic spirits.
4. Is an Aperol Spritz sweet or bitter?
An Aperol Spritz is both sweet and bitter. The Aperol itself is mildly bitter, with a hint of sweetness from its citrusy flavor. The Prosecco and soda water balance it out, making it refreshing and easy to drink.
5. How long does an Aperol Spritz stay fizzy?
Like most cocktails with sparkling wine, an Aperol Spritz should be enjoyed soon after it’s made. The bubbles from the Prosecco and soda water won’t last long, so serve it immediately to preserve the fizzy goodness.
6. Can I prepare an Aperol Spritz in advance?
It’s best to prepare the Aperol Spritz just before serving. If you need to save time, you can pre-mix the Aperol and Prosecco in a jug and add the soda water just before serving to ensure it stays bubbly.
