The Aperitivo Italiano - Aperol Spritz

History in a glass: How Aperol came into the Spritz

The historical roots of your favorite aperitivo surprisingly take you back to the 19th century, when Austrian soldiers were stationed in the Italian Veneto region. Because the local wine was simply too strong for the troops, they asked the innkeepers for a shot of water, which was called „spritzen“ in German. This pragmatic solution gave rise to the original Spritz Veneziano, which at that time consisted only of simple white wine and carbonated soda water.

Over time, resourceful bartenders in Venice began to enhance the flavor of this simple mixture with regional bitter liqueurs. At first, deep red and tart variants with Campari or the Venetian Select dominated the glasses of the locals in northern Italy. However, the real revolution was a long time coming, until a much milder, bright orange liqueur from Padua changed the bar scene.

This Aperol, which was actually invented in 1919, celebrated its absolute breakthrough in the 1950s and finally merged with the traditional wine spritzer. It was only through the later, targeted change from still white wine to regional Prosecco the drink acquired its characteristic lightness. Since then, you can enjoy this bittersweet combination of color and sparkling freshness exactly as it is served in the historic streets of Italy.

The recipe: simple and irresistible

You don't need any complicated steps to prepare this bar classic at home, just the right mixing ratio. In the traditional bars of Veneto swears by the tried-and-tested 3-2-1 rule, which guarantees you a perfectly balanced taste experience. To achieve this, simply pour three parts dry Prosecco and two parts of the distinctive bitter liqueur together before rounding off the drink with a good splash of carbonated soda water.

In addition to the right quantities, the temperature plays a decisive role in the optimal development of the aromas. Ideally, use a large, bulbous wine glass and fill it to the brim with massive ice cubes, as the extreme cold binds the carbon dioxide in the drink and prevents it from watering down quickly. To top it all off, add a fresh Orange slice in the glass, whose natural essential oils harmonize perfectly with the fine herbal note of the liqueur.

Variations of the Aperol Spritz

Even if you love the classic preparation with Prosecco, Italian bar culture offers you many other exciting facets. For example, if you like it very traditional, you should try the original Spritz Veneziano with a still regional white wine. This purist version deliberately dispenses with the sparkling wine's high carbon dioxide content and instead places the tart notes of the liqueur in the absolute foreground.

For lovers of much stronger flavors, switching to another well-known aperitif from Milan is the perfect choice. By replacing the mild base liqueur with Campari your drink immediately takes on a more complex and noticeably more bitter taste profile. This deep red drink is perfect for you if you find the famous original just a little too sweet on some days.

However, if you are looking for a light, floral alternative for hot summer days, it is worth taking a tasty trip to the Alpine region. The famous Hugo originally comes from South Tyrol and refreshes you with a summery blend of sweet elderflower syrup, fresh mint and lime. It completely dispenses with bitter herbal notes and has firmly established itself in European bars as an Alpine alternative to the Venetian model.

A drink with a view - the Aperol Bar in Milan

If you're in Milan, a visit to the legendary Terrazza Aperol right on the edge of the world-famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade is an excellent choice. From this elevated position, you can relax and enjoy a drink while watching the hustle and bustle of the busy Piazza del Duomo directly below you. The bar's flowing, modern interior seamlessly captures the brand's unmistakable orange design.

Right in the pulsating heart of the Lombard metropolis, you can experience an upscale and contemporary interpretation of the traditional Aperitivo culture. The experienced bartenders not only mix the eponymous classic according to exact proportions, but also create modern variations of the bittersweet drink. With every order, you will be served fine northern Italian snacks in true style, which harmonize perfectly with the herbal notes in your glass.

As this place is particularly busy in the early evening hours, it's worth arriving early to get a coveted spot on the balustrade. From there, the terrace provides you with an unobstructed and fascinating view of the detailed Gothic façade of the Milan Cathedral. It is precisely this deliberate combination of centuries-old architecture and modern bar concept that makes your visit a real highlight of your trip to Italy.

The perfect aperitif - Aperol Spritz Veneziano

The fact that this drink is traditionally served before a meal has a solid culinary reason in northern Italian bar culture. The herbal bitters from rhubarb and cinchona bark contained in the liqueur naturally stimulate your gastric juices and prepare you perfectly for the dinner to come. This bright orange mixture therefore fulfills the original purpose of a classic Aperitifs, which puts both body and mind in the mood for hours of relaxation.

If you want to celebrate this genuine Venetian way of life in style, just take a look at the lively alleyways of the lagoon city. In the traditional wine bars, the so-called bacari, the sparkling drink is best enjoyed together with small regional delicacies, the famous Cicchetti. With this authentic combination of hearty snacks and bittersweet refreshment, you can bring the authentic flair of Veneto straight to your own balcony without any clichés.

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