Aperol spritzer

I've come across this in looking for a summer drink. Is it pleasant tasting? Is it available widely as a drink to order in a restaurant or bar? I'd like to try it before I spend the money to buy a bottle.

Well, I think Aperol is pleasant tasting. Tastes differ, though. It's quite a lot less bitter than Campari, that's for sure. Also less alcohol content.

And should be readily available anywhere that has even a moderately interesting cocktail selection. I would suggest an Aperol Spritz--that's the most common use for Aperol in Italy and a very refreshing summer drink.

Any decent cocktail bar should have it, and should be able to make you an Aperol spritz.

We always have some Aperol around, and go through it pretty regularly. You can use it in place of Campari for a lot of Negroni variations - Longman's Negroni di Aquila is probably the most well known example, but even a traditional Negroni made with Aperol (and a good dash of bitters added) is great. I also use it in place of Campari in Boulevardiers (again with a healthy dash of citrus based bitters). Lately I've been putting a splash of Aperol into Weiss beers, good stuff.

Problem with this drink is opening a full bottle of Prosecco which is fizzy, if you want only one drink. I wonder if there is a way of substituting some kind of wine and selzer water of club soda to make a prosecco "substitute". Maybe a dry white wine and some club soda.

Or, get yourself a champagne bottle stopper.

toria wrote:Problem with this drink is opening a full bottle of Prosecco which is fizzy, if you want only one drink. I wonder if there is a way of substituting some kind of wine and selzer water of club soda to make a prosecco "substitute". Maybe a dry white wine and some club soda.

Both Target and Mariano's sell small bottles of prosecco that are perfect for this. They aren't the best proseccos in the world, but since you're adding such strong flavors a really nice prosecco would be wasted in a drink like this.

toria wrote:Problem with this drink is opening a full bottle of Prosecco which is fizzy, if you want only one drink. I wonder if there is a way of substituting some kind of wine and selzer water of club soda to make a prosecco "substitute". Maybe a dry white wine and some club soda.

Frascati & club soda should work just fine.

Aperol is bright, citrusy, and very slightly bitter. It works fine simply with soda over ice...white wine and a slice of lemon optional. I find aperol and soda a refreshing light drink in the summer.

I tried my first spritzer. Aperol is sweet with a bitter edge but pleasant. I'll not put much in the glass because I don't want it to be sweet....but its unique and can be refreshing.