What Is an Aperol Spritz? Everything You Need to Know About This Classic Italian Aperitif

There’s something about sipping an Aperol Spritz that instantly transports you to the Italian coast. As soon as you hear the soft clinking of glasses, feel the warm glow of golden hour, and bask in the leisurely pace of la dolce vita, it’s like you’re right there in Italia. 

At SYLTBAR, we appreciate life’s refined pleasures, so we understand the symbolism that an Aperol Spritz represents. We appreciate things that are elegant, balanced, and effortlessly enjoyable — but also natural. Which is why we decided to come up with our own version of this classic cocktail, using a 100% all natural aperitif, the newest addition to the SYLTBAR collection: Loopidilup.

But before we dive into the details about our SYLTBAR version of an Aperol Spritz, let’s talk about why this classic Italian aperitif is so iconic and how it’s made.

What is Aperol?

First of all, let’s answer the most important question: what is Aperol?

Aperol is a classic Italian aperitif that has a vibrant orange hue and a unique flavor: bitter, yet still subtly sweet. It was first created in 1919 in Padua, Italy. While the exact recipe is proprietary, we do know that key ingredients include bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb, and a blend of carefully selected herbs and roots. We don’t agree with keeping recipes a secret; we prefer transparency, so you know exactly what you are drinking. But Aperol’s full ingredient list does remain a mystery.

Aperol has low alcohol content at 11%, making it perfect for easy sipping. Its citrus profile and subtle herbal complexity perfectly complement a crisp, dry sparkling wine — which is exactly what the Aperol Spritz is.

It is the quintessential Italian aperitivo, which refers to a light, bubbly cocktail designed to awaken your palate before a meal. Traditionally, it’s made with Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water, garnished with an orange slice and served over ice in a stemmed wine glass.

The History of the Aperol Spritz

The story of the Spritz goes back to the 1800s in the Veneto region of Italy, when Austrian soldiers diluted Italian wines with a splash of water to lighten the alcohol content. A few decades later, Aperol was introduced, giving rise to the modern-day Aperol Spritz we all know and love.

Today, it’s a symbol of the Italian aperitivo tradition, where good company, small bites, and a thoughtful drink set the tone for the evening.

How to Make An Aperol Spritz

Ingredients:

●      3 parts Prosecco

●      2 parts Aperol

●      1 part soda water

●      Ice

●      Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Add Prosecco first.
3. Pour in Aperol.
4. Top with a splash of soda water.
5. Stir gently and garnish with a slice of orange.

The Aperol Spritz provides a balance between bitter and sweet, bold and light, refreshment and indulgence.

There are lots of variations on the original drink, including the Campari Spritz, which swaps Aperol for Campari, which provides a more bitter flavor profile. Another version is the Hugo Spritz, which uses elderflower liqueur, mint and lime for a more floral version.

We understand the allure of such a visually appealing and bright tasting Italian aperitif — and that’s exactly why we sought to provide our customers with a cleaner and healthier version.

Loopidilup has absolutely zero chemicals or additives, and no excess sugar. It’s simply made with 100% natural ingredients, including fresh Alpine water. This aperitif comes from an Italian recipe from 1960, and is produced in the Bavarian Alps of Germany. One sip is all you need to taste its exceptional flavor and quality.

Visit our website to purchase SYLTBAR Loopidilup, the right choice for your Spritz!