Aperol Spritz: The Perfect Summer Cocktail
Summer is at its peak, and one of the best ways to quench your thirst is with a light vermouth or a delicious Aperol Spritz in hand. Undoubtedly, Aperol is a cosmopolitan cocktail with a low alcohol content, making it the perfect choice to cool off during Barcelona’s hot afternoons.
This cocktail is one of the specialties at our Plaza Real restaurant, a delightful Italian-style treat with a unique twist that will captivate your palate with its smooth, delicately fruity flavour. To pay homage to this Italian beverage on our menu, we’ve prepared an article highlighting the most fascinating facts about Aperol Spritz.
The Aperol Spritz Recipe
To prepare this exquisite cocktail, you only need three base ingredients: Aperol, Prosecco, and soda with a splash of orange juice. The typical resulting colour of this mixture is orange, and its flavour is slightly bitter with a sweet essence blended between the Aperol and the soda.
Nowadays, the original recipe for this alcoholic drink has evolved based on the preferences of each restaurant and bartender. Many versions include additional ingredients like fruit juices to alter the bitter orange taste.
The Origins of the Cocktail
According to the official history from the brand itself, Aperol was invented in 1912 by the Barbieri brothers in their distillery in a small town in Veneto. After investing seven long years perfecting the recipe, the drink quickly spread to other cities in northern and central Italy like wildfire.
By the 1930s, this cocktail was commonly found across the country, particularly in cafés and enjoyed mostly by young people. Its popularity after World War II led to the launch of the first TV advertisements dedicated to Aperol Spritz.
From the 1950s to today, Aperol Spritz can be easily found in bars and cocktail lounges worldwide, including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and, of course, Spain.
The Story Behind the Name of the Italian Cocktail
Although there’s evidence of a prototype of this drink circulating in some towns in the Veneto region, the term "Spritz" originates from German and means "sprayed."
This connection stems from the 19th century when the Austro-Hungarian Empire invaded parts of Italy. Soldiers serving the empire often found Italian liqueurs too strong for their taste. To dilute them, they added soda water, popularising the term “Spritz,” which eventually spread worldwide.
The fame of this spirited drink is so great that it even set a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Aperol Spritz toast, held in St. Mark’s Square, Venice, in 2012.
Try the Best Aperol Spritz at Rossini!
Come and enjoy this refreshing cocktail at our restaurant located in Plaza Real, Barcelona. We look forward to offering you an authentic Italian experience.