An Aperol Spritz is our drink of choice any time of year, but especially when getting in the holiday spirit. The color is cheery and the Prosecco creates a perfect bubbly moment. An added bonus is that it’s a very simple drink to make and it pairs with, well everything! (Don’t worry we’ll share our favorites!)
In Italy, a spritz is the most common drink enjoyed at aperitivo which translates to “opening of the stomach” in preparation for the main event – dinner. It is a perfect drink, not too sweet and not too bitter, and paired with a salty snack like taralli or chips it’s our favorite way to wind down the day.
The easiest way to make an Aperol Spritz is to remember the 3-2-1 Rule: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part sparkling water. Pour over ice and top it all off with an orange wedge.
This same recipe combination can be used to create our other favorite spritzes. Just swap out two ounces of Aperol for Limoncello when craving something a little more sweet or two ounces of Campari when craving something a little more bitter.
We recommend any Prosecco that has the DOC label that will guarantee that it was made in Italy to their local standards. You can learn more about Prosecco and how to ensure you’re getting the right kind in our blog post about picking the best bubbles. You can also learn about what DOC is and why it is important to Prosecco in the article, Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC.
For the sparkling water, we recommend using San Pellegrino, of course. There is something about that iconic green bottle sitting on our table! If you are missing an orange wedge, add some extra flavor to your Aperol spritz by adding lemon or orange-flavored sparkling water. Our favorite is Spindrift.
Italians never drink alcohol without food and an aperitivo is no different. Typically this is served with a salty snack because Italians believe the sour of the drink and salty of the snack will prepare your palate for dinner. Sweet is never served with an aperitivo. Since wine is reserved for food pairings, cocktails are the drink of choice for an aperitivo.
Our favorite snack to pair with an Aperol Spritz is the irresistible taralli. Originated in Puglia, but now they can be found across bars throughout Italy. Dalla Fonte has offered several different versions including a wine knot from Matera. These wine knots are unbelievably addicting and you can snag a bag from the Dalla Fonte shop. If you’re feeling more ambitious, this is a recipe we recommend, if you’d like to try your hand at making your own. Taralli – Irresistible Italian Crackers | ITALY Magazine
If you want to explore options beyond taralli, we also love pairing our spritz with olives or bruschetta piled with fresh or jarred vegetables or olive oil. Check out our shop for more delicious aperitivo snacks.
If your Aperol Spritz has you wanting more of Italy, check out our Dalla Fonte subscription which delivers a piece of Italy to your doorstep four times a year. Still looking for more? Join our travel partner, The Table Less Traveled on their Heart of Italy 9-day culinary trip! Travel from the Amalfi Coast to Florence and Emilia-Romagna, eating seasonal and regional cuisines every step of the way. We’re hosting three trips to Italy next year filled with culinary adventures from private limoncello tasting to a hands-on cooking class with a master pizzaiolo.