Blame its bright orange color or jaunty orange slice garnish, but there is perhaps no more fitting cocktail to represent summer than the Aperol Spritz. Having taken over social media for the past year, 2023 marked the spritz’s first appearance on the top 10 list of most-ordered cocktails at US bars, according to research firm CGA by NIQ. So what’s behind the rise and what exactly IS a spritz? Here’s what you need to know.
The Basics
The bubbly apéritif classically consists of 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part soda water (often garnished with an orange slice) and has roots as a northern-Italian pre-dinner drink. Aperol itself is often thought of as the “younger sibling” of Campari thanks to its more approachable taste.
The Story
Though created in 1919 by Italian brothers, Aperol was purchased by the Campari Group in 2003 and brought stateside, where its popularity only grew thanks to its vibrant color, easy flavor, simple recipe and connection to summertime fun.
The Drink
Experts have speculated that one reason for the rise in the spritz’s popularity is its low alcohol level and the ability to drink more than one in a sitting. Also helping matters is the cocktail’s inherent photogenic quality — it looks great on social media.
The Twist
While purists believe in simply Aperol, soda water and sparkling wine (always Italian!), the evolution of the spritz is in its prime. Mixologists are now creating versions with strawberries, swapping out Prosecco for sparkling rosé, replacing soda water with juices and even going multicultural with sake and yuzu. The Club’s take? Aperol, Plantation rum, Grand Marnier, London Essence pink grapefruit soda and Prosecco
