A light, yet tasty drink that is perfect for the upcoming summer, Aperol spritz has been a longstanding favorite of Italians and people throughout the world. A drink that is certainly worthy of being talked about, in today’s blog, we’ll be taking a dive into all things Aperol spritz, including its origins, what goes into it, and how to make one yourself. If that sounds interesting, stick around and keep reading below for more information on this classic Italian drink.
The History of Aperol Spritz
When compared to the likes of wine, and possibly other staple Italian alcoholic drinks, Aperol spritz is a fairly new creation. In fact, it’s root ingredient, Aperol, didn’t come to fruition until the early 20th century. Before this, however, Italians were known to add water to alcoholic drinks as a way to make them more drinkable, a method that would inevitably translate over to the creation of the Aperol spritz.
“Spritz” quite literally translates to ‘splash’ in German, a word that was often used by Austro-Hungarian soldiers stationed in Northern Italy. Soldiers, who mostly spoke German, found Italian alcoholic drinks such as wine to be too robust and strong. As such, they added a simple splash of water – or spritz – to make the wine more enjoyable. Years later, after Aperol was introduced, a spritz was added to it to create the drink that many know and love today.
What Goes into an Aperol Spritz
Like many other items in Italian cuisine, the Aperol spritz is tasteful and flavorful while still being simple in concept. There are four main components of an aperol spritz:
- Aperol. Accept no substitutes here, as you simply can’t make an Aperol spritz without the eponymous alcoholic drink.
- Prosecco. The second and final boozy ingredient in an Aperol spritz, prosecco is a staple of Italian cuisine and culture, so it’s no surprise it makes an appearance here. Many have recommended a dry prosecco as it goes best with the other ingredients of an Aperol spritz
- Club soda. In a similar way to how Austro-Hungarian soldiers watered down wine, club soda is the diluting ingredient of an Aperol spritz.
- Orange slice. The most common garnish of an Aperol spritz, an orange slice is not absolutely necessary, but there’s no doubt it can add instant elegance and class to the drink.
Looking to Enjoy Italian Food & Wine in Boston? Visit us at Nico!
Nico Boston offers an expansive menu of delectable Italian entrees and a variety of quality wines. If you’re looking to pair a delicious meal with the perfect wine – Nico is your place! Give us a call today at (617) 742-0404 or make your reservation online. We look forward to serving you!
