The main formula for this recipe uses 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part sparkling water. The assembly is done directly in the glass, with everything well chilled and little stirring, to maintain the effervescence and avoid excessive dilution.
Ingredients
• Cubed ice, enough to fill a large glass of wine
• 90 ml of Prosecco D.O.C. very cold
• 60 ml of very cold Aperol
• 30 ml of very cold sparkling water
• 1 slice of orange to finish
Preparation method
1. Prepare the glass and ice
Use a large wine glass and fill it generously with ice cubes. The colder the assembly is from the beginning, the less stirring will be necessary and the less dilution will tend to be before serving.
2. Add Prosecco
Pour the 90 ml of Prosecco over the ice, slowly, avoiding pouring from a great height. Adding the sparkling wine first helps start mixing without requiring vigorous stirring afterwards.
3. Add Aperol
Add the 60 ml of Aperol slowly. The orange liquid will distribute itself between the ice and the Prosecco.
4. Top up with sparkling water
Add the 30 ml of sparkling water last. Stir just once or twice, gently, moving the spoon from bottom to top without hitting the ice.
5. Finish and serve
Place the orange slice in the glass and serve immediately, while the drink is very cold, with plenty of ice and visible bubbles.
Right spot / how to know it’s ready
The Aperol Spritz should be bright orange in color, with noticeable effervescence and plenty of ice still intact in the glass. The drink should appear light and bubbly, without a watery layer evident at the bottom. On the palate, the bitterness and sweetness of Aperol appear balanced by the acidity and bubbles of Prosecco and the slight dilution of sparkling water.
Tips for the recipe to work out
Use the three very cold liquids
Cold Prosecco, Aperol and sparkling water reduce the initial melting of ice. This is especially important because the drink is assembled in the glass itself and does not go through a cocktail shaker.
Fill the glass with real ice
Few cubes melt more quickly when in contact with liquids. A glass generously filled with ice keeps the drink cold longer and helps control dilution.
Preserve pimples
Open the Prosecco and sparkling water close to serving time. After assembling, stir as little as necessary; strong agitation accelerates gas loss.
Measure the proportion
To reproduce the same balance, use a measuring cup or measuring cup. The 3:2:1 formula of this version corresponds to 90 ml of Prosecco, 60 ml of Aperol and 30 ml of sparkling water.
Substitutions and variations
Can I use another sparkling wine?
A dry, well-chilled white sparkling wine can replace the Prosecco. The drink continues to function as a spritz, but the aromatic profile and perception of sweetness may change depending on the label chosen.
What about the amount of sparkling water?
Aperol's international recipe has a 3:2:1 ratio, with 90 ml of Prosecco, 60 ml of Aperol and 30 ml of soda. The IBA lists 90ml of Prosecco, 60ml of Aperol and a splash of soda. As an alternative reference, the Brazilian version of the brand also advertises 60 ml of brut sparkling wine or Prosecco, 60 ml of Aperol and 20 ml of sparkling water. In this recipe, the 30 ml is kept to make the formula measurable and repeatable.
How to store
The Aperol Spritz should not be assembled in advance: the ice dilutes the drink and the Prosecco and sparkling water lose their effervescence. Prepare just before serving. Once opened, keep carbonated drinks refrigerated and tightly closed, knowing that the pressure and bubbles will decrease over time.
How to serve / side dishes
Serve in a large wine glass, always with ice and orange. The combination works well with savory and simple snacks, such as olives, chestnuts, focaccia, bruschettas and cheeses, which contrast with the citrus and bittersweet profile of the drink.
Common mistakes
Why is my Aperol Spritz watery?
The most common reasons are not enough ice, hot ingredients or taking too long to serve. Use plenty of ice, keep liquids very cold and take the glass to the table as soon as assembly is complete.
Why did you run out of gas?
Prosecco or sparkling water that has been opened for a long time, ingredients that are not very cold and excessive mixing reduce the effervescence. Use well-chilled drinks, open them close to serving and stir gently.
Why was it too bitter or too sweet?
The proportion may have gone out of balance. Measure out 90ml of Prosecco, 60ml of Aperol and 30ml of sparkling water before adjusting to your taste; increasing the Aperol makes the drink more intense and bittersweet, while increasing the sparkling wine makes it more vinous and bubbly.
