master-cooks | How To Make An Aperol Spritz You're Doing It Wrong All Wrong

The Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail known for its vibrant color and refreshing taste. Often, people get the proportions wrong, which can lead to a drink that's either too bitter or too diluted. To make the perfect Aperol Spritz, begin by filling a large wine glass with ice to keep the drink nicely chilled. The key to nailing the flavor balance is to use the correct ratio of ingredients. Pour three parts of Prosecco into the glass for a light, bubbly base. Then, add two parts of Aperol, which gives the spritz its distinctive orange hue and bittersweet taste. The final touch is one part of soda water to add a refreshing fizz. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without losing the bubbles. Garnish with a slice of orange to enhance the citrus notes and add a touch of visual appeal. By keeping the proportions accurate and serving it ice-cold, you'll enjoy a perfectly balanced Aperol Spritz that captures the essence of a sunny Italian afternoon. Avoid shortcuts or overcomplicating the cocktail with unnecessary additions for a truly authentic experience.

Stick to the basics when making an Aperol Spritz

Lockwood's perfect Aperol spritz is crafted with just four essential ingredients: Aperol, sparkling wine, club soda, and orange slices. Adding anything more complicates the drink, making it more about appearance than substance.

Aperol, the star of the show, is a vibrant orange Italian aperitif. Lockwood describes it as "a liqueur that is light and aids digestion. Many people enjoy it before or after meals to enhance their dining experience." While the exact recipe for Aperol remains a closely guarded secret, the liqueur is known for its slight bitterness and flavors of orange, rhubarb, and gentian root.

For the sparkling element of an Aperol spritz, prosecco is the traditional choice. Lockwood states, "Any prosecco will work." You can adjust the type to suit your taste, whether you prefer something drier or sweeter. Those who enjoy a sweeter prosecco might choose it to balance the bitterness of Aperol, but Lockwood admits, "I personally prefer drier sparkling wines." As a result, he often opts for a French brut, a dry sparkling wine, instead of prosecco.

How to serve an Aperol Spritz

Creating an Aperol spritz is straightforward, as it follows a simple "3-2-1" ratio: three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol, and a splash of club soda. In Lockwood's version, he uses 3 ounces of brut and just under 2 ounces of Aperol before topping it off with club soda. You can serve this cocktail in either a wine glass or a bubble glass, but make sure to fill it with ice from bottom to top before pouring to keep it chilled, and give it a good stir once you’re done pouring.

Traditionally, an Aperol spritz is garnished with a slice of orange. While some mixologists opt for just a twist of orange peel for decoration, Lockwood believes that’s a missed opportunity. He likes to squeeze a bit of juice into the drink and place the slice against the side of the glass for added flavor. He also prefers using two orange slices instead of one for an extra burst of citrus.

Ultimately, it’s all about simplicity and adhering to that 3-2-1 formula—then savor your drink. The only way to truly ruin an Aperol spritz is by overcomplicating the process.

How To Make An Aperol Spritz - You're Doing It Wrong All Wrong

Stick to the basics when making an Aperol Spritz

How to serve an Aperol Spritz

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