Unveil the essence of Italian sunshine with the Aperol Spritz –
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
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The Aperol Spritz: A Taste of Italian Tradition
No cocktail captures summer in a glass quite like the Aperol Spritz. Its sunset-orange hue, bittersweet kick, and lively bubbles have earned it global fame. But long before Instagram turned it into a poolside icon, the Spritz had humble beginnings in Northern Italy.
A quick history
In the 1800s, Austrian soldiers stationed in Veneto found Italian wines too strong for their palates. To soften the flavour, they would “spritz” their glasses with a splash of water. Over time, Venetians elevated this simple practice, adding local bitters and sparkling wine. Aperol, created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers, became the signature choice. By the mid-20th century, the Aperol Spritz had cemented itself as Italy’s go-to aperitivo—a pre-dinner ritual drink designed to awaken the appetite.
Today, the Aperol Spritz is more than a cocktail; it’s cultural shorthand for la dolce vita—the sweet life.
Ingredients: Simple, Balanced, Perfect
The beauty of the Aperol Spritz lies in its balance of three key components.
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Aperol (60 ml): A vibrant orange Italian aperitif with notes of bitter orange, rhubarb, and herbs.
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Prosecco (90 ml): A crisp, sparkling Italian white wine. Its gentle sweetness balances Aperol’s bitterness.
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Soda water (splash): Adds fizz and lengthens the drink without diluting its character.
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Orange slice: The classic garnish, adding citrus aroma and colour.
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Ice: Lots of it. A Spritz should be bracingly cold.
Aperol Spritz Recipe (AU Measurements)
Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 2 minutes | Glassware: Large wine or balloon glass
Ingredients:
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60 ml Aperol
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90 ml prosecco (well-chilled)
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Splash of soda water
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Ice cubes
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Orange slice, to garnish
Method:
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Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
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Pour in the Aperol.
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Top with prosecco.
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Add a splash of soda water.
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Stir gently to combine.
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Garnish with an orange slice.
Pro Tip: Always add the prosecco before the soda water to preserve the bubbles.
Bartender’s Tips for a Perfect Spritz
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Choose quality prosecco: Look for “DOC” on the label for consistent quality.
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Mind the ratios: Traditionalists use 3:2:1 (prosecco : Aperol : soda). Adjust to taste.
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Serve well-chilled: Warm bubbles kill the vibe. Keep prosecco and soda icy cold.
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Glass matters: A balloon glass showcases both aroma and fizz.
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RSA reminder: The Aperol Spritz is lighter than many cocktails (~11% ABV once diluted), but still alcoholic. Always enjoy responsibly.
Aperol Spritz Variations
Once you’ve nailed the original, try these riffs:
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Venetian Classic: Swap Aperol for Select, the original Venetian bitter.
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Rosé Spritz: Use sparkling rosé instead of prosecco.
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Citrus Spritz: Add a squeeze of fresh grapefruit or blood orange juice.
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Australian Twist: Sub in Tasmanian sparkling wine and garnish with finger lime pearls for a local flair.
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Low-Alcohol Spritz: Reduce Aperol to 45 ml and top with more soda for a lighter serve.
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Zero-Proof Spritz: Use Lyre’s Italian Spritz (non-alcoholic) with soda and a splash of non-alcoholic sparkling.
Food Pairings
The Aperol Spritz is designed for aperitivo hour, so it pairs beautifully with salty, savoury nibbles.
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Cured meats & cheeses: Prosciutto, salami, Parmigiano Reggiano.
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Olives & nuts: Classic Italian snacks that highlight Aperol’s bitter notes.
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Seafood: Light bites like prawns, calamari, or smoked salmon.
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Crostini: Tomato & basil bruschetta or goat’s cheese with honey.
Hosting with Aperol Spritz
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Batch it: Mix Aperol and prosecco in a jug. Add soda and garnish to order.
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Presentation counts: Use a clear jug with slices of orange for a stunning table centrepiece.
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DIY station: Let guests build their own Spritzes with Aperol, sparkling, soda, and garnishes.
The Experience
Drinking an Aperol Spritz isn’t just about taste—it’s about moment. Close your eyes, take a sip, and picture yourself at a Venetian café as the sun sets over the canals. The fizz, the colour, the bittersweet bite—it’s sunshine in a glass.
Conclusion: Embrace La Dolce Vita
The Aperol Spritz is proof that simplicity often makes for the most memorable cocktails. With just three main ingredients and a garnish, you can craft a drink that’s equal parts refreshing, elegant, and vibrant. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue in Sydney, winding down after work, or recreating an Italian piazza vibe at home, the Aperol Spritz is your ticket to a taste of la dolce vita.
Thanks for joining us behind the bar!
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/
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