The Perfect Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz isn’t just a cocktail — it’s a symbol of la dolce vita — that sweet, slow-living Italian lifestyle we all dream about. Its vibrant orange glow, gentle bubbles, and bittersweet flavor evoke summer sunsets, al fresco gatherings, and stylish rooftop clinks. But this beloved drink has a story that goes far beyond your Instagram feed. Let’s take a sparkling dive into the fascinating history of the Aperol Spritz — from its humble roots in Northern Italy to its place on menus worldwide.

It All Starts with the “Spritz”

Before Aperol ever came into the picture, the concept of a spritz was already being enjoyed by Europeans in the 19th century. The word “spritz” comes from the German word spritzen, meaning “to splash”.

Austrian Influence in Northern Italy:

• In the early 1800s, during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austrian soldiers and diplomats were stationed in Veneto, a region in Northern Italy.

• Accustomed to lighter wines back home, they found Italian wines too strong for their taste.

• To adjust, they would “spritz” a splash of water into their glass of Italian wine to dilute it — and just like that, the original wine spritz was born!

This simple, diluted wine eventually evolved with the times — and the invention of soda siphons and sparkling water helped turn the humble spritz into a refreshingly fizzy drink.

Enter Aperol: A Bold New Flavor Emerges

In 1919, brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri unveiled a new bright-orange aperitif in Padua, Italy at the International Fair — Aperol.

What made Aperol different?

• Lower in alcohol (only 11%)

• Vibrantly colored with a distinctive orange hue

• Bittersweet flavor with notes of bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and herbs

• Marketed toward modern, health-conscious drinkers of the time

Aperol was easy to sip, unique in taste, and lighter than other traditional Italian bitter liqueurs like Campari or Fernet. Its appeal grew steadily, especially in Northern Italy.

The Evolution of the Aperol Spritz

Although Aperol debuted in 1919, it wasn’t immediately mixed with Prosecco the way we know today. The modern Aperol Spritz — made with Aperol + Prosecco + soda water — began gaining popularity in the 1950s and 60s, as:

• Soda water became more available

• Italians embraced aperitivo culture

• Bars began experimenting with lighter, pre-dinner cocktails

It was during this time that the “3-2-1” ratio (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water) became the standard recipe — simple, elegant, and impossible to forget.

Global Takeoff: The Aperol Renaissance

For decades, the Aperol Spritz remained a regional favorite in Northern Italy. But everything changed in the 2000s when Aperol was acquired by the Campari Group (in 2003). Campari launched a massive international marketing campaign that helped catapult the Spritz into the global spotlight.

Key milestones in its global rise:

• Early 2010s: Trendy bars in London, New York, and Sydney start offering Aperol Spritzes

• Instagram’s rise: Aperol’s bold orange color and chic glassware make it perfect for “clink and snap” photos

• 2020s: Aperol Spritz becomes a warm-weather staple on cocktail menus, patios, and brunches worldwide

Fun fact: By 2020, over 300,000 Aperol Spritzes were being served every day in Italy alone

Cultural Symbolism: More Than Just a Drink

In Italy, the Aperol Spritz is part of a bigger tradition — the aperitivo.

• Aperitivo is a pre-dinner ritual meant to stimulate the appetite, but also encourage connection, conversation, and community.

• Ordering an Aperol Spritz means more than grabbing a cocktail — it’s a pause in your day, a moment to unwind, and a celebration of everyday pleasures.

It’s no surprise that this philosophy has resonated with people around the world, especially as we seek more intentional and mindful living experiences.

From Padua to Your Patio

Today, the Aperol Spritz is a global icon:

• On tap at trendy cocktail bars in New York, Berlin, Melbourne, and beyond

• A star at summer weddings, brunches, and beach clubs

• Frequently reimagined with seasonal twists and local flair (think grapefruit spritzes, frozen spritzes, and herbal infusions)

But even with all the variations and reinventions, the heart of the Aperol Spritz remains the same: vibrant, social, refreshing, and easy to love.

 A Century of Spritzing

From its post-war birth in Veneto’s piazzas to its rise as a global lifestyle symbol, the Aperol Spritz has had a sparkling 100+ year journey. It’s gone from a clever wine dilution trick to a cultural icon — and we can all raise our glasses to that.

So next time you sip this radiant orange cocktail, know that you’re not just enjoying a drink — you’re participating in a rich tradition of flavor, connection, and joy.