April 01, 2015

"A" is for Aperol

While planning my trip to Italy I made a list of things I wanted to do; the places and experiences from my Bucket List that would make my trip really special. This list included foods and beverages that were invented in different regions of the country, like pesto in Liguria and the Bellini in Venice. When I read about a drink that was popular across Italy, the Aperol Spritz, I decided to trust the locals and give it a try.


Aperol Spritz



Aperol is an Italian aperitif made from bitter orange, rhubarb and herbs. It has an intense orange colour and when mixed with sparkling wine becomes an Aperol Spritz. My first delicious sip was at the hotel bar in Florence and I soon looked forward to a refreshing spritz at the end of each day.


My most memorable Aperol Spritz was on Lake Maggiore in the town of Baveno. Our table was so close to the water’s edge that if you dropped your fork it would land with a splash. I watched the boats and ferries as they shuttled across the lake and a friendly bird kept us company underneath the table. I think he had his eye on the little basket of potato chips that came with our drinks.



Baveno on Lake Maggiore





Here’s the simple recipe for an Aperol Spritz, as described on the bottle:

1 part Aperol
2 parts Prosecco
(or any sparkling white wine)
1 splash of soda


Serve on ice. In Italy this aperitivo is usually garnished with an olive and a slice of orange.


Cin cin!

Next:  "B" is for Bell Tower

20 comments:

  1. Hi - I found you thru the A to Z Challenge. Italy is one of my favorite countries to visit - great food, scenery and drinks. I've never tried aperol. Will have to put it on the list for our next visit! Cheers - Ellen

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    1. I'm glad you found me. Italy certainly has a lot to offer. I hope you enjoy the Aperol!

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  2. What's in the drink? Was it good? It's pretty if that means anything.

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    1. All the flavour comes from the Aperol so it's bitter orange. My daughter preferred a Bellini but I liked the spritz!

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  3. How could I have missed out on an aperol spritz while there, i'm definitely adding it to the list for next time, or maybe even trying it at home, thanks for sharing the recipe.

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    1. You're welcome Diana. My son bought me some Aperol and Prosecco for Christmas so I could enjoy them at home. I hope you like it.

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  4. Great, wonderful pictures and a pretty nice looking drink! Sounds like it was an amazing trip.

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    1. Thank you! My daughter and I both had a wonderful time.

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  5. Oh, that looks and sounds good.

    Awesome pictures!


    -Chrys Fey
    Tremp’s Troops - A to Z Co-co-host
    Write with Fey

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    1. Thank you, Chrys - and thanks for stopping by!

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  6. The photos are so lovely...your drink is sunset in a glass :) As a teetotaller I actually googled 'Aperol' to see what it contains...very interesting!

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    1. "Sunset in a glass" - what a perfect description!

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  7. Lovely glimpse into this Italian drink. It looks scrumptious! I was always the taste tester on my teaching team. The pictures are gorgeous and, in ways, remind me of Greece. I loved how this is the central focus of today's blog.
    Amy

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    1. Thank you, Amy. Ah, Greece... I'd love to go there one day!

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  8. Lovely memories and beautiful photos. It sounds and looks like you had a a great trip. I also learned something new today - a new delicious drink Aperol Spritz. Thank you for sharing!

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  9. I'd be interested in trying an Aperol Spritz, as I do enjoy Prosecco on a hot summer day, but have never tried anything rhubarb. Sounds delicious!

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    1. You can't really taste the rhubarb, mostly the orange, but it was refreshing.

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  10. This sounds delicious. We have a bottle of Aperol on our bar that I didn't know what to do with. (My husband thought it would work in the place of Cinzano in negronis.) I will try a Sprtiz.

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    1. All you need is the bubbly. I hope you like it. I prefer my spritz with a little more than a splash of soda. Cheers!

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