Italy’s passion for Aperol Spritz has been bubbling away for decades. But it’s only in recent years that this cocktail has taken the rest of the world by storm.

Visit the cocktail bars of any cosmopolitan European or US city, and you can’t help but have noticed the bright orange hue of Aperol Spritz radiating from the tables. Like a kind of turbo-charged alcoholic Fanta that’s transformed itself into an effervescent Italian icon. 

But what is Aperol Spritz? Where does it come from? 

And why should it be your cocktail of choice? 

Where is Aperol Spritz from?

The story of Aperol Spritz begins in the North of Italy, specifically in the region of Veneto whose capital is Venice. 

Northern Italy has long been a melting pot of different cultures, especially Italian, Swiss, German and Austrian, and Aperol Spritz is a quintessential product. 

It was in the early 19th century, during the Austrian occupation of the area, that the practice of “spritzing” or adding a splash of water to wine became popular, laying the foundation for what would later become the beloved Aperol Spritz. 

Why add water water to wine, I hear you ask?

To dilute strong Italian wines for more refined Austrian tastes, and prevent the soldiery from getting so drunk that the native population could successfully rise up against them. 

The addition of Aperol, a spirit concocted by the Barbieri brothers in 1919, added a new dimension to this local favorite. Its burst of orange zest, complemented by a secret blend of herbs and roots, brought something novel that soon captured the hearts—and pleased the palates—of many, turning into a staple in Italian gatherings and a quintessential part of the Italian aperitivo culture.

Where did the name “Aperol Spritz” come from?

The term spritz traces back to the German word "spritzen", which means to spray or splash. 

As for "Aperol", it is believed to be derived from the French term "apéro", a slang for apéritif, symbolizing the metaphorical ‘opening’ of one’s stomach and commencement of consumption.

What is Aperol Spritz made of?

Aperol Spritz is a simple drink, and easy to make at home if you have the right ingredients.

All it takes is one part soda water, two parts Aperol, and three parts prosecco. 

The Tipsy Tour Team has written a guide to making the perfect Aperol Spritz so you can recreate this Italian classic for yourself. Just follow these five simple steps and prepare to enter your very own Aperol paradise. 

What does Aperol Spritz taste like?

First and foremost, Spritz is sweet. 

Its signature flavor is sweet, citrusy and sugary, with a little bitterness in the aftertaste.

Because Aperol Spritz includes prosecco, it can also be quite dry—or at least as dry as a liquid can be. But because this drink is diluted with soda water (hence the spritz), you don’t tend to get the fruity acidity of the prosecco. 

How many calories are in an Aperol Spritz?

The good news is that Aperol Spriz is relatively light on the calorie count! 

A typical serving, which combines Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda, contains approximately 125 calories. This makes it a preferred choice for those seeking to enjoy a spirited beverage without overindulging, allowing you to savor the vibrant notes without the guilt, turning your aperitivo sessions into moments of blissful enjoyment.

Consider that a pint of Peroni is about 235 calories, and a typical Mojito somewhere between 170-250, and you’ll agree that Aperol Spritz packs pretty good value. 

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