Super refreshing Orange Spritz is the perfect cocktail for hot weather. Serve this with an antipasto board for a true Italian aperitivo!

The art of the Aperitivo originated in Northern Italy, and dates back to 1786, and quickly became one of the most iconic and beloved Italian rituals.

If you ask me, getting an aperitivo in a bar or hosting aperitivo at home is one of the most fun Italian experiences.

Aperitivo cannot be really compared to the concept of “happy hour” ( which involves discounted cocktails).

It's more of a ritual, a unique way for the Italians to enjoy cocktail time.

Aperitivo is basically a pre-dinner drink, meant to “open” the palate and it gives you a chance to relax, nibble and chat with friends whilst you wait for dinner time.

The good news is, thre's no need to fly to Italy to enjoy a great apero experience.

You can host your own right in the comfort of your home, all you need is a batch of refreshing Spritz and a wood board loaded with Italian delicacies.

No cooking skills required, and you can whip it up in no time!

Spritz, the perfect drink for aperitivo

It's not aperitivo hour without the iconic Italian Spritz, said to have originated in Venice under the Austrian Empire, back in the 1800s.

The seriously refreshing Spritz is a sparkling cocktail relatively low in alcohol, making it a brilliant choice for aperitivo time.

The recipe for this Orange Spritz is similar to the classic Spritz, with the only difference that orange soda is used in lieu of soda water.

Plus, it’s super-easy to mix up a batch, really. No professional mixologist skills required here.

Ready in just 5 minutes, it definitely makes the perfect cocktail for summer entertaining!

Spritz Ingredients

To make this Orange Spritz all you need is 3 main ingredients:

• Aperol
• Prosecco
• Orange soda (In Italy we call it aranciata). 

You also need plenty of ice cubes, sliced oranges and fresh mint for garnish to make it extra refreshing.

What makes this cocktail particularly enjoyable is the light citrusy aroma combined with bubbly prosecco.

To make the Orange Spritz, simply stir together Aperol, fresh orange slices and orange soda.

Divide the concoction between wine glasses, then top them up with prosecco.

ALWAYS add your prosecco at last, so your Orange Spritz stays crisp and bubbly all the way through.

Garnish with fresh mint just before serving, and make sure you serve it alongside some delicious aperitivo snacks.

The Perfect Aperitivo Board

For an EPIC aperitivo, you can’t go wrong with a large charcuterie board. Cured meats, classic crostini, cheese, olives, roasted veggies, pasta salads are all fantastic additions.

Here are some options that require very little prep, and deliver all the Italian aperitivo vibes:

Charcuterie

Showcase a few different types of cured meats, offering diverse textures and tastes.

You can't go wrong with Parma ham (or prosciutto di San Daniele), Bresaola and Salame Milano.

Cheese

Add in few cheese options with different textures and flavours.

On summertime a fresh buffalo mozzarella DOP is a must.

Other great Italian cheese options include chunks of Pecorino Romano and Parmiggiano Reggiano, and Gorgonzola.

Grilled veggies & olives

Add in some fresh vegetables to freshen up the palate.

Fresh tomatoes, grilled aubergine and peppers, artichoke hearts in olive oil, sundried tomatoes.

And don't forget a mix of green and black olives, that will brighten up your aperitivo platter.

Bread

Crunchy Crostini, little chunks of toasted ciabatta bread, make the perfect crispy accompaniment to all the above options.

Grissini, toasted artisanal bread slices, or even pizza bread, are also great options.

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Orange Spritz Aperitivo

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Super refreshing Orange Spritz is the perfect cocktail for hot weather. Serve this with an antipasto platter for a true Italian aperitivo!

Prep Time5 mins

Total Time5 mins

Course: Cocktail

Cuisine: Italian

Serving: 2

Author: Andrea Soranidis

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 60 ml orange soda ( I use San Pellegrino Aranciata)
• 120 ml Aperol
• 2 fresh orange slices
• 170 ml Prosecco
• fresh mint to garnish

MetricUS Customary

Instructions

• In a large wine glass, stir together Aperol and orange soda.
• Divide the cocktail mix between two wine glasses filled with one orange slice each and ice cubes.
• Top each glass with prosecco, garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.

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The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.