Want to mix up your Spritz O’Clock?
Try the Aperol Spritz’ two distant cousins.
If you have been following me on Instagram for a while, you know my love for the Aperol Spritz. Whether its “Spritz O’Clock” or a special vacation moment, I always seem to gravitate towards the slightly bitter-sweet Italian aperitif. What people don’t always know, is that there are different Spritz options besides Aperol for your next Spritz O’Clock, especially as the season shifts and you aren’t in the mood for an orange bomb. Below, I am not only sharing my recipe for the perfect Aperol Spritz, but I am introducing you to Aperol’s two distant cousins + giving you 3 Spritz recipes that you can enjoy during this Labor Day long weekend.
The aperol SPritz
An Italian classic that tastes like summer in Positano! For people that like a sweeter, yet bitter, cocktail- this is the spritz for you. My husband introduced me to this Italian aperitif about 5 years ago at one of our favorite Italian restaurants in Vancouver “Ask For Luigi”. (Blog post about this Vancouver trip here.) It was love at second sip because I was not expecting the tiny bitterness of the first sip- and then my love affair began. We even dedicated a certain time (almost) every day on our honeymoon in Positano to the drink – “Spritz O’Clock!”
My Secrets:
DO NOT GO OVERBOARD WITH THE CLUB SODA. A splash means A SPLASH.
Want to make it an extra fancy Aperol Spritz? TRY IT WITH CHAMPAGNE instead of sparkling wine. Mind. Blown.
Don’t have club soda? We have experimented with different flavors of La Croix, and it actually comes out delicious. The trick is to use a citrus flavor like lemon, lime or grapefruit.
The CAMPari Spritz
Is the Aperol Spritz too sweet for you? Meet Aperol’s bitter and stronger cousin, Campari. When I am not in the mood for a orange blast of flavor, or when the weather is a bit cooler, I will opt for a Capari Spritz. Beware- if you do not like the tiny bitterness of the Aperol Spritz- you will NOT like Campari.
My Secrets:
The Rosemary is not only a visually pleasing garnish (especially during cooler months), but it also adds an olfactory sensory to the cocktail experience. Every time to take a sip, you smell that delicious rosemary scent and it transforms the flavor of your sip!
The Elderflower SPritz
For my floral lovers, this is for you! A sweet and floral spritz that reminds me of the smell of a honeysuckle flower. Plus, it’s SO pretty when you add edible flowers to the top.
My Secret:
Play around with the ratios here! If you want it more wine-forward, add more prosecco. If you want it sweeter, add more St.Germain!
Try it with different types of sparkling wine. The dryer the wine, the dryer the spritz.
Hope you all enjoy these recipes! Tag me on Instagram and let me know if you tried one of these + if you liked it. Cheers to the long weekend!
With Love Always,
jackie