Ahh, the Aperol spritz—light, refreshing, bubbly and bright, this iconic Italian aperitif is making serious waves in the US these days. Its sunset-orange hue is crazy photogenic and its crisp, sweet and barely bitter tasting notes make it the perfect addition to your summer wedding cocktail hour, midday bridal shower or postwedding brunch. And if you’re one of those cool couples bucking tradition and serving cocktails before or during your ceremony, the spritz’s lower alcohol content will keep your guests refreshed and relaxed (but not sloshed).
Here, five professional bartenders share personalized twists on the Aperol spritz to inspire the ultimate signature cocktail for your wedding events.
1. Aperol Spritz Garnished With Basil and Grilled Pineapple
Kelsey FainThis one’s bursting with tropical flavors and chill beach vibes.
2 parts prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 dash of soda water
Garnished with basil and grilled pineappleDirections: In a glass full of ice, combine prosecco followed by Aperol in equal parts. Add a splash of soda. Garnish with basil and grilled pineapple.
“This garnish is ideal for a late summer wedding on the beach, as pineapple and thai basil are the perfect connotation for a Hawaiian theme.” —Created by Damiano Coren, Macao Trading Co., New York City
2. Aperol Spritz Garnished With Edible Flowers and Orange Blossom Water
Kelsey FainGoing for an über-romantic wedding vibe with tons of dreamy flowers? This is the spritz for you.
2 parts prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 dash of soda water
Garnished with edible flowers and orange blossom waterDirections: In a glass full of ice, combine prosecco followed by Aperol in equal parts. Add a splash of soda. Garnish with basil edible flowers and a spritz of orange blossom water.
“The additional spritz of orange blossom water adds an extra level of aromatics to the bright and fun cocktail, as well as an aesthetic flair fitting of such an important occasion. Aperol spritzes are known for their juicy orange flavor and touch of bitterness, so the additional floral notes play so well into that balance. Creative couples, or those with a love of nature, will appreciate the extra addition of colorful floral garnishes—confetti petals can be a whimsical touch, or a carefully placed pansy can add a great color contrast. Flowers are often important to a location or have sentiments attached to them, so they can add an extra layer of thought to cocktail hour. Make sure to be clear with guests if flowers are edible or just for garnish!” —Created by Meaghan Dorman, Raines Law Room, Dear Irving and The Bennett, New York City
3. Aperol Spritz Garnished With Pickled Strawberry, Rhubarb and Salt-Cured Watermelon
Kelsey FainHere’s a stunning sip for foodies who crave the idyllic rhythm of a chic Italian summer (we’ll take two, please).
2 parts prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 dash of soda water
Garnished with pickled strawberry, rhubarb and salt-cured watermelon on a decorative cocktail pickDirections: In a glass full of ice, combine prosecco followed by Aperol in equal parts. Add a splash of soda. Garnish with basil pickled strawberry, rhubarb and salt-cured watermelon on a decorative cocktail pick.
“Aperitif culture is so romantic—the idea of sitting down as the sun is setting with a light, bright cocktail in hand, nibbling on some olives and salty parmesan and enjoying the company of friends. It’s that combination of a slightly bitter cocktail with a savory bite over lively conversation. For this Aperol Spritz variation I was trying to take the quintessential flavors of summer and make them last forever: The brininess of the pickled fruit is a lovely compliment to the sweeter notes of the Aperol. So if you want a wedding reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside, this is the perfect cocktail for you.”—Created by Natasha David, Nitecap, New York City
4. Aperol Spritz Garnished With a Grapefruit, Aperol and Vanilla Bean Gelatina
Kelsey FainGrapefruit lovers, unite. Experiment with this zesty take on the Aperol spritz at your morning-after brunch.
2 parts prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 dash of soda water
Garnished with a grapefruit, Aperol and vanilla bean gelatinaDirections: In a glass full of ice, combine prosecco followed by Aperol in equal parts. Add a splash of soda. Garnish with a grapefruit, Aperol and vanilla bean gelatina.
“This is for someone who wants something a little fun and is willing to put the effort in to make that happen. This garnish on an Aperol spritz sounds like the perfect drink for a postwedding brunch, if you ask me.” —Created by Christopher Barry, Flatiron Lounge, New York City
5. Aperol Spritz Garnished With Dragon Fruit and Coconut Bacon With Orange Zest
Kelsey FainAnyone saying “I do” somewhere hot (think: on the beach or in the desert) will love this refreshing and eye-catching twist of the OG spritz.
2 parts prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 dash of soda water
Garnished with dragon fruit and coconut bacon with orange zestDirections: In a glass full of pebbled ice, combine prosecco followed by Aperol in equal parts. Add a splash of soda. Garnish with dragon fruit and coconut bacon with orange zest.
“This Aperol spritz would best be served at a tropical-themed wedding on the beach or in the desert. It’s a light and refreshing cocktail that would be a great start before the ceremony to have something to sip on. It would also be a great passed aperitif cocktail before dinner.” —Christine Wiseman, Freehand Los Angeles
