It’s always time for a Spritz
With all the Summery weather going on, I’m finding it very difficult to pack for our upcoming trip to New Zealand when it’s hot and Summery sunny here in Europe, and freezing Wintery cold down there. The kids have been complaining bitterly as I keep getting them to try on Winter clothing to see if it still fits. Just looking at the fleeces and coats makes me break out in a serious sweat! After all that effort yesterday, I decided it was time to have an aperitif Italian-style and make myself a thirst-quenching, cold, cold, cold Aperol Spritz.
The origins of the Spritz
A few years ago, Aperol Spritz suddenly became the aperitif drink of choice all over Italy, and in the Summer, around 7pm, you see these orange drinks popping up on cafe tables all over the place. If you’re in Turin, you can go to a bar and for a fixed price, you can have an often large choice of hot and cold snacks to eat with your Spritz too. That’s how to have dinner without actually going out for dinner!
The Spritz originated in the region of Venice a couple of hundred years ago. It’s taken a long time to get out into the world for the rest of us to enjoy. Luckily for us, some intelligent person recently thought that others might enjoy it and started to spread the Spritz word. Around Venice, you can find whole bars dedicated to all different kinds of Spritzes, made with various wine types. The original (if there is such a thing) is made with Prosecco (a white bubbly wine from the region). I love it with Prosecco, but if I have none at home, I’ve discovered that dry white wine works very well too.
Where to find Aperol and what to substitute it with
Aperol Spritz is becoming popular in other parts of the world too now. I managed to buy the bottle of Aperol you see above in a french supermarket. If you can’t find Aperol, never fear! You can substitute the slightly bitter-tasting Aperol with Campari, which may be easier to buy where you are.
If you want to go for a sweeter cocktail, you can see the recipe for a Peach Prosecco Sprizter by clicking on the link. As you can see, I have a thing for drinks with spritz in the name.
Travel Photo Of The Week
This is a beach in Tuscany, Italy in an area called Punt Ala. We spent a couple of weeks there last year in the Summer and drank many, many Spritz (Spritzes?) between dips in the warm sea.
I’ll be out of action for the next few weeks as I’ll be down in New Zealand eating mince pies and kumara chips. When I get back, I promise to give you an exclusive rundown on traveling in New Zealand and recipes from Down-Under! Happy Summer!
By Lisa Watson
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 100 ml Prosecco or dry white wine 1/2 cup
- 80 ml Aperol 1/3 cup
- 60 ml Soda Water 1/4 cup
- Ice
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Add ice-cubes to a large wine glass or tumbler until it is about 1/3 full.
- Pour all the ingredients over the ice-cubes.
- Add 2 – 3 lemon slices.
- Drink immediately!