The Aperol Spritz, with its vibrant orange hue and bittersweet flavor, has cemented its place as a quintessential summer aperitivo. Its refreshing character makes it the perfect prelude to a meal or a leisurely afternoon. But what comes next? After you’ve savored that last sip of bubbly goodness, the question arises: what drinks pair well with the lingering notes of citrus and herbal complexity? This guide will navigate the delightful landscape of post-Aperol Spritz beverages, offering a spectrum of options to suit every palate and occasion.
Continuing the Italian Journey: Wine Pairings
Sticking with an Italian theme is often a safe and delightful bet. The Aperol Spritz’s Italian heritage lends itself beautifully to a continuation of the country’s rich vinicultural traditions.
Crisp White Wines: Elevating the Refreshment
Consider a crisp, dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio. Its light body and citrusy notes will complement the Aperol Spritz without overwhelming the palate. A Vermentino from Sardinia or Liguria would also be an excellent choice, offering a subtle herbal character that echoes the Aperol’s complexity. These wines provide a refreshing counterpoint to the Aperol’s bitterness, cleansing the palate and preparing it for the meal ahead.
Prosecco or Franciacorta: Maintaining the Bubbles
If you enjoyed the effervescence of the Spritz, why not continue with another Italian sparkling wine? Prosecco, especially a Brut or Extra Dry, will provide a familiar fizz and a slightly sweeter profile that can balance the bitterness of the Aperol. For a more sophisticated option, consider Franciacorta. This often overlooked sparkling wine from Lombardy offers a more complex flavor profile and finer bubbles than Prosecco, making it an elegant choice for a more formal occasion.
Dry Rosé: A Touch of Summer
A dry rosé, particularly from Provence or Italy, is another excellent option. Its light body, fruity notes, and refreshing acidity will complement the Aperol Spritz’s bittersweetness without being overly sweet. Look for rosés made from grapes like Sangiovese or Grenache for a dry and flavorful experience.
Exploring Beyond Italy: Expanding Your Palate
While Italian wines are a natural fit, don’t be afraid to venture beyond the country’s borders. There’s a world of drinks that can beautifully follow an Aperol Spritz.
Light and Refreshing Cocktails: Subtle Transitions
If you’re in the mood for another cocktail, opt for something lighter and less intense than the Aperol Spritz. A French 75, with its gin, lemon juice, sugar, and Champagne, offers a sophisticated and bubbly experience. A Gin & Tonic is another classic choice, its refreshing bitterness and herbal notes providing a pleasant contrast to the Aperol.
Beers and Ciders: A Different Kind of Refreshment
A crisp pilsner or a light lager can be a refreshing and palate-cleansing option after an Aperol Spritz. Their clean flavors and subtle bitterness will provide a pleasant contrast to the Spritz’s sweetness. A dry cider, particularly one with a slightly tart flavor, can also be a good choice, offering a different kind of refreshment.
Sherry: A Surprising but Delightful Choice
A chilled Fino Sherry is a surprisingly excellent pairing after an Aperol Spritz. Its dry, nutty, and slightly salty character provides a complex and refreshing counterpoint to the Aperol’s bitterness. This option is particularly well-suited for pairing with tapas or other savory snacks.
Pairing with Food: Creating a Harmonious Experience
The key to choosing the right drink after an Aperol Spritz often lies in considering the food you’ll be enjoying. The Aperol Spritz itself is often served with light snacks, so the subsequent drink should complement both the Spritz and the meal.
Light Appetizers: Continuing the Aperitivo Theme
If you’re continuing with an aperitivo-style meal, opt for drinks that pair well with olives, cheese, cured meats, and other light bites. A crisp white wine, a dry rosé, or a Fino Sherry would all be excellent choices.
Seafood: Complementing the Delicate Flavors
If you’re planning on enjoying seafood, a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a Vermentino is the perfect choice. Their light body and citrusy notes will complement the delicate flavors of the fish without overpowering them. A dry rosé can also be a good option, especially with grilled or pan-fried seafood.
Pasta Dishes: Finding the Right Balance
For pasta dishes, the choice of drink depends on the sauce. A light and creamy pasta dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, while a tomato-based sauce calls for a slightly more acidic wine like a Chianti or a Sangiovese. A dry rosé can also be a good option for pasta dishes with vegetables or seafood.
Meat Dishes: Considering the Intensity
For meat dishes, consider the intensity of the flavors. Lighter meats like chicken or pork pair well with lighter-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. For richer meats like beef or lamb, opt for a more full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Beyond Alcoholic Beverages: Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, there are plenty of refreshing and flavorful choices to enjoy after an Aperol Spritz.
Sparkling Water with Citrus: A Simple Refreshment
A simple glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime is a refreshing and palate-cleansing option. The bubbles will mimic the effervescence of the Aperol Spritz, while the citrus will provide a bright and refreshing flavor.
Iced Tea: A Classic Choice
A refreshing glass of iced tea, either black or green, can be a perfect choice. Avoid overly sweet teas and opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened options. Lemon or mint can be added for extra flavor.
Sparkling Grape Juice: A Sweet Treat
Sparkling grape juice, either white or red, can provide a festive and slightly sweeter alternative to the Aperol Spritz. Choose a high-quality grape juice with no added sugar for the best flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: Creative Alternatives
Many bars and restaurants now offer a range of non-alcoholic cocktails, often called “mocktails.” Look for mocktails that feature similar flavors to the Aperol Spritz, such as citrus, herbs, or bitters. A non-alcoholic Spritz made with a non-alcoholic aperitivo and sparkling water is also a great choice.
Factors to Consider: Personal Preference and Occasion
Ultimately, the best drink to enjoy after an Aperol Spritz is a matter of personal preference. Consider your own tastes and what you’re in the mood for.
Your Palate: Sweet, Sour, or Bitter?
Are you someone who prefers sweet, sour, or bitter flavors? This will help you narrow down your options. If you enjoyed the bittersweetness of the Aperol Spritz, you might want to opt for a drink with a similar flavor profile, such as a dry rosé or a Fino Sherry. If you prefer something sweeter, a Prosecco or sparkling grape juice might be a better choice.
The Occasion: Casual or Formal?
Is it a casual gathering with friends, or a more formal dinner party? The occasion will also influence your choice of drink. For a casual gathering, a beer or a simple cocktail might be perfect. For a more formal occasion, a fine wine or a sophisticated cocktail would be more appropriate.
The Weather: Hot or Cold?
The weather can also play a role in your decision. On a hot day, a refreshing and light drink like a sparkling water with citrus or a crisp white wine is ideal. On a colder day, you might prefer something a little warmer, such as a red wine or a cup of tea.
Experimenting and Discovering: The Joy of Exploration
The world of drinks is vast and varied, so don’t be afraid to experiment and discover new favorites. Try different wines, cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic options to find what you enjoy the most. Talk to bartenders and sommeliers for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. The journey of discovery is part of the fun!
In conclusion, the possibilities after an Aperol Spritz are vast and exciting. From continuing the Italian tradition with crisp white wines or bubbly Prosecco, to exploring global flavors with light cocktails or refreshing beers, the perfect post-Spritz beverage awaits. Remember to consider your personal preferences, the occasion, and the food you’ll be enjoying, and most importantly, embrace the joy of experimentation. Cheers to a delightful and flavorful experience!
What makes Aperol Spritz so popular, and why might someone want to explore other aperitivo options?
The Aperol Spritz’s popularity stems from its appealing combination of flavors: bittersweet Aperol, bubbly prosecco, and a splash of soda water create a refreshing and easily drinkable experience. Its vibrant orange hue and association with leisure and Italian summer culture further contribute to its widespread appeal. Its relatively low alcohol content also makes it a suitable choice for daytime or early evening sipping.
However, some individuals might crave a more complex or sophisticated flavor profile beyond the familiar Aperol Spritz. Others may find the sweetness overpowering after repeated consumption, leading them to seek alternative aperitivo cocktails that offer different textures, aromatics, and levels of bitterness. Exploring other options allows for a broader appreciation of aperitivo culture and personalized enjoyment.
If I enjoy the bitterness of Aperol, what are some other bitter aperitifs I could try?
Campari is a classic Italian bitter aperitif that shares a similar vibrant red color with Aperol but boasts a significantly more intense and complex bitterness. It’s often used in cocktails like the Negroni and Americano, providing a robust and assertive flavor profile. Cynar, an artichoke-based liqueur, offers a unique vegetal bitterness that’s both intriguing and refreshing.
For something a little different, consider Select Aperitivo, which has a distinctive Venetian flavor profile including notes of gentian and rhubarb. All of these options can be enjoyed with soda water or prosecco, providing a refreshing and sophisticated alternative to the Aperol Spritz while satisfying your preference for bitter flavors.
I like the bubbly and refreshing aspect of the Spritz. What other sparkling cocktails are worth exploring for an aperitivo?
French 75 is a classic cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne for a tart and effervescent drink. Its dry and sophisticated character makes it an excellent choice for a celebratory aperitivo. A Hugo Spritz, made with prosecco, elderflower liqueur, mint, and soda water, offers a floral and slightly sweet alternative to the Aperol Spritz while maintaining the bubbly freshness.
For something with a bit more depth, consider a Bellini, a simple but elegant cocktail of prosecco and peach puree. The combination of fruity sweetness and sparkling wine makes it a refreshing and celebratory aperitivo. These options provide delightful variations on the sparkling cocktail theme for those seeking alternatives to the Spritz.
What are some aperitivo drinks that are less sweet than an Aperol Spritz but still refreshing?
A classic Americano, made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water, offers a balanced bitterness and subtle sweetness that’s significantly less pronounced than the Aperol Spritz. The combination of Campari’s bitterness and vermouth’s herbal notes creates a more sophisticated and nuanced flavor profile. Alternatively, a Negroni Sbagliato, a variation of the classic Negroni made with prosecco instead of gin, provides a drier and more effervescent experience.
Another option is a simple spritz made with dry white wine and soda water, with a lemon or orange twist for added aroma. This approach allows you to control the sweetness level and customize the flavor profile to your liking, resulting in a refreshing and less sugary aperitivo.
What are some good aperitivo snacks to pair with these alternative drinks?
For bitter aperitifs like Campari-based cocktails or Cynar spritzes, consider salty and savory snacks that complement the bitterness. Olives, cured meats such as prosciutto or salami, and hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino are excellent choices. These salty snacks help to balance the bitterness and enhance the overall drinking experience.
For lighter and more refreshing options like French 75 or Bellinis, opt for lighter and more delicate snacks. Seafood canapés, such as smoked salmon or shrimp, are good choices. Fruit skewers or small sandwiches with fresh vegetables and light cheeses are also good pairing options.
If I want to experiment with making my own aperitivo cocktails, what are some essential ingredients I should have on hand?
Having a selection of base spirits like gin, vodka, and white rum allows for versatility in crafting different aperitivo cocktails. Bitters, such as Angostura or orange bitters, are essential for adding complexity and depth of flavor. Additionally, having vermouth (both sweet and dry) enables you to create a wide range of classic cocktails.
A variety of liqueurs, such as elderflower liqueur, citrus liqueurs (like Cointreau or triple sec), and herbal liqueurs (like Chartreuse), are great for adding unique flavors. Sparkling wine (Prosecco or Champagne) and soda water are also crucial for creating refreshing spritzes and sparkling cocktails. Having fresh citrus fruits (lemons, limes, and oranges) on hand to make fresh juice and garnishes is also important.
Are there regional Italian aperitivo traditions that go beyond the Aperol Spritz that I can explore?
In Venice, the “ombra e cicchetti” tradition involves enjoying a small glass of local wine (an “ombra”) accompanied by a variety of small snacks (cicchetti). These snacks often include seafood, polpette (meatballs), and crostini topped with various ingredients. This focuses on pairing the local wine with various small bites.
In Turin, the birthplace of vermouth, the “apericena” is a popular tradition that involves a more substantial buffet-style aperitivo with a wider variety of food options, often including pasta dishes, salads, and various appetizers. It is also tradition to accompany the food with vermouth-based cocktails. This tradition also often involves a higher associated cost, which covers the food selection.