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Aperol Spritz Bar: Guide to the Official Summer Cocktail

Drinks· Food & Drink

Originating in Italy in 1919, the Aperol Spritz has become of the official cocktail of summer. Best mixed with good Prosecco or champagne and a splash of soda, this citrusy bitter liqueur resembles the color of a vibrant beachy sunset (and isn’t the beach where everyone wants to be in the summer?) and finishes with a fresh orange slice.

I served these at a recent Arizona-based bloggers luncheon by creating a self-serve bar with lots of fun garnishes so that my guests could make their own, according to their preferences. Here’s my guide to making your own Aperol spritz bar for your next summer party!

aperol spritz
Aperol has made a huge comeback in the past year, due largely to a strategic marketing campaign, but also because it’s a bright orange, effervescent, refreshing cocktail served over ice – great during the warm summer months.
aperol spritz
Make sure to place the bar in a spot that is accessible to everyone and has a good crowd flow. I used my barbecue island for a recent event where my friends from The Herb Box helped me served these.
aperol spritz bar
Garnishes like thyme, tangerine peels, blood orange slices, mint and blackberries were a colorful addition to the aperol spritz bar

Aperol Spritz Recipe

Although it can vary, here’s the typical recipe for an Aperol spritz

  • 3 parts good, chilled Prosecco or champagne
  • 2 parts Aperol
  • 1 part soda water, plain or flavored

aperol spritz bar
Don’t forget to display a recipe for your signature cocktail so guests know how to make it themselves
cocktail garnishes
Get creative with your garnishes – no need to stick to only navel orange slices. Herbs, fruit, cute straws and skewers are a fun way to add character!
orange cocktail
I’m pretty sure my friend Angela color-coordinated her stunning, bright orange dress with the Aperol Spritz drinks!
aperol spritz bar
Offer different kinds of soda as a mixer – blood orange Italian soda makes a sweeter drink, while Pellegrino let’s the bitterness of the Aperol come through.
Here’s a photo of how I spread out my Aperol Spritz bar . . . Don’t forget the ice and the wine glasses!

For another idea on creating a self serve bar, check out my post on The Prettiest Mimosa Bar with Frosted Berry Garnishes.

Prettiest Mimosa Bar with Frosted Berry Garnishes

Cheers, and as the Italians say – Saluti!!

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