Let’s Talk about Spritzes

It’s aperitivo time! Aperol and Campari spritz cocktails are world famous. But have you ever had a Limoncello Spritz?

Aperol and Campari spritzes use the same ratios in their recipes (even though Campari has more than double the alcohol percentage, (about 22-28% depending on the brand, compared to Aperol’s 11%). You can find the recipe for the Aperol Spritz right on the bottle, which is 3-parts prosecco (or a dry sparkling white wine), 2-parts Aperol and 1-part sparkling water, poured over ice and stirred. The same goes for Campari Spritzes but using Campari instead of Aperol.

Both Aperol and Campari are bitter liqueurs, with Aperol having flavors of rhubarb and orange, and Campari with more of a bitter orange flavor with some spice notes. Both are usually garnished with an orange wedge, but in Venice, where the Aperol Spritz was born, it’s also garnished with a green olive, which departs a very faint, but welcome, earthy undertone.

Limoncello is a strong (30% alcohol) lemon-flavored liqueur from southern Italy, now easily found at many adult beverage stores (or make your own!). Not surprisingly, the Limoncello Spritz uses the same ratio (3-parts prosecco or dry sparkling wine, 2-parts limoncello, and 1-part sparkling water. Obviously, you may use less limoncello if you find that this is too strong for your tastes.). This spritz is often garnished with mint, but an orange wedge works nicely, here, too.

So in these hot summer days, consider making a pitcher of spritzes, but keep in mind that that on the alcohol spectrum, Aperol is the lightest and Limoncello is the strongest.

Spritzes not your thing? Try these, instead!

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Author: gregnelsoncooks

Visit weekly for original and adapted recipes as well as cooking tips to make your kitchen life easier — and more delicious! I’ll include simple, straight forward instructions along with recipes that are truly worth your time making. And, recipes that elevate the familiar and introduce you to the new and unexpected.

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