Source: Pixel-Shot, AdobeStockThis Italian aperitif has long been quite popular worldwide and is well-known for its original citrus-herbal flavor. Today we'll tell you what to drink Aperol with and what snacks to choose for it!
How to drink Aperol correctly
Aperol is most often used in various cocktails, but it can also be served neat in chilled liqueur glasses. The ideal temperature is 12-14 degrees Celsius, and it should be consumed in a few sips. If you want to dilute the sweetness a bit and prolong the pleasure, you can slowly sip Aperol with ice from whiskey glasses.
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20 Great Aperol Cocktail Recipes
What to snack on with Aperol
Generally, Aperol cocktails are not accompanied by snacks because they have low alcohol content and a mild taste. However, when consumed neat, a snack can be a good idea. Classic Italian appetizers are best suited here. But remember, do not combine Aperol with red meat, spicy, or hot dishes!
Citrus fruits
The simplest and most obvious snack option is an orange or tangerine slice. They can also be used to garnish glasses.
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This includes salmon or trout in various forms. For example: sliced, on bruschetta, or sandwiches. Tuna, salted cod, and even sardines also pair well.
Cured meats
Ham, prosciutto, or other cured meats make a versatile snack for neat and undiluted Aperol. For more variety, you can also add sun-dried tomatoes and truffles.
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Tender white meat harmonizes well with vibrant Aperol. If you need a more substantial and satisfying snack, this is a good option.
Caprese
An Italian aperitif with an authentic Italian snack. A light and fresh bite of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and aromatic dressing. What could be better?
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What to mix Aperol with
Because Aperol has such an intense flavor and a high sugar content, it's often desirable to mix it with something less sweet. This is precisely why it's a key ingredient for preparing various long drinks!
Soda water
The simplest way to make the drink less sweet while preserving its flavor. And if you add a little ice and Prosecco along with the soda water, you'll get a classic Aperol Spritz.
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Tonic water, with its slight bitterness, also wonderfully dilutes the taste of Aperol. You can also add Prosecco, a few ice cubes, and an orange slice for garnish.
Juices and fruit drinks
Aperol pairs best with citrus juices – orange and grapefruit. Berry juices or fruit drinks with a hint of bitterness, such as cranberry, also work well.
Sparkling wine
Traditionally, this is Prosecco Frizzante, but other types are also suitable. If you don't add soda water, mineral water, or tonic, you'll get a stronger version of Aperol. Simply pour the ingredients one by one into a glass with ice and stir the finished cocktail with a bar spoon.
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Strong alcohol with a neutral taste helps increase the strength of cocktails. Recommended proportion: 2 parts Aperol to 1 part gin or vodka. And from Aperol, gin, lemon juice, syrup, and egg white, you'll get an amazing sour with foam.
White wine
It's best to choose dry white wine because its high acidity will balance Aperol's sweetness. A good option for those who don't like carbonated drinks in cocktails.
Ginger Ale
A popular American mix with original spicy notes. Like others, this cocktail is served chilled. No shaking is needed – just stir.
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Aperol and vermouth are often used in mixed cocktails. Primarily, this is sweet red vermouth. A great example is an Aperol Negroni with gin.
Liqueurs and Bitters
Most often, this is Amaro – another popular Italian herbal liqueur. But other citrus or herbal bitters are also suitable. They are mixed with Aperol in cocktails for an even more complex and multi-layered flavor.
Strong alcohol
Among strong spirits, white or dark rum, bourbon, Jägermeister, and Becherovka are commonly used in Aperol cocktails. Less frequently – golden tequila and mezcal.
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