While some regions consider the Aperol Spritz a summer sipper, its savory herbal notes add enough depth to make it just as appealing in cooler weather. That makes it a perfect year-round cocktail in our sunny desert climate.
The Aperol Spritz is an Italian introduction starring Aperol, a delicious low-alcohol (11 proof) liqueur made with bitter oranges, rhubarb, and herbs. Created by the Barbieri brothers in 1919 in Padua, Italy, the secret recipe for this aperitivo is now owned by Gruppo Campari.
Traditionally, an Italian Aperol Spritz combines a 3-2-1 ratio of white wine or prosecco, Aperol and a "spritzen" of soda water garnished with an orange slice. In the U.S., it's experienced a surge in popularity in the last decade and can be enjoyed at any restaurant sporting a bottle of Aperol on its bar. Here are five places to enjoy this iconic Italian sipper in its classic form or in creative variations.
Marcellino Ristorante
Naturally, an Italian restaurant still earning accolades as it heads into its third decade would be the ideal location to enjoy the classic rendition. A refreshing Aperol Spritz is the perfect prelude before indulging in chef-owner Marcellino Verzino's homemade pastas and signature dishes, either on one of its charming patios or in the dining room being serenaded by Sima Verzino and a live jazz band.
Sel
Located in a former art gallery, Sel’s inviting patio and jewel box dining room are the perfect settings to relax with cocktails after exploring historic Old Town Scottsdale. Order a Spritz here, and you’ll be rewarded with a goblet of gold effervescence – its hue derived from the carrot and beet extract in Contratto, a bittersweet grape-based Italian aperitif infused with twenty-eight different botanicals.
CALA at Senna House Scottsdale
At Mediterranean-inspired CALA, spritzes anchor the brunch menu, where you can choose from an Aperol Spritz, Tequila Spritz or Chelly Spritz made with a locally crafted lemon liqueur. Or opt for the creative seasonal spritzes found on the dinner menu, like this Cantaloupe Spritz combining bubbly with an aromatic aperitif wine called Lillet Blanc, Chareau, an aloe vera liqueur, and sweet and juicy cantaloupe syrup made fresh in-house.
Course Restaurant
You’ll want to invite your friends to join you in the appropriately named Spritz XL served at Morning Would, Course’s lively Sunday brunch experience. This head-turning, mega-sized Aperol Spritz comes with a punch ladle to refill your glasses with a delicious blend of Aperol and Prosecco enhanced with peach, basil and Strega, an Italian herbal infused with botanicals like saffron, mint, cinnamon and nutmeg.
B&B Cocktail Lounge
This sophisticated concept, an offshoot to popular steakhouse Bourbon and Bones Chophouse, offers a cocktail list brimming with creative options. Take, for instance, the Hi Barbie Spritz, which adds a splash of pink to your day with Chandon sparkling rosé and soda water mixed with Lillet Blanc, vodka and fresh watermelon juice. Visiting with a group? The “Make it a Party” menu is for you – try the Snap Sparkle Spritz, which arrives as a shareable carafe filled with a glittering gold swirl of prosecco, sparkling water and elderflower liqueur.
