´Spritz Aperol is a nice refreshing aperitivo from the Veneto and very easy to make. Ít is a variation of the Spritz or Spritzer, a drink that was introduced to northeastern Italy during the Austrian occupation, when the Austrians were exploiting the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions and found wine was too heavy to drink straight and in an effort to lighten the taste, literally added water to the wine.
A short history of the Aperol Spritz
The locals didn't appreciate it, and to restore the 'wine' to some degree, they added a few typical Hapsburger ingredients. Story goes, that this is why the Spritz Aperol was invented and why an Italian drink received an Austrian name. The literal translation of the word Spritz is syringe or injection. Other fresh and delicious Italian aperitivo drinks are the Hugo (Alto Adige) for example which contains prosecco, elderberry syrup and mint and the Bellini (made with fresh peach juice and prosecco) or the Campari Spritz, which is made the same as the Aperol Spitz, just use Campari bitter instead of Aperol.
