Today, in the era of the triumph of bars and nightclubs, liquors are extremely popular. Not only for the good taste, but also due to the fact that they are used to prepare a wide variety of cocktails.
A favorite among the Italian sweet alcohol can rightly be called Aperol. This is an aperitif with a bitter taste and, in combination, the main ingredient in the Spritz cocktail. He breaks all records for orders of cafe visitors in the hot months. That is why in the republic summer is jokingly called the “Aperol season”. Our article will help you keep up with fashion trends in the world of alcoholic beverages.
Story
The history of Aperol began relatively recently. After the First World War, the Barbieri brothers created a liqueur with an unusual taste. They presented their alcoholic invention called Aperol at the Padova Fair in 1919.
The orange-colored product was rapidly gaining popularity, and the Barbieri brothers decided to invest in advertising. In 1920, orange advertising posters appeared on the city streets with calls to drink Aperol.
In the 30s, advertising was focused on slim women, emphasizing the lightness of the aperitif. On one of the released versions of the seamstress’s poster, measuring the client’s waist, she says: “Signora! Aperol keeps the line!”
In the 1950s, the drink was embodied in a new recipe for the incredible Syringe cocktail: 3 parts Prosecco wine, 2 parts Aperol and a little soda. Since then, the Syringe has become one of the main ways to consume liquor.
After the Second World War, there is another round of popularity of the aperitif, which is rapidly gaining momentum thanks to advertising with the famous Italian actor Tino Buazzelli. In it, a man, holding his forehead, says: "Ah, Aperol!"
In the 80s Barbieri bet on ordinary women with natural beauty, as if to say about the main characteristics of the liquor: freshness and simplicity. In an ad, Holly Higgins captivates Italians with an ironic upskirt when landing on a motorcycle. The video ends with the girl’s phrase: “I don’t know how about you, but I drink Aperol!”
In December 2003, the Barbieri Brothers company became the property of Campari Group. New owners continue to actively promote beverage advertising and expand production. Orange liquor is marching through Europe. Later, more emphasis is placed on the promotion of the aperitif Syringe. And in 2011, Campari launches Aperol Spritz - an already finished form of the famous cocktail.
Description, taste and composition
Aperol - Italian aperitif of red-orange color. Aperitifs are usually dry, not sweet, alcoholic drinks. Served before meals to stimulate appetite.
The alcohol content in the liquor is 11%, which is exactly half the speed of its "bitter brother" Campari. In terms of alcohol, the drink is closer to wine. This is another reason for huge popularity.
Typically, in the descriptions of Aperol, taste is indicated by its main components: bitter orange, gentian and rhubarb. But to be more precise, the famous aperitif has a taste that combines the aroma of melted orange ice cream with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Similar sensations appear when you bite a grapefruit, washed down with sweet sparkling water.
The specific composition of the Aperol manufacturing plant is kept in the strictest confidence. However, there are several components whose contents in the aperitif are well known. It:
- Bitter and sweet oranges;
- Gentian;
- Rhubarb;
- Cinchona;
- Sugar;
- Alcohol.
The ingredients of the liquor have not changed since its invention, even with the transfer of its production to another company.
Cocktail Syringe
Not everyone is a fan of the sweet-bitter taste of Aperol, but the Syringe cocktail has not yet been criticized.
Domestic consumers adapted its name to their own ears. In fact, his name sounds like "Squirt", which literally means "splashing" or "light rain."
Since 2011, it has been included in the official list of cocktails of the International Bartender Association (IBA) with the name Spritz veneziano.
Options
There are several geographical variations of the Syringe with different alcohol contents. But on average it fluctuates around 8%.
Classic Syringe is prepared only on the basis of Aperol. In modern versions, the latter can be replaced by Campari, Select (Select), as well as Chinar (Cynar) or China Martini (China Martini).
Another variation in the recipe is the use of Prosecco Spumante or another sparkling white wine instead of Prosecco Frizzante. In this case, it is allowed not to use soda in the recipe.
The Squirt has a twin brother in the cocktail world - Pirlo bresciano. The difference between the two is that in the latter they often use Campari and different types of white sparkling wine other than Prosecco.
Recipe
Unlike the Aperol itself, the recipe of which is kept in the strictest confidence, making a syringe cocktail will not be difficult for you. Having at hand all the necessary components and exactly 30 seconds of time, you will cope with the task for one or two.
The Venetian recipe provides the following proportions of components:
- 1 part sparkling Prosecco;
- 1 part Aperol;
- 1 part soda.
The official IBA recipe differs only in the ratio of the ingredients of the drink:
- Prosecco - 66 g (3 parts);
- Aperol - 44 g (2 parts);
- Soda - to a full glass or 1 part.
For cooking, take a cognac glass (snifter) or a glass for cocktails and fill it with ice. First they pour wine, then liquor and, lastly, soda. Decorate the drink with an orange slice and enjoy incredible sensations.
What to drink with
Spritz is an excellent aperitif. You can combine it with many products.
A special combination of tastes will create his duet with fish, white meat or sandwiches. Do not combine a cocktail with red types of meat.
Sandwich and Squirt - it is an Italian classic. In the republic there is even a network of recommendations on the composition of the snack, depending on the components of the drink. So:
- Spritz with Aperol: Tuscan meat, fried on wood, lettuce and mustard.
- Spritz with Select: tuna, boiled eggs, lettuce.
- Spritz with Campari: mortadella, black truffle and fresh tomato.
- Spritz with Cynar: Spinach and Gorgonzola on brown bread.
How else can I drink Aperol
Although the Syringe is by far the most popular cocktail in Italy, it is not the only way to drink Aperol.
We bring to your attention some more excellent combinations for liquor:
- Highball cocktail: combining a small amount of aperol with sparkling water. Such a drink can be decorated with a lemon twist. It is very refreshing in the summer.
- A variation on the Negroni cocktail: dry gin, Aperol and vermouth in a 1: 1: 1 ratio. Complement the aperitif with ice cubes and a slice of orange.
- Orange liquor is very fond of citrus fruits. The combination of equal parts of Aperol and freshly squeezed juice of any citrus will not leave you indifferent.
- An unexpected combination of bitter liquor and rhubarb. The latter is one of the components of Aperol, so it is in perfect harmony with its taste. The best way to use rhubarb is to turn it into syrup. To do this, in a pan with a thick bottom, mix sugar syrup with chopped plant stems, cook over low heat until they are completely softened. Such a sweet broth can be added to taste, for example, to the highball cocktail described above.
- The final recipe for those who like it hotter. Aperol with a small amount of vodka will pleasantly warm you in the winter cold.
Price
The price of Aperol in Italy does not exceed 15-20 Euros per 1 liter. At the same time, the cost of the finished Aperol Spritz cocktail is about 6 Euro for 6 bottles of 150 ml.
On domestic retail spaces, an aperitif is more often represented by a volume of 0.7 liters, the price of which ranges from 1200 to 1400 rubles.
Now you know how, with what, when and for how much you can drink Aperol. Experiment with the famous aperitif. Perhaps you will be able to discover a new incredible combination. But remember: "Whether you are at least Russian, even Armenian, but prepare the Syringe in 3: 2: 1!"
