New Year’s Eve Aperol Spritz

Ring in the new year with one of this year’s hottest cocktails, The Aperol Spritz made with sparkling Prosecco or Champagne and Aperol.

This bright orange-flavored sparkling cocktail will be the talk of the town this New Year’s Eve. One sip and your guests feel extra special. This will definitely be one to remember.

Aperol

Aperol is an Italian aperitif with the flavor and aroma of orange. It has a nice blend of bitterness and sweetness with a little earthiness. The first time I had an Aperol Spritz was with my daughter when she ordered one before dinner one night. I took one sip and I fell in love with this cocktail. After that night, it has become my go-to cocktail for parties, a night out, and an afternoon brunch.

New Year’s Eve Aperol Spritz Ingredients

• APEROL – you must get the real thing for this cocktail. No knock-offs or substitutions. You’ll know it by the bright orange color.
• PROSECCO – this is an Italian drink so you must use an Italian sparkling wine which is called Prosecco. You can buy Prosecco anywhere wine is sold. But you can certainly use champange too.
• SPARKLING SODA WATER – buy a decent brand of sparkling water for this cocktail. No need to go too high end, but definitely don’t buy a generic.
• SIMPLE SYRUL – you can buy a bottle of simple syrup or easily and inexpensively make your own. See Krazy Kitchen Mom Tips below for more on how to make simple syrup.
• SLICE OF LEMON – most Aperol Spritz drinkers will tell me I’m all wrong with lemon because most Aperol Spritzes are made with a slice of orange. I love using the lemon because I think it brightens any bitterness from the Aperol.
• FRESH MINT – this is a must! As far as I’m concerned it’s not an Aperol Spritz if it’s not garnished heavily with mint.

Let’s Make a New Year’s Eve Aperol Spritz

1. Fill an 8-ounce glass 1/2 way with crushed ice.
2. Add a slice of lemon to the side of the glass.
3. Add Aperol, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
4. Fill the glass almost full with Prosecco.
5. Top off with a little bit of soda water.
6. Garnish with a big handful of fresh mint.

Krazy Kitchen Mom Tips

• I recommend using a large stemmed glass or an old fashion glass for this cocktail.
• Ice is a must for this one. Be sure to fill the glass with ice before adding ingredients.
• Substitute fresh orange for the lemon for a traditional Aperol spritz.
• This cocktail is perfect for the holidays, a summer picnic, or an afternoon brunch.
• To make simple syrup, simply place equal amounts of sugar and water in a small stovetop pan. Heat until the sugar dissolves. Cool completely and store in a mason jar, with a lid, in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.

Other Recipes Using Aperol

1. Blood Orange Aperol Spritz
2. Paloma Aperol Spritz
3. Lemonade Aperol Spritz
4. Aperol Spritz Cupcakes