This Amaro Spritz is a refreshing and bubbly recipe, which is made with your favorite amaro and tonic water. It’s the perfect aperitif, ready in about 2 minutes.
Amaro Spritz Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces amaro, such as Aperol or Campari
- 4 ounces tonic water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Lemon slice, for garnish
- Ice
How To Make an Amaro Spritz
- Fill the glass: Fill a large wine glass or a Collins glass with ice.
- Combine and serve: Pour in the amaro, then top with the tonic water and fresh lemon juice. Give it a gentle stir, garnish with a lemon slice, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- What is amaro? “Amaro” is the Italian word for “bitter” and it’s a category of Italian herbal liqueurs. They can range from sweet and citrusy (like Aperol) to more bitter and complex (like Campari or Cynar). This recipe works with almost any kind.
- How to make it less bitter or sweet? The recipe notes provide a great tip: if you find Campari too bitter and Aperol too sweet, try using equal parts of each (¾ ounce of each) to create a perfectly balanced spritz.
- Can I use something other than tonic water? Yes. For a classic spritz, you can use prosecco instead of tonic water. Club soda or seltzer also work well for a less sweet, more straightforward bubbly mixer.
- How to make it look extra fancy? Use a large wine glass and a clear ice spear or large cube. A fresh sprig of rosemary or thyme in addition to the lemon slice also makes a beautiful and aromatic garnish.
What To Serve With an Amaro Spritz
This is a classic aperitif cocktail, designed to be enjoyed before a meal. It pairs wonderfully with light, salty snacks.
- A bowl of mixed olives
- Salted almonds or potato chips
- A simple cheese board with hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino
- Small bites like prosciutto-wrapped melon
How To Store an Amaro Spritz
- This is a single-serving cocktail that is best made fresh and enjoyed immediately while it is cold and bubbly. It does not store well.
Amaro Spritz Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 0g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Both are Italian bitter aperitifs. Aperol is bright orange, has a lower alcohol content, and a sweeter, more approachable flavor profile with notes of orange. Campari is a deep red, more bitter, and has a higher alcohol content.
It is a relatively light cocktail, especially when made with a lower-proof amaro like Aperol. It’s designed to be a refreshing, easy-sipping drink.
Yes, for the best, brightest flavor, it is highly recommended to use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than the bottled variety.
Try More Recipes:
Amaro Spritz Recipe
Description
A simple, refreshing, and sophisticated bubbly cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the amaro.
- Top with the tonic water and the fresh lemon juice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use a high-quality tonic water.
- This is a “principal recipe” that can be easily adapted with different types of amaro to suit your taste.
- Don’t be afraid to be generous with the ice to keep the drink perfectly chilled.
- The beauty of this cocktail is in its simplicity, so use the best, freshest ingredients you can find.