Aperol Spritz with Homemade Rosemary Simple Syrup

It wouldn't be summer without a fizzy Aperol Spritz with homemade rosemary simple syrup! This bright cocktail with homemade simple syrup is so easy to make and tastes even better than it looks!

Did Somebody Say Aperol Spritz?

Say hello to the cocktail of the summer, the Aperol Spritz. You've probably seen this cocktail grace your Instagram or TikTok feed before, capturing the essence of sunny days and vibrant gatherings. It seems to be the go-to happy hour drink, and for a good reason—it's so refreshing! This delicious cocktail comes in a wine glass, adorned with a fresh orange slice, lots of ice, and a delightful combination of Prosecco, soda water, and of course, Aperol, which gives it that signature bright orange hue.

We're adding our own twist to this classic cocktail by incorporating homemade rosemary simple syrup! Simple syrup is so much easier to make at home than you may think; all it takes is sugar, water, and a bit of patience as it cools. Plus, the rosemary adds a savory component to the sweet drink, elevating its complexity and making each sip a delightful experience. The herbal notes from the rosemary beautifully complement the bittersweet Aperol, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s perfect for sipping on warm evenings. This Aperol Spritz is my new favorite drink for hot summer nights, and I can’t wait to share it with friends at rooftop gatherings or cozy backyard barbecues! Cheers to summer vibes and refreshing cocktails!

What Exactly is an Aperol Spritz?

You may be wondering, what exactly is an Aperol Spritz? Aperol Spritz, also called Spritz Veneziano, is an Italian wine-based cocktail commonly served in Northern Italy, where it has become a beloved staple. It's said that the drink dates back to the 1800s, reflecting a long-standing tradition of enjoying refreshing cocktails in Italian culture, but Aperol wasn't used for the cocktail until the 1900s, making its rise to fame a more recent phenomenon. Aperol itself is an Italian bitter liquor or aperitif, which in Europe is a drink that is commonly served before the meal to stimulate the appetite and set the tone for a delightful dining experience. The flavor of this pre-dinner drink is quite bitter, which is why it’s often paired with sweet orange slices that complement and balance the bitterness beautifully.

The official recipe of this classic Italian cocktail is equal parts Prosecco and Aperol, creating a harmonious blend of flavors, along with a splash of a sparkling component; whether that be sparkling water, club soda, or a seltzer, all of which add a refreshing effervescence. It gained popularity in the U.S. over time, but began trending in 2019 after the New York Times wrote a piece titled "The Aperol Spritz is Not a Good Drink", sparking a wave of curiosity. Suddenly, everyone needed to try out the cocktail for themselves and decide if it was good or not, leading to countless taste tests and social media posts. Three years later, it seems that verdict is in... IT'S DELICIOUS! The Aperol Spritz has firmly established itself as a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts, perfect for sunny afternoons or vibrant evening gatherings.

How to Make Homemade Simple Syrup

But how do we make homemade simple syrup? It's actually much easier than you think! Start by pouring one cup of water into a small pot, ensuring it's a sturdy one that can handle a bit of heat. Then, we're going to add a little more than half a cup of sugar to the pot, stirring it gently to help it dissolve as the mixture heats. Next, add about five rosemary sprigs, which will infuse the syrup with a lovely herbal aroma, and half of a sliced orange, contributing a bright citrus note that balances the sweetness. Cover the pot, then bring to a boil, watching as the mixture begins to bubble and the flavors meld together.

After the pot is boiling, turn off the heat and remove the lid, allowing the fragrant steam to escape. We're going to let this mixture seep for about 30 minutes, which gives the syrup time to cool and allows the rosemary flavors to really develop, creating a complex and aromatic syrup that enhances any drink.

After 30 minutes, place a small colander over the top of a large mason jar and carefully pour the simple syrup into the mason jar, letting it strain out any solids. This step ensures that your syrup is smooth and ready to use. Then, we're going to refrigerate it for at least one hour, allowing it to chill and thicken slightly. Finally, just add two ounces of this delightful simple syrup to make your Aperol Spritz with homemade rosemary simple syrup and enjoy! This homemade rosemary simple syrup will last up to 10 days in your refrigerator, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. It's great in lemonades, drizzled over desserts, or even in your favorite tea for a unique twist!

Aperol Spritz with Homemade Rosemary Simple Syrup

Recipe by Arianna Negri Course: RecipesDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Inactive Time

60

minutes

Making cocktails at home has never been easier than it is now!

Ingredients

• For the Homemade Rosemary Simple Syrup

• 1 cup water

• ¾ cup cane sugar

• 5 fresh rosemary sprigs

• ½ orange, sliced

• For the Aperol Spritz

• 2 cups of ice

• 8 oz. of Aperol

• 8 oz. of Prosecco, plus more to top off

• 2 oz. club soda or sparkling seltzer

• 2 oz. of the homemade rosemary simple syrup

• ½ orange, sliced for garnishing

• 4 rosemary sprigs for garnishing

Directions

• For the Homemade Rosemary Simple Syrup
• Pour the water and cane sugar into a small pot, then add the rosemary sprigs and orange slices
• Cover the pot and bring to a boil
• Once boiling, turn off the heat and remove the lid
• Allow the mixture to seep for 30 minutes
• Then, place a colander over a large mason jar and pour the mixture into the jar
• Refrigerate the homemade rosemary simple syrup for at least one hour
• To Make the Aperol Spritz
• Add 1 cup of ice to two large wine glasses
• In a large pitcher, add the Aperol, Prosecco, club soda, and rosemary simple syrup
• Use a spoon to stir the Aperol Spritz
• Before pouring the Aperol Spritz into the glasses, add one large orange slice to the inside of each glass
• Evenly distribute the Aperol Spritz into the two wine glasses
• Add an orange slice and rosemary sprig to each glass
• Finally, top each Aperol Spritz with another ½-1 ounce of Prosecco

Recipe Video

Notes

• Refrigerate the homemade rosemary simple syrup up to 10 days

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