Credit: Courtesy of brands
2 min read
Aperol is everywhere during the summer months, but its distinctive taste isn’t to everyone’s liking. If you’ve never been convinced, here’s what to drink instead.
After a long day in a sweltering office, there really is no better sight than the amber glisten of a crisp, thirst-quenching Aperol spritz. First created in Venice in 1920, the wine-based cocktail remains a favourite tipple over 100 years later. But the thing is, it isn’t to everyone’s taste. For some people – and I include myself among them – there’s something about the Italian classic that is just a little too bitter, and as many times as I’ve tried to enjoy one, I’ve never truly been able to.
However, the good news is that there are plenty of other spritz alternatives to sip this summer, from sweet elderflower liqueurs to a flavoured gin spritz. Here are eight of the best – consider terrace season saved.
Chambord Berry Spritz
Give this raspberry liqueur a summery spin by adding tonic, soda and/or prosecco.
St-Germain spritz
If you’re looking for something sweet and light to sip, try a St-Germain spritz. This easy drink combines crisp fresh elderflower with hints of tropical fruits. Just top off with soda, prosecco and a citrus twist.
Bathtub Gin Persian Lime and Orange Blossom spritz
This tasty flavoured gin does all of the work for you and is infused with elegant hints of Persian lime and orange blossom.
Buy Bathtub Gin Persian Lime and Orange Blossom spritz, via Masters of Malt, £32.95
Sauvignon Blanc Cucumber Spritz
Elevate the classic white wine spritzer with this fresh, green and citrusy blend from Something & Nothing. Perfect for picnic season.
Italicus Spritz
Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto is the ultimate warm-weather drink, with flavours of bergamot peel, cedro lemons, chamomile, lavender, gentian, yellow roses and melissa balm. You can drink it on the rocks, but it’s best served over soda, prosecco and garnished with an olive.
Buy Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, via Masters of Malt, £31.74
Everleaf Mountain Spritz
This non-alcoholic aperitif combines cherry blossom and sweet mountain strawberry for a deliciously floral drink. Enjoy it like this: one part Everleaf Mountain, three parts light tonic, load of ice and garnish with strawberry slices.
Lillet Blanc Spritz
This French aromatised wine was invented in 1887, but makes for the perfect spritz pairing with club soda and prosecco.
Limoncello Spritz
Combine the classic Italian after-dinner tipple with soda and prosecco for a refreshingly citrus cocktail. While there are plenty of choices out there, we recommend Limoncetta Di Sorrento. Saluti!
Images: courtesy of brands
Sign up for our edit of what to buy, see, read and do, and receive a free mini-mag of the top 5 fashion trends you’re sure to see in 2024.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.