Whether you’re relaxing on a beach in Bibione, Italy, or soaking up the energy of a winter après-ski party on the terrace of Hotel Družba, Aperol Spritz remains one of the most popular alcoholic drink choices around. It’s the kind of drink you can reach for during a hot summer afternoon just as easily as after a full day on the slopes. Bitter yet refreshing, Aperol Spritz has become a go-to drink in Jasná as well. Aperol itself—the key ingredient—is a spiced bitter liqueur known for its lightly bitter taste and vibrant orange color. Its main ingredients include gentian, rhubarb, orange extracts, and aromatic herbs. Despite its bold flavor, Aperol contains a relatively low alcohol content of around 11%, making it a lighter and more approachable cocktail base.
An Italian Liqueur
The history of this iconic liqueur dates back to 1919 in the Italian city of Padua. That year, Aperol was officially introduced for the first time at the Fiera Campionaria di Padova trade fair by the Barbieri brothers’ family company, and it gradually went on to gain worldwide popularity. Today, Aperol is part of the well-known Italian brand Gruppo Campari. Originally, Aperol was marketed as a light, diet-friendly liqueur and served as a milder alternative to the more intense Campari. Compared to Aperol, Campari contains a higher alcohol content and is known for its darker, more pronounced color.
Austrians in Venice
The world-famous Aperol Spritz, the best-known cocktail made with Aperol, originated in the 1950s as a variation of the Venetian wine spritzer known as Spritz Veneto. The roots of this drink go back even further—to the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, when Venice was part of the monarchy. Austrians visiting Venice, accustomed to beer, found local Venetian wines too strong for their taste, so they began diluting them with water. This habit quickly caught on, and over time, still water was replaced by sparkling mineral water or soda. Eventually, the drink evolved further with the addition of liqueur—and Aperol became one of the most popular choices.
Simple to Make
You can easily prepare an Aperol Spritz at home—but everyone knows it tastes best as an après-ski drink on the slopes or as a refreshing summer cocktail on a hot day. According to the official recommendation, the ideal mix is 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water. Don’t forget plenty of ice and properly chilled ingredients. A true Aperol Spritz is served in a stemmed glass, and Italians often add a single green olive to enhance the drink’s refreshing bittersweet flavor. If you haven’t tried this iconic cocktail yet—or suddenly got a craving for one during your stay at Ski & Wellness Residence Družba—our bartenders will be happy to make one for you. Just remember: even though it has a relatively low alcohol content, it’s still an alcoholic drink, so whether you’re skiing or hiking, keeping a clear head always comes first.
