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    The Hangry Chickpea » Cocktails » Aperol spritz + vegan pairing guide

    Aperol spritz + vegan pairing guide

    Published: Dec 12, 2021 by Eliza

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    While an aperol spritz is a simple "anytime" cocktail, it's hard to find a good vegan snack pairing. Today I'm sharing the formula for a perfect spritz, and ALL of plant-based & vegan snack pairings you could ever want!

    Bubbly aperol spritz with an orange wedge
    Nothing like a cocktail after a long day outside or at work...this one tastes especially good after a day in the saltwater

    An aperol spritz is perfect for cooling off after a long day in the sun and saltwater. It's also a festive cocktail for the holidays, especially in the Southern hemisphere!

    It pairs well with nearly everything, and is also a brunch favorite. (Check out this french toast or these pancakes - garnish with strawberries and blueberries, and add the zest of half a lemon to the batter).

    Want more simple cocktails? Check out my grapefruit vodka soda recipe or this "dark and stormy." This spritz pairs well with lemon beet hummus or these butternut squash nachos.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Pairings
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Top tip
    • Easy aperol spritz
    • Food safety

    Ingredients

    Aperol spritz ingredients: aperol, prosecco, sparkling water/juice, ice, orange slice
    Ingredients: aperol, prosecco*, sparkling water/juice, ice, orange slice

    Aperol is lightly bitter, citrusy liqueur.

    Prosecco and sparkling orange soda round out the ingredients.

    *Please note that NOT ALL PROSECCO IS VEGAN. Unfortunately, LaMarca falls into the not vegan category due to its refining agents. This is what I could find at my local grocery store...here are some vegan Prosecco options if you're super strict.

    Like most cocktails, a spritz is best with ice and an orange slice.

    Don't forget the potato chips, the classic Italian pairing for this cocktail.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    First, fill the glass with ice. I prefer a lowball or collins glass so the bubbles distribute evenly. If you're firmly in the wine glass camp, I won't stop you...

    Pouring prosecco into a glass with ice and an orange slice
    Add prosecco first!

    For an ombre look, add the aperol, then prosecco (see first image in the post). If you want to get technical, add the prosecco THEN the aperol so the alcohol doesn't settle at the bottom.

    Pouring aperol into a glass with ice, an orange slice, and prosecco
    Then add aperol

    Finally top with a splash of soda, and garnish with an orange wedge.

    Pouring soda into a glass with ice, an orange slice, prosecco and aperol
    Finally, add orange soda

    Hint: the order of ingredients matters! Add the prosecco then the aperol for a well mixed cocktail. If you like the look of an ombre drink (and don't mind a few sips of straight aperol at the end), then start with the liqueur.

    Need some extra help? Check out this video...it's super simple!

    Substitutions

    There are TONS of substitutions for a traditional aperol spritz. Let's break this one into parts:

    Aperol - while Aperol is the namesake of this cocktail, there are lots of bitter liqueurs to try. It's like the difference between Coke, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper. The flavor profiles have quite a range, so we can adjust the other ingredients to complement the spirit.

    Prosecco - the sweetness of prosecco and aperol play well together. If you decide to swap the bubbly, opt for something sweet like a sparkling rose.

    Soda - I find that a good Italian sparkling beverage is a nice enhancement. In fact, you can ditch the prosecco altogether if you have some of this one hand.

    Citrus - different citruses serve different purposes. It also depends on what you're serving with your cocktail.

    • Lemon for a bright fresh taste
    • Lime if you're pairing with Mexican or Latin flavors
    • Orange is classic
    • Grapefruit if you like something a more bitter sweet (Psst - check out this grapefruit moscow mule)

    Variations

    Let's have some fun. With the above substitutions in mind, here are some basic spritzes to experiment with.

    • Christmas & holidays: add some pomegranate seeds or use sparkling pomegranate or cranberry soda for a festive Christmas drink, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme.
    • Tropical: a spritz of pineapple soda (or juice) and a twist of lime and you'll never drink another Bahama Mama again! (well, at least until there's more rum).
    • Non-alcoholic: use a non-alcoholic liqueur and non-alcoholic prosecco.

    To make a stronger spritz: add more aperol, and less prosecco and soda.

    To make a lighter, weaker spritz: use less aperol and more prosecco and soda. Or ditch the prosecco altogether and use a lightly flavored Italian soda.

    This recipe is vegan*, dairy free, nut-free gluten free and egg free. As usual, always double check the ingredients, especially if you have a food allergy.

    *Not all prosecco is vegan. See ingredients section for suggestions.

    Reddish-orange cocktail on a coaster with an orange slice
    I'll have all three please!

    Pairings

    An key part of enjoying an aperol spritz (or any spritz) is a small snack or cicchetti. Since we don't do meat here, here are some of my favorite vegan pairings:

    • Potato chips (traditional in Italy)
    • Hummus with pita chips or veggies (whip up this vegan charcuterie board with tzatziki for easy entertaining)
    • Baba ganoush AKA spicy eggplant dip
    • Nuts
    • Little sandwiches or snacks like this avocado toast or crostini
    • Nachos

    If you're planning to serve with dinner, here are some ideas:

    • Butternut squash pasta
    • Tacos
    • Risotto
    • Butternut squash bisque

    Equipment

    To make an aperol spritz, you'll need a good glass. While many love a white wine stemmed glass, I prefer a lowball or collins glass so the bubbles distribute evenly.

    If you have a jigger, great. If not, eyeball it and enjoy!

    Storage

    Like ice cream, this cocktail is best when cold on ice. Unfortunately, this cocktail cannot be made ahead of time like a sangria - the bubbles do not last long in the refrigerator.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is an aperol spritz?

    An aperol spritz is a cocktail, popularized in Italy as an aperitivo, or pre-dinner cocktail appetizer, usually served with a light snack.

    Aperol is an aperitif or pre-meal drink. A spritz is a cocktail made with a bitter liqueur (aperol in this case), prosecco, and sparkling water.

    Is an Aperol spritz vegan?

    While Aperol is a vegan friendly spirit according to their website, Prosecco may not be due to the fining and refining process. Here's a great list of vegan-friendly prosecco.

    What are some vegan and vegetarian pairings for an aperol spritz?

    Potato chips, pretzels, nuts, hummus, nachos, toasts and crostinis all pair well with an aperol spritz. Anything salty and savory works.

    Can I use champagne in an aperol spritz?

    You can substitute with champagne, but it tends to be drier and less sweet than prosecco. It's also more expensive in general.

    My advice is to enjoy the champagne in a glass by itself, and use Prosecco for an spritzes, or any sparkling wine cocktail (looking at you, mimosa).

    As always, double check the ingredient list on any alcoholic beverage, as they may use animal products in the refining process.

    Top tip

    Remember: add prosecco first, then aperol for a well-mixed spritz.

    Print
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    aperol cocktail with fresh orange slice and ice

    Easy aperol spritz

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: The Hangry Chickpea
    • Prep Time: 5 mins
    • Cook Time: 0 mins
    • Total Time: 5 mins
    • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
    • Category: Cocktails
    • Method: Cocktail
    • Cuisine: Italian
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    An aperol spritz is perfect for cooling off after a long day in the sun and saltwater, and are also festive for the holidays. They pair well with nearly everything, and are acceptable to enjoy for brunch (hello new favorite day drink). 


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2 oz Aperol or bitter liqueur of choice
    • 3 oz vegan-friendly Prosecco
    • 1 oz sparkling water or juice
    • Ice
    • Orange slice (or citrus of choice)

    Instructions

    1. Slice orange and place into glass. Top with ice. 
    2. Pour prosecco, then aperol, then sparkling water. 
    3. Garnish with additional citrus and enjoy! 

    Notes

    Not all prosecco is vegan. Here's a great list of vegan-friendly prosecco. 

    Keywords: aperol spritz, vegan aperol spritz, aperol cocktail, vegan aperitivo, vegetarian aperitivo, aperol spritz recipe, aperol spritz variations

    How'd it go?

    Please rate this recipe and tag @thehangrychickpea on Instagram!

    Food safety

    This recipe contains alcohol, please consume responsibly.

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    Comments

    1. The Hangry Chickpea

      December 12, 2021 at 4:49 pm

      So easy, and delish with potato chips. Tried with chips and guac yesterday too - pairs well with a mango guac, just leave out the onions and it's perfect.

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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