A staple of British and European summertime, an Aperol in the sun is hard to beat. You only have to sweep your eyes across a city bar in July to find a sea of orange in people’s hands. But just as quickly as this refreshing cocktail can make your afternoon, it can also break it if made badly.
Rosie Panter, travel expert at the UK’s trusted travel comparison website, dealchecker, says: “As a self-proclaimed Aperol aficionado, I can tell a good spritz from a bad one… and a bad one can definitely ruin my day.
“Too much ice, no orange slice and sickly sweet prosecco are all no-go’s for me. The best Aperol Spritzes follow the 3-2-1 method – 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part soda water. It then needs to be served up with ice and garnished with a slice for the epitome of summer sunshine in liquid form.
“As any Aperol fan knows, a well-made drink in good company has the ability to turn even the most average day into one well spent.”
To help ensure your summer isn’t ruined by a warm, watery spritz, below Rosie has shared her top bar recommendations in Europe…
Caffè Pedrocchi, Padua
Despite it being a point of contention among Italians, it is believed that Aperol was first created in Padua, Northern Italy in 1919 by Italian brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri.
The iconic Caffè Pedrocchi situated in the central square of the city, is a grand institution dating back to the 18th century. Recognised for its coffee, cocktails and good food, inside you’ll find three rooms, coloured white, red and green after the Italian flag. And if you are interested in history, this café has bucketfuls – having played a huge role in the 1848 riots against the Habsburg monarchy.
Eschew the standard Aperol Spritz, and opt for the house ‘Green Spritz’ which has notes of absinthe, rhubarb, ginger, chamomile and cloves… when in Rome (or Padua), as they say.
Sky Bar by Seen, Lisboa
The capital and largest city in Portugal known for colourful architecture and delicious food; Lisboa also boasts some of the best cocktails in Europe.
Located at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa, the Sky Bar by Seen rooftop bar rewards you with a panoramic view of the city to enjoy whilst sipping on your cocktail of choice. With stalwarts and modern twists on offer, one thing for sure is that the bartenders know how to make a good cocktail.
If you’re after a spritz with a twist, go for the Cynar Spritz – prosecco, Cynar and club soda garnished with a slice of fresh lemon.
Harry’s Bar, Venice
A legendary establishment, situated just off St. Mark’s Square, Harry’s Bar is famed for being the home of bellinis and carpaccio.
Since opening in 1931, this small but impressive bar has been frequented by a long list of famous clientele, including Charlie Chaplin and Ernest Hemingway and was even declared a national landmark by the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs in 2001.
It’s well worth trying the Select Spritz – the Venetian twist which boasts striking flavours of vanilla and ginger.
The Rooftop Terrace at Hotel de Rome, Berlin
Located in Bebelplatz in the central Mitte district of Berlin is the stylish Hotel de Rome, offering sensational views over the city. With great food and top-quality cocktails, you can also enjoy live music during the summer months.
If your idea of a good night is Aperol Spritz in the city before hitting up a club, Berlin is the place for you. In fact, the techno scene has just been added to the UNESCO cultural heritage list – what better place for an alternative summer getaway?
Bar Spritz, Barcelona
Aperol may have been born in Padua, but it has really flourished in Barcelona.
This hidden gem of a bar, located in the old city offers revellers a friendly and affordable introduction to the famed aperitif, with €4.50 spritzes and local takes on the classic, including Aperol, Campari, Mixto (no soda water), Hugo, Limoncello and more.
Open until the early hours, you’ll be able to enjoy the picturesque sight of the cathedral in the dawn light when you do decide to call it a night.
Cammarota Spritz, Napoli
By day soak up Napoli’s charming waterfront whilst indulging in Neapolitan pizza.
Come sundown, head to Cammarota Spritz. A tiny hole in the wall featuring lively outdoor seating, this is a buzzy, no-frills Aperol bar offering €1 spritzes and right in the heart of Napoli – what could possibly go wrong… except missing your flight the next morning.
For more information or to book your own Aperol Spritz inspired summer holiday visit: www.dealchecker.co.uk
-Ends-
Note to editors:
dealchecker is always lower case.
For further press information, please contact:
Peter Gregory | Sarah Geppert | Elsa Findlay
Rooster.
T: +44 (0) 203 440 8930
E: [email protected]
About dealchecker
Founded in 2005, dealchecker is a UK-based travel comparison website, which enables customers to compare flight, holiday, hotel, cruise and car hire prices, alongside reliable and unbiased money-saving deals. The team handpick the best 20 Real Deals each week.
For more information, visit www.dealchecker.co.uk
