Aperol spritzes remind me of Vienna’s Naschmarkt in early October. It was there, at the city’s large outdoor market, I ordered one for the first time. I was sitting at a table outside, along with many others hoping to enjoy the last few days of warm weather. Jackets hung off the backs of chairs and friends, families and other lone visitors paused amid the parade of people perusing food stalls and trinket shops to enjoy lunch or just a simple drink like this one.

Naschmarkt Aperol Spritz

I had no idea how popular these aperitifs are in Austria but indeed they grace every menu and it’s common to see men and women alike sipping an aperol as they nibble a snack and make small talk. The bitter Italian digestif seems to have found another home among the country’s neighbors to the north.

Aperol Spritz

Prosecco
Aperol
Club soda
Orange slices, for garnish
Ice cubes

Fill your wine glass with ice cubes, then add about 2 ounces of prosecco and 1 ounce aperol. Top with club soda and an orange slice. If you like the taste of aperol, then go ahead and add a little more than an ounce. Get crazy!

Aperol Spritz Ingredients