Aperol spritz is a bright, bubbly Italian cocktail traditionally made with Prosecco, Aperol and soda.
It’s a perfect drink to enjoy on warm days or to serve at your next gathering. The bitter-sweet flavors of the drink pair perfectly with light bites and appetizers.
But what is the best food to pair with aperol spritz? Let’s take a look at some of the best food pairings for Aperol spritz.
The refreshingly light taste of Aperol spritz makes it an ideal accompaniment to many different types of food. Whether you’re seraching for something savory or sweet, there are lots of options to choose from!
So, if you’re wondering which dishes will pair perfectly with your next Aperol spritz, we’ve compiled a list of the best options. Here are some ideas to get you started
17 Best Food to Pair with Aperol Spritz
1. Caprese Salad
A Caprese salad pairs perfectly with an Aperol spritz, offering a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cocktail. All it takes is some fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Simply slice up the tomatoes and mozzarella, layer them on a plate with some fresh basil leaves, drizzle over some olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing—and voila!
You have an easy appetizer that’s guaranteed to please your guests.
2. Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs
For something a bit more indulgent than a salad but still light enough to enjoy before dinner, try this simple prosciutto-wrapped figs recipe. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut 4 figs in half lengthwise and wrap each half in one piece of prosciutto so that it covers the entire surface area of the fig.
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for ten minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack alongside your Aperol Spritz!
3. Cheese Board
What better way to enjoy your favorite cocktail than by indulging in a selection of cheese?
Create an impressive cheese board by including both hard and soft cheeses such as manchego, gouda, blue cheese, brie or camembert, along with accompaniments like olives, nuts or dried fruit like apricots or cranberries.
This will give you plenty of variety for everyone to enjoy while sipping away at their Aperol spritzes!
4. Grilled Veggies
Aperol spritz goes great with roasted vegetables like peppers, eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms and onions.
Grill them up and sprinkle them with herbs to bring out their flavor even more. Serve them alongside crusty bread or focaccia for even more deliciousness!
5. Seafood
Seafood dishes like grilled fish or shrimp scampi pair wonderfully with Aperol spritz as well.
Try serving it with grilled salmon seasoned with lemon juice and herbs or a classic shrimp scampi drizzled with butter and garlic.
The bright citrus flavors will help balance out the sweetness of the cocktail.
6. Bruschetta
The crispiness of the bread, the richness of the olive oil, and the tanginess of the tomatoes make this rustic Italian dish a match made in heaven for an Aperol spritz.
7. Risotto
A creamy and decadent dish like risotto calls for something light and refreshing, like an Aperol spritz, to balance out the flavors.
8. Grilled fish
The smokiness of the grill and the delicate flavor of fish require something light and crisp, like an Aperol spritz, to balance out the flavors.
Discover More: Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Grilled Fish Tacos
9. Seafood pasta
Whether it’s linguine with clams or shrimp scampi, the brininess of the seafood pairs well with the herbal and slightly bitter notes in Aperol spritz. (Recipe)
10. Margherita pizza
This classic pizza is not only easy to make but also pairs well with the Aperol spritz due to its fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil.
11. Antipasto platter
A selection of cured meats, cheese and marinated vegetables is a perfect appetizer plate that pairs with an Aperol spritz bringing out the complex flavors of the aperitif.
12. Beef carpaccio
The thin slices of raw beef with drizzled olive oil and parmesan cheese pair with the Aperol spritz, creating an exhilarating flavor profile.
13. Chicken skewers
The herb-infused slightly-charred juicy chicken skewers are lighter on the palate, and hence they pair well with the Aperol spritz.
14. Margherita flatbread
Margherita flatbread has all the flavors of Margherita pizza but in a crispy and crunchy form, which pairs well with an Aperol spritz.
15. Focaccia bread with olive oil
The olive oil in the focaccia bread pairs perfectly with the light, herbal, citrusy profile of the Aperol spritz.
16. Grilled shrimp
Grilled shrimp is one of the most popular pairings with Aperol spritz because it’s tender, juicy, and has a slightly sweet flavor that contrasts well with the smooth texture of the aperitif.
Explore More: Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Fried Shrimp
17. Fresh fruit platter
A refreshing platter of fresh fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew pairs perfectly with the Aperol spritz and is a great option for a light and healthy snack.
Wrap Up
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for something light to nibble on while enjoying some drinks at home, these creative food pairings are sure to impress!
From caprese salads and prosciutto-wrapped figs to impressive cheese boards – these dishes will take your Aperol spritz experience to the next level!
So grab those ingredients from the store and get ready for some delicious food pairings that will tantalize all your taste buds! Cheers!
FAQs
What flavor doesn’t go well with an Aperol spritz?
If you’re a fan of the Aperol spritz, you must be well aware of its signature bitter-sweet taste.
The delightful orange-tinged cocktail has become quite popular not only in Italy but also in other parts of the world.
While there are countless debates about what garnish or prosecco to use to make the perfect Aperol spritz, one question remains unanswered: what flavors don’t go well with this classic drink?
There are some flavors that can easily clash with the Aperol spritz and ruin its delightful taste.
For example, if you’re planning on serving something salty with your Aperol spritz, like olives or chips, you might want to think twice.
The saltiness can easily overpower the subtle bitter-sweet notes of the Aperol, making it taste too strong and overwhelming. Similarly, dishes that are too spicy or acidic may not be the ideal pairing for an Aperol spritz.
Another thing to be mindful of is to avoid adding other types of liqueurs or spirits to your Aperol spritz. While some people may be tempted to add a splash of gin or Campari, this may not work well since it can alter the delicate balance of flavors.
Also, adding other flavors may clash with the bitter-sweet notes of the Aperol, making it taste like a confusing mix of flavors instead of a perfectly-balanced drink.
In conclusion, there are some flavors that do not go well with Aperol spritzes, such as salty, spicy, and acidic dishes or adding other types of spirits or liqueurs.
So, if you’re looking to enjoy a refreshing and delightful Aperol spritz, be sure to make the right food pairings and keep it simple.