Let me set the scene: the Italian countryside, a secluded villa, and seventeen members of the same family existing on the same property. A week and a half of pure, Under the Tuscan Sun bliss. All of it being fueled by my favorite beverage in the world: an Aperol Spritz.
When this trip first began, I knew I would be in Aperol heaven but I never understood the power an Aperol count might have on the world. Soon, friends and family started encouraging me to keep it going. Who am I to let them down?
Note: For Aperol newbies, the perfect Aperol Spritz follows the 3-2-1 method—3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water. I'll be referencing this golden ratio throughout the article.
Aperol Spritz #1
This was my first Spritz of the trip and, after a full morning walking around the town of Siena in the pouring rain, this Spritz just hit different. The ratio was spot-on and whichever prosecco they used for this bay boy was a 10/10.
Aperol Spritz #7
This was the first Spritz I made at our villa and, not to toot my own horn, it was incredible. The only thing it was missing was a fresh orange slice as a garnish, but the private pool made up for the absent citrus.
Aperol Spritz #12
This Spritz makes the list for two reasons:
- I was able to acquire some fresh Italian oranges which made the drink even more delicious.
- I drank it in the courtyard of our villa which was full of jasmine and made the whole villa smell insanely good.
Aperol Spritz #16
This Aperol Spritz on a rooftop overlooking The Duomo had to make the list and not just because my husband's in the photo. This was the Spritz that ignited the 50 Spritz challenge and started a revolutionary mission that spanned hundred of miles across Italy. Challenge accepted. I ended up having about five on this rooftop so the tally really jumps from here.
Aperol Spritz #30
Despite being more than halfway through the trip, this was my first roadie Aperol Spritz and it did NOT disappoint. This was acquired at the bottom of the hill climbing up to Piazza Michelangelo and it was necessary because it was steep AF. The ratio was golden as was the orange slice.
Aperol Spritz #31
At the top of that big hill from the aforementioned Spritz, I not only found more Aperol Spritzes but also a large Aperol sign! The surprise of finding the perfect sign (which I desperately wanted to purchase but couldn't) along with another Spritz station overlooking all of Florence made this one a slam dunk.
* On a personal note, Piazza Michelangelo was supposed to be where our original marriage proposal took place, but stupid COVID had other plans. The sentimentality of this location factored into my enjoyment of this Spritz as well.
Aperol Spritz #36/37
When the waiter approaches you and your husband on your first afternoon in Rome and says, "Wooo, big boys need big drinks, yes?" you simply smile and nod. I asked for a large Aperol Spritz and, sure enough, I got one. This colossal Spritz was delicious, thanks to its golden ratio and sheer size. A liter of Spritz will always make me happy.
Aperol Spritz #40
This Spritz was ideal for many reasons:
- It was enjoyed with the best pizza I had on the trip.
- It was served in a true Aperol Spritz glass, which I was not allowed to keep, but enjoyed for the time being.
- It was consumed literally outside of the Colosseum which made for some fun ambiance.
- It was the perfect ratio.
Aperol Spritz #43
This massive Spritz was consumed on the grounds of our lovely Donna Camilla Savelli hotel in Rome. Not pictured: the amazing actress J. Smith-Cameron (from Succession and Hacks fame) waltzing by us after a luxurious nap and my husband holding me back from telling her I love her work.
J, if you're reading this, I love your work.
Aperol Spritz #50
THE BIG 5-0! We did it, fam! This Spritz was enjoyed atop our hotel in Rome, overlooking the entire city. The views, the perfect ratio, the company, and the sense of accomplishment made this Spritz my favorite of the trip.
