In need of a time dedicated to reconnecting with friends and family over the airwaves, with a crisp orange drink in hand and some accompanying pre-dinner bites? Aperol have generously given us just that, with a virtual aperitivo hour. Just use this easy guide to set up the perfect online group drinks soiree to connect with friends interstate and overseas.

SET THE SCENE

Nothing says aperitivo hour like some paraphernalia. Maybe it’s bringing out your favourite chic glassware, getting dressed up in your Amalfi coast best, or setting out your tableware, linen napkins, and beautiful plates aplenty. Much like wearing your Sunday best (do that, too) having a beautifully set table or drinks area makes you feel and play the part.

MAKE THE DRINKS COLD

It’s the number one rule of cocktail making – have the drinks on ice. Prior to mixing up the perfect spritz, ensure your Italian prosecco and soda are chilled, your ice cubes are ready (everyone knows the bigger the better) and your oranges are ready for slicing. Trust us, Valencia oranges are the top choice.

And in case you needed a refresher, here’s a guide to the original, and best, Aperol Spritz recipe. Because if you’re making an iconic drink that was created 100 years ago by two Italian brothers in the Italian Veneto region, you’ve got to get it right.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Ice
• Italian prosecco
• Aperol
• Soda water
• Orange

HOW TO MAKE A PERFECT APEROL SPRITZ

1. Fill a large wine glass (about 420ml) with ice
2. Add prosecco and Aperol in equal parts
3. Add a splash of soda water
4. Garnish with an orange wedge. Salute!

TURN UP THE MUSIC

Nothing sets the vibe better than music and sunset beach music works particularly well with a 6pm cocktail. We’ve got playlists ready for you here, so all you need to do is turn up the volume.

INVITE YOUR SPRITZERS

Mixed the perfect spritz but need a squad? It’s easy to bring everyone together with Aperol’s pre-made invitation – simply download it on the Aperol website, share instantly with your friends and family via email or social media channels, and you’ll be virtually clinking glasses in no time. Top tip: group calls always work better when there’s someone in the lead – less people talking over each other.

AND PAIR WITH THE TASTIEST OF TREATS

A great drink needs great food, so we’ve compiled a list of the best pre-dinner flavours to complement your Aperol Spritz.

If you’re after golden and flaky pastry, enjoy salty chorizo, mustard and cabbage sausage rolls. And if you’re more the seafood type, try these scallop shell-baked prawn pies.

After something light and refined? These heirloom tomato tarts are ready from prep to plate in under an hour and are almost too beautiful to eat (almost). Or forget about spending time in the kitchen and go for this speedy, super fresh carpaccio of salmon with remoulade sauce.

To kick things up a notch, opt for this elegant blini platter as your spritz companion, with salmon roe, light and fluffy eggwhite blinis and assorted toppings (try a new topping each time). And we can’t get enough of these steamed scallops with Chinese pickled vegetables – the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

So now there’s no better excuse to Share a Spritz at 6pm and toast with your people over the air waves. Early evenings have never looked, or tasted, so good. 

DRINKWISE