The Sun Lounger’s unofficial guide to the very best and where to find them…

The near-neon sunshine hue of the Aperol Spritz is, hands down, one of the most Instagrammable drinks ever mixed and, looking through my phone, it dawned on me that I’ve had several throughout the years, in various different locations.

Mostly for my own amusement (it was fun to write), herewith a guide to the perfect Aperol Spritz and where to enjoy it, lovingly and devotedly researched by me and some of my friends.

What constitutes the perfect Aperol Spritz?

The perfect spritz is about way more than just the taste, although that’s obviously of prime importance. For how to make the perfect one, with the correct quantities of Aperol, prosecco and soda water refer to the recipe on the brand’s website. 

I hasten to add that this article is written out of pure love and is in no way supported by Aperol itself (I wish).

What to eat with an Aperol Spritz

Wherever you go in northern Italy, you are more often than not served a selection of small plates with your spritz. This experience is known as ‘aperitivo Italiano’. On occasion, I’ve headed out for dinner with friends and not actually made it to the meal, as the snacks have been so plentiful! That said, the Italians probably only have one spritz to aid their appetite (and we didn’t).

Aperitivo Italiano is as much about what’s in your glass and on your plate as it is about the atmosphere and company you keep. These snacks, or cicchetti, could be anything from crisps and olives to charcuterie, crostini, breadsticks (in different shapes and sizes) and cheese.

Therefore, the criteria I will be judging the spritz on, giving a score out of eight, are as follows:

1. Taste (too much Aperol and it can be bitter/too much soda and it’s too weak)
2. Size (always matters)
3. The glass (size, shape and branding)
4. Ice-to-liquid ratio (too much and can be too watery)
5. Quality and length of straw (long/short/biodegradable)
6. Location (add to the ambiance)
7. Accompanying snacks (cicchetti make for the perfect aperitivo Italiano)
8. Garnish (has to be a slice of orange)

So, here is a guide to Aperol Spritz I’ve sipped upon in a few European locations. Excuse the multiple entries for some locations, but I like Aperol.

1. Verona, Italy (opposite the Roman amphitheatre in the Piazza Brà)

Classic spritz on its home turf here, with great taste, long straw and plentiful accompanying cicchetti. There is also a sign saying ‘Snacks/Spritz’. Lacking garnish. Overall score: 5/8

2. Le Matisse, Rue de Metz, Le Touquet, France

Lacking in the snack department but playing a very strong glass game, served on the terrace, in the sunshine. I love the red straw. Aesthetic perfection, here, from one of my favourite haunts. Overall score: 7/8

3. Beckworth Emporium, near Kettering, Northants, UK

A surprise UK entry here, which had to be mentioned as it goes down so nicely with Beckworth’s very extensive afternoon tea platter. Perfect mix, logo on the glass, but comes snackless, if bought on its own. Overall score: 6/8

4. Beachfront in Alghero, Sardinia

We could be on to a winner here, with probably the best Aperol snacks of all entries. The only thing missing is the logo on the glass. Great beach club location (if only I could remember which one) and can also be enjoyed from a sun lounger. Would have been a full house if there had been a logo on the glass. Overall score: 7/8

5. Beachfront in Nice, France

No filters used here. Great location, just off the Promenade des Anglais, on the pebbly beach – and it was my birthday. No snacks and basic, plastic straw, though. Glasses large, but not perfect. Overall score: 5/8

6. My doorstep, UK

Nice try, but no snacks, no logos, but lots of sunshine. Straws were biodegradable, though, so I am giving myself some points for that! Could do better (*rushes to Amazon to look for glasses with logo on*). Overall score: 4/8

7. Restaurant du Port, Paimpol, France

Perfection in a glass from Brittany, served before the most delicious meal of fresh skate wings with beurre noisette. No snacks, but look at that view over the harbour. Biodegradable straw too. Overall score: 6/8

8. Novotel Thalassa Le Touquet, France

The wind was howling, but we were snug and happy, with our Aperols. Glasses have gone a bit rogue, but does it matter when the spritz was spot on? Overall score: 5/8

9. Le Sport Plage, Le Touquet, France

Another strong contender from my favourite French seaside town, plus we had our toes in the sand. Could this be the new front runner? No snacks, so no. Overall score: 6/8

10. Hotel San Donato, Bologna, Italy

Served on a sun-drenched terrace, looking out over the terracotta rooftops. Retro setting and low maintenance snacks a-plenty, plus the perfect taste/mix. Italians know how to do things right. Overall score: 6/8

11. Our balcony, L’Estartit, Catalonia, Spain

Needs must. There were no suitable/big enough glasses, so my darling sister improvised. Not aesthetically pleasing, but at least there were snacks. Great view too, overlooking the port. Company was charming too, sis. Overall score: 4/10

12. All Bar One, central London, UK

As my friend who sent me this image said, have you even lived if you haven’t drank from the Aperol tree? Who needs snacks, when you have this structure? I feel it would have been a clear winner if there had been logos on the glasses and snacks served alongside. Overall score: 5/8 (extra point given for ingenuity).

The results are in and it’s a split decision. Both in first place, with an impressive seven points, are the Alghero beach bar and Le Matisse in Le Touquet; the former because of the cicchetti and the latter because of it being so perfect in every other aspect.

A close second, with six points are Le Sport Plage, Le Port, Beckworth Emporium and San Donato.

And so, the quest continues….to find a location serving the perfect Aperol Spritz with both the snacks and the logo on the glass. Remember: always drink responsibly!