As the heat waves start to take over summer, there’s no time like the present to pull up to one of these bars and cool down with an Italian favorite, the Aperol Spritz.
The classic spritz is made with Prosecco or other sparkling wine, Aperol, a splash of club soda and a slice of orange. This cocktail made its debut in Italy around 1919 after its namesake spirit, Aperol, was introduced to the market. Popular for its delicious taste and low alcohol content, this summer sipper features a wonderful combination of sweet, tart and bubbly, that goes down easy and fast. Here’s where to try the classic and some cool variations:
The Good King Tavern
614 S 7th St.
This casual french bistro recently opened up a secluded little patio behind their main building. Enjoy a classic Aperol Spritz while chatting with Queen Village locals. The patio is open Wednesday to Friday from 4 to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 10 pm.
Jet Wine Bar
1525 South St.
This “global vineyard” on South street, is celebrating the “Summer of Spritz” with three variations:
Italian Stallion Spritz
Ca’ furlan Prosecco, White Vermouth, Lime, Sparkling Water
White Peach Rosé Spritz
Rosé Wine, White Peach, Aperol, Lemon, Sparkling Water
The Philly Special
Stateside Vodka, White Wine, Cucumber, Lime, Sparkling Water
Square 1682
121 S. 17th St.
Square 1682 is back with their weekly outdoor drinking party, this year it’s called Sudz, Splitz & Spritz. Every Thursday from 5 to 7 pm, try their classic Aperol Spritz while enjoying live music, yard games and enthusiastic karaoke renditions from lead bartender Daniel Kulisek.
A. Kitchen
135 S. 18th St.
Lauded for their wine and cocktail program, enjoy one of these spritz cocktails everyday during happy hour from 4 to 6 pm.
Classic
Aperol, Sparkling Wine, Orange
White
St. Germain, Cocchi Americano, Sparkling Wine
Lo-Sé
Lo-fi Gentian Amaro, Rose, Soda
Permanent Vacation
Hendricks, Lemon, Sparkling Wine
Nero Chinato
Cocchi Americano, Blackberry, Sparkling Wine, Lemon
Tria Cafe Rittenhouse
123 S. 18th St.
One of Philly’s top and most trusted wine purveyors. Their take on the spritz is made with Ca’ Furlan Extra-Dry Prosecco and Cappelletti Red Aperitivo. Enjoy it during their Aperitivo Hour (12 noon to 7 pm, Monday through Friday).
Pub & Kitchen
1946 Lombard St.
This Graduate Hospital stand-out gastropub will host a fun, summery Aperol Brunch all season long. On offer will be the classic Aperol Spritz in addition to an evolving brunch menu; get it Sundays from 10 am until 4 pm.
Fork
306 Market St.
An Old City stalwart, Fork’s spritz variation features local ingredients, their take called the Rooibos Spritz includes Penn 1681 vodka, Aperol and Rival Bros. Rooibos. Try it during their weeknight happy hour from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Lead photo by: Kate McCann