Words by Amy Spanton. Photography David Spanton
Aperol: This drink that embodies sunshine was born just near Venice in the early 20th century
There is nothing quite so synonymous with summer these days as the big refreshing glass of Aperol Spritz on a boat or by the Harbour. The drink that is a staple of the 2020s was actually born in 1919 in Padova, 30 minutes from Venice.
On 29th June 2012, Aperol Spritz paid homage to its adopted city, Venice, and the many admirers of the well-known aperitivo by setting the first “Aperol Spritz! Happy Record!” with 2,600 people coming together in St. Marco’s Square to simultaneously toast with a glass of Aperol Spritz, establishing a new Guinness World Record for “the largest Aperol Spritz toast in the world”.
The recipe of Aperol is beautifully uncomplicated, with only a few ingredients. The simplicity, the balance of the combination, and the bright orange colour are its most distinctive qualities. And like most aperitivo, the exact combination of ingredients is a heavily guarded secret. The final result is characterised by its bright and lively orange hue and bittersweet flavour, which result from its original recipe that remains unaltered since its creation.
The Aperol Story
Aperol’s orange vibe was created in 1919 by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri. The brothers followed in their father’s footsteps keeping their family business alive since it first opened its doors in 1880. Setting themselves a goal to create a balanced aperitivo, it was said to have taken seven years. And the result was Aperol, a vibrant and fresh Aperitivo.
‘Aperitivo’ originates from the Latin word ‘Aperire’ meaning ‘to open your appetite’, and the word is evocative of Aperol, which was first introduced at the International Trade Fair of Padova, a lively and dynamic University town at the heart of Veneto known to be the birthplace of countless innovation and new ideas. It was the first trade show in Italy following World War One and was therefore a monumental event to unveil the Barbieri brother’s latest product to the public.
Soon after being introduced to the world in the Veneto region, the Aperol vibe caught the attention of many in Venice, where the Aperol Spritz Ritual is rooted, inspired by the culture and tradition of the city of Venice. As local bars, called ‘bàcari’, served the convivial Aperol Spritz and displayed iconic Aperol posters spreading the signature orange colour everywhere.
Some Aperol Facts
- In 1920 Aperol’s orange vibe begins to spread. The first advertising posters appeared both in and outside of bars which solidified Aperol’s distinctive colour signature and started to spread the word, and joy, of the new aperitivo.
- In the 1930s, the Barbieri brothers expanded their small workshop into a modern factory that survived the sudden interruption caused by heavy bombing of the Veneto area during World War Two.
- In the early 2000s Campari Group acquired the Aperol brand following their takeover of Barbero 1891 s.p.a. and boosted Aperol with further growth, thanks mostly to the popularity of the Aperol Spritz.
- On 29th June 2012, Aperol Spritz paid homage to its adopted city, Venice, and the many admirers of the well-known aperitivo by setting the first “Aperol Spritz! Happy Record!” with 2,600 people coming together in St. Marco’s Square to simultaneously toast with a glass of Aperol Spritz, establishing a new Guinness World Record for “the largest Aperol Spritz toast in the world”.
- The first Aperol bar officially opened 2021 with Terrazza Aperol in Venezia, although Aperol has had ‘unofficial’ dedicated bars before. In the 1930s the first Aperol Bar was opened in the heart of old Padua, in Piazza Cavour.