The 3:2:1 method is the traditional method and means three parts Prosecco to two parts Aperol and one part soda water. To match the vibrant hue and zesty flavour of Aperol, oranges are the only acceptable garnish here. Simply drop an orange wedge into the glass to infuse all of the flavours. It's a hymn to slowness," said Cozzella. "The desire to prolong the moment before the dinner. It's an excuse to drink, nibble and stay together a little longer before going home."

It seems that aperitivo (Italy's cherished pre-dinner drink) has become the new happy hour. And yet, the current popularity of Aperol Spritz leaves us Venetians slightly perplexed. How did a drink that, until 20 years ago could only be found in our region's humble osteria (tavern) and cheap local bars, conquer the world? Aperol – now by far the most popular spritz liqueur around the world – was invented in the nearby city of Padova in 1919 by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri after seven years of experiments, macerating sour orange peels, gentian root, rhubarb and spices in their father's distillery. It was first advertised in the 1920s to drinkers who wanted to stay fit because of its low alcohol level (11%), and to women in the 1930s with the slogan, " Signora! Aperol keeps you thin". By the '80s, it was dirt-cheap and appreciated by regulars at every local bar in the Veneto region, creating a sort of spritz archipelago in the Po Valley, where the cities of Padova, Venice, Treviso and Vicenza would carry on the tradition, each with their own slightly different recipe.

How to make the perfect Aperol Spritz

It’s just a splash, but don’t be tempted to skimp on the soda in your Aperol Spritz as it works wonders for the finished drink.“By adding soda water, we replace the carbonation that gets lost whilst pouring Prosecco and stirring the drink.

c) Enter 8-digit Unique Code and time stamp printed on Promotional 70cl Aperol Spritz bottles (for example 72371921)The Aperitivo smelled a lot boozier, as well, so it wasn't surprising that it tasted more alcoholic than the first two. The taste was very similar to Aperol's - not quite as sweet, but the same zesty orange flavour and colour, with a strong but pleasant aftertaste. Aperol is also an incredibly light liqueur and it has an alcohol content of 11%, meaning it is light enough to enjoy on its own, or made into a spritz for a low abv drink option if you're looking to cut down. Promotion Period: The "Promotion Period" opens at 00:01 on 25th November 2019 and closes at 23:59 on 29th February 2020 or when all 5000 glasses available have been claimed. All entries outside of this period will not be valid. You can skip this if you don’t have it, but an orange slice is the classic garnish for an Aperol spritz.