It’s that time of the year again, when weekends turn into long weekends and mid-week breaks become a fairly frequent surprise. These public holidays mean more time spent with family and friends, and there is no better way to do that than by adding Aperol to the mix!

Here are five things you need to know about Aperol.

1. It’s made with oranges

Aperol is an infusion of bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb and a host of herbs and roots. It makes for a beautiful combination, with crisp citrus zestiness and balanced woody and herbal notes.

If it’s made with oranges, that means it’s somewhere adjacent to being healthy, right? Photo supplied.

2. It makes for the perfect aperitivo

An aperitif is a drink that is supposed to wake your appetite when enjoyed in anticipation of a meal. In Italy, this joyous moment of enjoying your aperitif is known as aperitivo. Akin to happy hour, aperitivo represents the time where you can take a break, relax and relish life.

3. It’s simple to make

In order to have the perfect aperitivo moment and get the most out of Aperol, one needs to mix the perfect Aperol Spritz. It’s made using what is known as the 50/50 splash – 50% Cinzano Pro-Spritz, 50% Aperol, a splash of soda and an orange slice. Cinzano Pro-Spritz is a newly released aromatically fruity but dry Prosecco-style sparkling wine (also known as spumante), which has a fresh and lively mix of fruit, florals and fizz and serves as an ideal partner to Aperol.

The perfect 50/50 splash. Photo supplied.

4. Pairing is easy

The pleasure should be extended by enjoying your Aperol aperitivo with a few little antipasti like olives, roasted nuts, cheese, slices of cured ham, sausage or salami, mini pizza slices or bruschetta.

5. You can win a hamper with Eat Out!

To make it easier for you to mix your own Aperol Spritz, Eat Out is giving five lucky readers an Aperol Spritz hamper worth R325, consisting of a bottle of Cinzano Pro-Spritz and a bottle of Aperol. Prepare to impress family and friends with this delightfully sophisticated aperitif!