Lifestyle & Creativity

Enjoy this rustic, flavourful ragu perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Bright orange in color, Aperol has a unique taste thanks to the secret recipe, which has never been changed. It infuses select ingredients including bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb and gentian combined with herbs and roots – the true recipe is known to only a handful of people!

While Aperitivo Hour is typically enjoyed from afternoon to early evening, you can still start Christmas Day festivities with an Aperol Spritz and delicious Aperitivo snacks before the main meal.

Before you get started, just a friendly reminder for you and your Spritz Squad to wash your hands and make sure you practice safe social distancing in this time. We recently spoke with Libby Gardner, foodie and founder of The Platter Project about the secrets of the perfect platter. She showed us that the art of the Aperitivo platter is easy to learn. Her handy tips are sure to impress your guests… or even your hosts!

Sometimes referred to as Italy’s take on happy hour, Aperitivo is a daily occasion where light drinks and snacks are enjoyed in good company with friends and family before dinner.

To say that Aperol is a stylish drink is an understatement. It has developed an enviable reputation itself as the “drink of choice” for celebrities, socialites and influencers the world over. Combined with its iconic orange hue, this lifestyle statement, has been immortalised in a series of iconic paintings and poster campaigns. From its launch at the 1919 Padua International Fair, Aperol was initially marketed to sophisticated gentleman who had the time and money to regularly partake in the luxury of a daily Aperitivo. Credit: Piquillo Credit: Lorenzo Mattotti In 1990, Italian artist Lorenzo Mattotti made a series of paintings artistically depicting the pleasure of drinking Aperol. It’s a timeless reinterpretation of a liqueur that is a staple of cosmopolitan Italian society, emphasising an undeniable aspect of the brand: Aperol as a lifestyle statement. Credit: Lorenzo Mattotti Credit: Pink Eye As the brand grew in popularity, it began to feature young people socialising in bars, at cafes and waterfront restaurants in both city and waterside locations. The perfect Aperol Spritz ratio of 3 parts Prosecco and 2 parts Aperol has also been depicted in contemporary fashion by younger artists who continue to be drawn to the iconic colour and prevailing popularity of the Aperitivo Hour drink of choice. Credit: Nick Barclay Learn more about Aperol Spritz by connecting with us on Facebook or Instagram.

Balmy Summer afternoons call for entertaining. Whether it’s an intimate gathering, or a whole family affair, this is what Summer is made for and sometimes you just need to know where to begin. You have to set the scene, and this comes down to perfect timing.

Just a friendly reminder to you and your Spritz Squad to wash your hand thoroughly and practice safe social distancing during the Easter Season. There is something about all the preemptive spirit of the Easter season, for me this comes alive in a beautiful table setting shared with friends and family. Luckily these festivities offer us plenty of opportunities to play host. Whether it’s an intimate gathering, or a whole Easter affair. Here is my guide to ensure fabulous festive table that all your friends will be talking about! First, set the scene, I always like to have that WOW factor … a center piece or central focus of your table creates interest, keep it light and rustic and let the general table fare speak for itself. This season I am loving dried palms leaves they create a sense of warmth with just enough interest. Simplicity is key, keep things modest but make sure you have all that you need, I like a table that combines decorative elements but is functional also. Choose your colour palette – white is always my foundation colour. My home is a blank canvas, this allows me to add pops colours when decorating and entertaining. I can change the overall look and feel based on my mood or where I am drawing inspiration from. A good host always has a great selection of practical and interesting glassware, make sure your bar cart is all stocked (and please avoid straws they are completely unnecessary!) To create attention, integrate vintage glassware and over-sized wineglasses. Decorations – for me Easter doesn’t need to be over the top, a few carefully selected pieces will work on any table. Try accenting your Easter table or each place setting with modern décor. Now that you have your table looking fabulous, my final piece of advise to any host would be to greet your guests on arrival with a drink. For entertaining with friends and family, you can’t go past an Aperol Spritz. It’a easy to prepare, refreshing, delicious and for me it compliments my style of decorating with the gorgeous pop of orange; helping to create my festive backdrop. Preparing an Aperol Spritz is as easy as 3,2,1 - In a large wine glass full of ice (the more the better) simply add, 3 parts Prosecco (90mls), 2 parts Aperol (60mls), 1 part soda water (30mls, just a dash) then garnish with an orange wedge. Jason Grant

Danielle Cross is a Sydney-based visual artist with a very unique repertoire that stretches from painting to photography. Her contemporary, abstract work embodies movement and elusive compositions. Here, exclusively for Aperol Spritz Australia, Danielle shares with us her top tips for creating the ultimate space for getting creative and setting to mood to create at home. “Getting your creative on is all about feel, space and creating a mood that inspires your inner artist. As an artist and art photographer I draw on the mood I want to convey through the art, the way art on a wall can help the viewer escape and can be drawn into a different time. The way artworks trigger beautiful memories of holidays passed. Mind map a whole range of words, roughly written down on paper or phone or tablet. Such a great way to start the creative process!” says Danielle. Her top tips if you need a little inspiration boost to start creating? HEAD TO INSTAGRAM AND PINTEREST Spend some time scrolling if you need help with ideas or concepts. Start by typing in some key words of anything that inspires you. Save or screenshot your favourite images! LOOK UP YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST Spend some time getting acquainted with your favourite artist or creator. Print out some of your favourite pieces of their work and surround yourself with them. CREATE A MOOD BOARD Create a tangible reference point! Collect those images from your favourite artist, print out your favourite shots from Instagram or Pinterest. You can also create a ‘digital mood-board’ by creating folders in your phone, if you don’t have access to a printer. Always surround yourself with visual references that inspire you when creating. Once you’re feeling inspired… it’s time to set the scene to create! Danielle shares with us her fail-proof tips to curating a space fit to create in. “Where we create is very important, we are all different, some like the chaos some like the ordered. I am a bit of both!” says Danielle. NATURAL LIGHT IS A MUST Create a space with some beautiful natural light. Clear the dining table, clear the lounge room floor, sit in the sunshine in the backyard or balcony. Fresh air and sunshine work wonders for our creative minds! KEEP IT SIMPLE Don’t over complicate the space just go with what feels right! Add your own little personal touches. I often light my favourite candle when I am working indoors. Find your favourite scent and light a candle, spritz some room spray or perfume / cologne to set the mood and awaken your senses for when you’re ready to create. PLAY SOME TUNES! It’s all about the MUSIC! A good soundtrack is a must. Aperol have created the perfect afternoon tunes over on SoundCloud! Music and music lyrics have always played a primary role in my art process. I can recall what song what playing when creating my artworks. It is the transporting qualities that allows are creativity to break free. We hope you’re feeling inspired and have a space set and ready to create… prep your ingredients for the perfect Spritz and get ready to have some fun! Don’t take creating too seriously and don’t place too much pressure on yourself (especially if you’re not artistically inclined!). As Danielle Cross shares with us “THERE ARE NO MISTAKES IN ART!”

Danielle Cross is a Sydney-based visual artist with a very unique repertoire that stretches from painting to photography. Her contemporary, abstract work embodies movement and elusive compositions. Here, exclusively for Aperol Spritz Australia, Danielle shares with us her top tips for creating the ultimate space for getting creative and setting to mood to create at home. “Getting your creative on is all about feel, space and creating a mood that inspires your inner artist. As an artist and art photographer I draw on the mood I want to convey through the art, the way art on a wall can help the viewer escape and can be drawn into a different time. The way artworks trigger beautiful memories of holidays passed. Mind map a whole range of words, roughly written down on paper or phone or tablet. Such a great way to start the creative process!” says Danielle. Her top tips if you need a little inspiration boost to start creating? HEAD TO INSTAGRAM AND PINTEREST Spend some time scrolling if you need help with ideas or concepts. Start by typing in some key words of anything that inspires you. Save or screenshot your favourite images! LOOK UP YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST Spend some time getting acquainted with your favourite artist or creator. Print out some of your favourite pieces of their work and surround yourself with them. CREATE A MOOD BOARD Create a tangible reference point! Collect those images from your favourite artist, print out your favourite shots from Instagram or Pinterest. You can also create a ‘digital mood-board’ by creating folders in your phone, if you don’t have access to a printer. Always surround yourself with visual references that inspire you when creating. Once you’re feeling inspired… it’s time to set the scene to create! Danielle shares with us her fail-proof tips to curating a space fit to create in. “Where we create is very important, we are all different, some like the chaos some like the ordered. I am a bit of both!” says Danielle. NATURAL LIGHT IS A MUST Create a space with some beautiful natural light. Clear the dining table, clear the lounge room floor, sit in the sunshine in the backyard or balcony. Fresh air and sunshine work wonders for our creative minds! KEEP IT SIMPLE Don’t over complicate the space just go with what feels right! Add your own little personal touches. I often light my favourite candle when I am working indoors. Find your favourite scent and light a candle, spritz some room spray or perfume / cologne to set the mood and awaken your senses for when you’re ready to create. PLAY SOME TUNES! It’s all about the MUSIC! A good soundtrack is a must. Aperol have created the perfect afternoon tunes over on SoundCloud! Music and music lyrics have always played a primary role in my art process. I can recall what song what playing when creating my artworks. It is the transporting qualities that allows are creativity to break free. We hope you’re feeling inspired and have a space set and ready to create… prep your ingredients for the perfect Spritz and get ready to have some fun! Don’t take creating too seriously and don’t place too much pressure on yourself (especially if you’re not artistically inclined!). As Danielle Cross shares with us “THERE ARE NO MISTAKES IN ART!”

Creating the perfect ambience for your Aperitivo experience is as easy as the right playlist, delicious food and a refreshing Spritz! APEROL STATION A drink on arrival is a great way to welcome friends to your home. Create an Aperol Spritz station so you can have the Aperol Spritz flowing as soon as your guests step foot in the door. Ingredients needed; Glassware Ice Orange slices Prosecco Aperol Jigger Soda water Learn how to make the perfect Aperol Spritz. SET THE SCENE Create on-theme ambience! Try styling your gathering with table settings, flowers, the right playlist and menu. Looking for inspo? Here are a few of our favourites; BRING THE OUTDOORS IN Ditch the dining room table and head to the living room floor for an indoor picnic with a twist. Pop down a picnic rug and cushions for guests to sit on and add an aperitivo platter and spritz. A floral centrepiece will bring a little bit of nature inside! LONG LUNCH AT HOME You don’t have to head out to have a long lunch. Recreate the moment at-home with a 3 step menu for friends. Start with Aperitivo hour, an antipasto platter and sourdough, move on to the main course and finish with gelato delivered from your favourite neighbourhood spot. The drinks? Aperol Spritz of course! ALL ORANGE EVERYTHING Why not try colour-theming your catch up? Our go-to is Aperol orange. A table runner, a bowl of oranges, a mix of orange flowers and Spritz is all it takes. Bonus points if your group matches their outfits! PLATE UP! You want to be talking, eating and spritzing, not cooking! To make sure you spend as much time socialising, we’ve compiled a list of 10 prep-ahead aperitivo snacks. Our favourites? Bruschetta with a twist and ricotta tortas with marinated capsicum. Salute! THINGS TO MAKE, SEE AND DO Make a night of it and get creative with our Spritz-themed virtual art class! Paint along with Danielle Cross as she shows us how to create her abstract #AperolOrange inspired sunset. Whatever your weekend looks like, we hope it’s filled with friends and a refreshing Spritz! Salute!

Libby Gardner, founder of The Platter Project shares her essential steps to creating a simply stunning Grazing Table 1. Pick your own produce – Chat to your local green grocer about what’s fresh and in season. 2. If you don’t have any styling items at home, place a dinner plate on top of a bowl to create height, similar to a cake stand, adding dimension to your grazing table. 3. Use big, whole pieces of fruit such as oranges, pineapple and coconuts as your decorative elements. Contrast this with berries or dried fruits to bring vibrancy & colour to your table. 4. Slice one or two of your cheeses into cubes making it easy for your guests to pick up and eat. 5. Have something available for all dietary requirements such as vegan and coeliac, so that no one misses out at your party. Also be aware of anyone with allergies. 6. Always line your surface with baking paper for hygiene purposes – this also makes cleaning up much easier! 7. Depending on how big your grazing table is, start your preparation earlier in the day. I recommend setting up 30mins (15mins in summer) before your guests arrive so that cheeses can get to room temperature. 8. Don’t leave any gaps! When you think the platter is complete there is always room to add a little more 9. Learn a few facts about your ingredients, such as where your cheeses come from or how they are made. I guarantee your platter will be a huge talking point so it’s always good to know. 10. Take note of what people will be drinking so you can pair them with your ingredients.

"The Easter long weekend is upon us and it opens so many opportunities to socialise with friends & family. Here we’ve shared a few of our favourite Easter entertaining tips to make your celebration no matter big or small, that little bit more memorable FIND WHAT’S IN SEASON Our sun-kissed tan has started to fade and each morning sunrise starts to feel a little crisper than the last, Easter almost greets us as celebration of the change in season. This provides a variety of beautifully fresh produce to cook with. Some of our favourite pairings are: fennel & citrus for a zesty toss salad, figs or rockmelon paired with salty cured meats, and warm roasted vegetable salads of brussel sprouts, cauliflower or broccoli. MIX & MATCH YOUR SETTING There is something truly blissful about the understated spirit of the Easter season. Getting a little creative and purposely mixing & matching your table setting in the same palette can be just the touch to meet that understated spirit. Interior Stylist, Jason Grant suggests starting with neutral tones as a foundation like a blank canvas, then start to incorporate pops of colour. You can then add some texture with a selection of glassware & cutlery sets, mixing old & new. COOK TOGETHER Sometimes too many cooks in the kitchen can be a good thing. Cooking together, sharing stories and a laugh is a custom traditionally practiced by our Italian ancestors. Preparing a delicious meal with your friends or family also creates such a humbling sense of satisfaction for everyone (just make sure everyone hangs around to help clean up). For those of the group less culinary inclined, can be tasked with the pouring fresh Spritzes, it’s as simple as 3,2,1 – In a large wine glass full of ice, pour 3 parts Prosecco (90mLs), 2 parts Aperol (60mLs) & 1 part Soda water (30mls), garnish with an orange wedge. SERVE FAMILY STYLE It always nice to enjoy a meal when everything you need is at the table. This doesn’t mean 6 different forks that leaves everyone feeling confused – a shared occasion should be more chaotic and convivial than pretentious. Serving family style means everyone is passing dishes across the table and interacting with each other. Wishing all our Aperol adorers and safe & joyful Easter season! Show us how you #ShareASpritz this long weekend @aperolspritzau"