It’s *finally* Aperol Spritz weather – this is how many calories are in your favourite drinks - Vuihoctienghan

Sun’s out, Aperol Spritz’s out. That bright orange aperitif that’s been taking British beer gardens (and holiday sunloungers by storm is officially back out thanks to the sun finally rearing its head (about time, given we’re already halfway through June).

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But it’s not just this summer the drink has boomed: sales of the drink are five times higher than they were in 2009 – and still increasing every single year. And, look, no one turns to an Aperol thinking it’s a healthy drink (we have green juices and protein shakes to fill that void, thank you very much) but sometimes it’s good to know what’s actually in the drink you reach for every summer weekend.

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Well, we quizzed The Naked Nutritionist Daniel O’Shaughnessy for his thoughts on the Aperol Spritz. Time to hand over to the nutritionist…

‘There are 125 calories in a standard Aperol Spritz,’ O’Shaughnessy says. In terms of an Aperol Spritz’s individual parts, that looks like:

60ml Prosecco = 40 calories

35ml Aperol = 85 calories

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Soda = 0 calories

Okay, so don’t be fooled – your summertime tipple is alcoholic, after all. And alcohol brings with it its own host of health drawbacks – cancer, heart disease, and diabetes (to name but a few). But, that said, dig deep (really deep) and you may find your Aperol Spritz contains more benefits than, say, a vodka shot.

O’Shaughnessy gives his take.

1. Aperol is a low-strength spirit

It’s around 11% compared to 40% in standard spirits. So, if you’re trying to cut back from alcohol, this could be a better option for you.

2. Aperol tastes bitter

Which is good why? Well, bitts are good at supporting digestion and stimulating bile.

3. Aperol is made from herbs

The ingredients in Aperol itself, include gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, amongst others. Herbs and zests yield antioxidant benefits but, whether they would in the small quantities present in an Aperol Spritz, well, that’s a long shot.

There’s no getting away from the fact that an Aperol Spritz contains alcohol – both from the Aperol itself and the Prosecco it’s mixed with. And, it’s well documented that alcohol can lead to behaviour changes, cancer (breast cancer, for example, is more common in women who drink excessively), fatigue, osteoporosis, and liver and heart damage.

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But, as already mentioned, Aperol is a low-strength spirit so, in terms of how much you’d likely be consuming in one sitting (compared to if you were drinking spirits, for example), your overall intake is likely to be much less. And, as demonstrated by Aperol’s marketing, aperitivo time is a social affair – and the health benefits of spending time with others have been scientifically shown.

As with all alcoholic beverages, consuming in moderation is key. Women are advised to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, according to the NHS, and these should be spread over three or more days.

‘There are around 1.5 units in a standard Aperol Spritz,’ says O’Shaughnessy. ‘For a completely alcohol-free alternative, try a Seedlip gin; perfect with soda and cucumber.’

You could take your three ingredients (Prosecco, Aperol and soda) and follow the traditional 3:2:1 method. However, there is a move (including from the Aperol team itself) towards doing things 50:50 with just a splash of soda. Garnish with a slice of orange and you’re done.

Looking for a non-alcohol alternative that matches in taste?

‘Try Crodinio,’ says O’Shaughnessy. ‘Just be aware it acts like a soft drink in terms of its sugar content.’

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