New York Times rips Aperol Spritz, sends Internet into contentious debate

Rebecca King
NorthJersey

Global warming, political crises and the most recent "Game of Thrones" episode all took a backseat in sparking online outrage this Thursday night.

To – wait for it – Aperol Spritzes.

Indeed, this little drink, made of Prosecco, club soda, Aperol and an orange slice, has been causing quite a commotion, prompted by a New York Times story by the James Beard Award-nominated Rebekah Peppler headlined “The Aperol Spritz Is Not a Good Drink.”

In the column, she claimed the Aperol Spritz is “something that drinks like a Capri Sun after soccer practice on a hot day. Not in a good way.”

Who knew this would be one of the Times’ most divisive columns of the year? The story got 4,000 reactions on Facebook and more than 3,000 comments, and counting.

Wrote one affronted commenter: “And now another example of how an Italian Great has been reduced to a 'one size fits all measure' by the Americans. If you make something incorrectly it is obvious that it won't taste as good. Enjoy your spaghetti meatballs."

“I really respect the passion with which this was written,” commented another.

Aperol Spritz is a simple, refreshing cocktail for summer.

It even prompted Grub Street to write its own counterattack: an article headlined Entire Internet Agrees Aperol Spritz Is, in Fact, Good.”

Lauren Tarzian, mixologist at Somos in North Arlington, said she never understood the appeal of Aperol, until she got creative with the liquor, using it in cocktails besides the Aperol Spritz.

“You can mix it with so many things: Prosecco, Italian sparkling wine, club soda. When you’re doing something with that bitter Aperol, you need other dry tastes,” she said. “That’s where you get that nice balance of the bubbly.”

The debate rages on on Twitter.

Nigella Lawson weighed in: “Why would anyone have a Tizer-like Aperol Spritz when you could have a Campari Soda or even an Americano?”

The publication Food & Wine took to Twitter to announce, “Team Aperol Spritz forever.”

Apparently, opinions on Aperol Spritzes were the hidden land mines of the dining landscape just waiting to explode – until Peppler unknowingly wandered onto their path.

After all, what’s wrong with a Capri Sun on a hot day?

Bar Manager Lauren Tarzian makes a cocktail at Somos restaurant in North Arlington, New Jersey, on March 6, 2019.

Tarzian confirms: she gets plenty of requests for Aperol Spritzes from customers on a nightly basis.

Since the world has decided to champion this low-alcohol, bubbly drink, we’ve decided to jump on the bandwagon – kind of. Here are where to find Aperol cocktails in North Jersey.

The Fox and Falcon, South Orange

Try the Mulo Rosso, made with Averna, Aperol, lime and ginger beer. 19 Valley St., South Orange; 973-419-6773, thefoxandfalconnj.com.

The Hill, Closter

Try Bitter Intentions, made with Brugal 188 dark rum, Aperol, Cocchi vermouth, chocolate bitters and absinthe. 252 Schraalenburgh Road, Closter; 201-899-4700, thehillcloster.com.

Somos, North Arlington

Interior photo of Somos restaurant in North Arlington on Wednesday March 6, 2019.

Try The Desmond, made with Casamigos, mezcal, Aperol, lime, honey ginger syrup and a lime twist.

Or The Scarlet, made with Aperol, egg whites and pisco. 185 River Road, North Arlington; 201-621-0899, somosnj.com.

Ariane Kitchen & Bar, Verona

Try Winning Attitude, made with Filibuster bourbon, Lillet and Aperol. 706 Bloomfield Ave., Verona; 973-744-0533, .arianekb.com.

City Perch, Fort Lee

Try Afternoon Delight, made with house-infused lemon berry vodka, Rare Tea Cellar lemon berry tea, Aperol, fresh lemonade and mint. 2023 Hudson St., Fort Lee; 201-582-7101, cityperch.com.

The Crosby, Montclair

Try Out Boulevardier, made with Filibuster bourbon, Aperol and Punt e’ Mes. 193 Glenridge Ave., Montclair; 973-509-2337, thecrosbymontclair.com.

Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen, Montclair

Try the Avispa, made with El Buho mezcal, Aperol, grapefruit, lime and agave. 398 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair; 973-968-5303, pharmaciebar.com.

Kyma Flatiron, New York City

From now through May 17, Kyma is offering happy hour pricing anytime on any cocktail from its Spritz menu. To get the deal, you'll have to post a photo the the Spritz on social media with the hashtag #TeamSpritz. 15 W. 18th St., New York; 212-268-5555, kymarestaurants.com.