Aperol Spritz: Can You Get a DUI After Just One if the Alcohol Content Is 11%?

What is the alcohol content of an Aperol Spritz, and can you get a DUI after just one drink? Yes, you can get a DUI after one Aperol Spritz as the alcohol content is 11% and depending on the person consuming it that could get your blood alcohol content over .08. Here is how to prevent getting a DUI after just one drink, by waiting an hour after consuming it before driving.

It’s springtime, and the buzz (no pun intended) about must-have drinks in 2024 is all about the Aperol Spritz. Many Portlanders want to know if it’s safe to drink one, and then drive. No one wants to have brunch and receive a DUI.

What Is An Aperol Spritz?

The Aperol Spritz is a widely loved Italian cocktail with roots dating back to the early 20th century. The key ingredient, Aperol, was created by the Barbieri brothers, Luigi and Silvio, in 1919 in Padua, Italy. It was first introduced at the Padua International Fair. Aperol is an aperitif made from an infusion of herbs and roots, celebrated for its bright orange hue and bittersweet flavor.

The idea of the Spritz originated in the Veneto region during the 19th century, when northern Italy was under Austrian rule. Austrian soldiers, finding Italian wines too strong, began adding a splash of water to their drinks, calling it “Spritz,” which comes from the German word “spritzen,” meaning to spray or splash.

The modern version of the Aperol Spritz began to emerge in the 1950s when Aperol was combined with Prosecco, a sparkling wine from the Veneto region, and a splash of soda water. This mix became a light, refreshing, and low-alcohol aperitif that quickly gained popularity, particularly in the Veneto region.

In the early 2000s, the Aperol Spritz saw a surge in international popularity. After the Campari Group acquired Aperol in 2003, they launched widespread marketing campaigns that helped establish the Aperol Spritz as a trendy, vibrant cocktail, further expanding its global reach.

The classic recipe for the Aperol Spritz is simple: fill a wine glass with ice, pour in three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, one part soda water, and garnish with an orange slice.

Today, the Aperol Spritz is a symbol of the Italian aperitivo tradition, enjoyed around the world as an emblem of Italian lifestyle and social gatherings. Its vibrant color, refreshing taste, and straightforward preparation continue to make it a favored choice for various occasions.

What is Aperol Spritz Alcohol Content?

An Aperol Spritz is a relatively low-alcohol cocktail. The alcohol content can vary slightly depending on the proportions used and the specific types of Prosecco and soda water added. However, on average, an Aperol Spritz contains about 8-10% alcohol by volume (ABV).

To break it down:

• Aperol itself has an ABV of 11%.
• Prosecco typically has an ABV of around 11-12%.
• Soda water is non-alcoholic.

Given the standard recipe of three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, and one part soda water, the overall ABV of the cocktail is diluted. Here’s a rough estimation of the alcohol content:

1. Aperol Contribution: 2 parts of Aperol (11% ABV)
2. Prosecco Contribution: 3 parts of Prosecco (approximately 11.5% ABV)
3. Soda Water Contribution: 1 part soda water (0% ABV)

The resulting mixture, when averaged out and considering the dilution from soda water, typically results in an overall ABV of about 8-10%.

How Does The Alcohol Content of an Aperol Spritz Compare With Beer or Wine?

The alcohol content of beer and wine can vary widely depending on the type and brand, but here are general averages for comparison:

• Beer: The average beer has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 4-6%. Lighter beers might be lower, around 3-4%, while stronger beers, such as IPAs or stouts, can range from 6-8% or even higher.
• Wine: The average wine has an ABV of around 12-15%. White wines tend to be on the lower end of this range, while red wines often have a higher ABV. Some fortified wines, like port or sherry, can have an ABV of 18-20% or more.

Comparatively, an Aperol Spritz, with an average ABV of 8-10%, falls between the typical alcohol content of beer and wine. It is stronger than most beers but generally has a lower alcohol content than most wines.

Can I get a DUI after 1 Aperol Spritz in Oregon?

Obviously, if someone wants to be as safe as possible when driving, they wouldn’t consume anything at all which could cause intoxication or impairment. This includes but is not limited to alcohol, drugs, or even supplements with psychoactive effects.

Candidly, the answer to whether or not it’s safe to drive after one Aperol Spritz is too vague, subjective, or philosophical as to be answered definitively.

The answer of whether it’s legal to drive in Oregon after one Aperol Spritz depends primarily on three factors:

1. The size of the Aperol Spritz consumed (or whether the bartender or server made it a “double” or was generous with the pours),
2. The height and weight of the person consuming the Aperol Spritz, and
3. Whether or not the drinker’s mental or physical faculties were adversely affected to a noticeable or perceptible degree after consuming the Aperol Spritz.

In short, a DUI attorney would likely recommend that someone of modest or large size/weight consume no more than one modest Aperol Spritz, wait at least an hour for some of the alcohol to metabolize, and then to exercise caution when later driving.

For someone of smaller size/weight (e.g. women), a single Aperol Spritz could actually get them to a .08 BAC and/or cause them to be mentally or physically impaired much more easily.

Sorry ladies, but you need to be careful when enjoying this popular drink. It may have a lighter flavor than wine, but it actually has a higher alcohol content.