Aperol Spritz has become one of the most recognisable drinks at modern UK events. Bright, refreshing and easy to enjoy, it now appears at weddings, garden parties, rooftop bars, private celebrations and corporate receptions across the country.
Its appeal is easy to understand. An Aperol Spritz looks vibrant, feels sociable and works well as a welcome drink. For organisers, Aperol Spritz Cart Hire offers a practical way to create a stylish drinks feature without handling every detail themselves.
At Candy Buffets, we see a clear shift towards interactive event experiences. Guests enjoy stations that look good, feel memorable and run smoothly, whether that means a spritz cart, a candy buffet, a pick-and-mix stand, a popcorn machine, waffles, crepes, ice cream, slush or candy floss.
What is an Aperol Spritz?
An Aperol Spritz is a sparkling Italian aperitif cocktail, usually made with Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, ice and an orange slice. Aperol describes the classic serve as Prosecco D.O.C., Aperol, a splash of soda water and an orange garnish.
The flavour is light, bittersweet and citrus-led. Compared with stronger cocktails, it feels relaxed and easy-going, which makes it popular for daytime and early evening events.
Why is it called a Spritz Drink?
The wider spritz tradition comes from the idea of making wine lighter and more refreshing with a splash of water or soda. Over time, Italian aperitifs and sparkling wine became part of that ritual.
Today, the Spritz drink is about more than a recipe. It represents relaxed socialising, pre-dinner drinks and warm-weather celebrations.
The Italian Origins of Aperol Spritz
Aperol was created in Padua, Italy, in 1919 by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri. The official Aperol history describes it as a lighter aperitif developed during a period when pre-dinner drinks were becoming more common.
The Aperol Spritz later became closely linked with Italian aperitivo culture. This tradition brings people together before dinner for a drink, light food and conversation. That simple social purpose still explains much of the drink’s success today.
How Aperol Spritz Became a Modern Classic
Aperol Spritz became a modern classic because it combines taste, appearance and occasion. Its orange colour, ice-filled glass and citrus garnish make it instantly recognisable.
For events, presentation matters. A well-styled drinks station can create a natural meeting point, improve the look of event photography and add energy to a space without feeling formal.
The same principle applies to dessert catering for weddings and private parties. A chocolate fountain, pick ‘n’ mix stand, popcorn machine or candy floss cart brings movement, colour and interaction to an event while keeping service simple for guests.
When Did Aperol Spritz Become Popular in the UK?
Aperol Spritz gained strong momentum in the UK during the 2010s, helped by outdoor drinking, brunch culture, Italian-inspired dining and social media-friendly cocktails.
Marketing Week reported in 2018 that Campari UK increased investment after establishing a dedicated UK base, which helped support Aperol’s growth in the market.
By the mid-2020s, Aperol Spritz had become a major part of UK cocktail culture. NielsenIQ reported that Aperol Spritz attracted 13.6% of Britain’s cocktail spending in the third quarter of 2025, making it Britain’s most popular cocktail by spending share at that time.
For weddings, parties and corporate event catering, this matters because guests already know the drink. It feels familiar, but still special enough for an occasion.
Why Aperol Spritz Appeals to UK Event Guests
Aperol Spritz works well across many UK event styles. It suits summer weddings, garden parties, brand launches, exhibitions, workplace celebrations and outdoor receptions.
Its visual appeal also helps. Orange drinks, branded carts, neat glassware and fresh garnish displays can lift the look of a venue. For corporate events, a branded drinks cart can support product launches, staff events and promotional spaces where presentation matters.
Why Choose Aperol Spritz Cart Hire?
Aperol Spritz Cart Hire can help organisers create a polished guest experience. A managed cart gives the drink a clear home, keeps service organised and makes the setup feel more intentional.
A professional hire service can also support delivery, set-up, staffing where applicable and tidy packdown. This matters at busy events, where organisers need suppliers who arrive prepared and keep the experience running smoothly.
Where alcohol is concerned, organisers should also consider venue rules, licensing requirements, responsible service, and suitable non-alcoholic alternatives when serving it. Organisers should also consider venue rules, licensing requirements, responsible service, and suitable non-alcoholic alternatives.
Aperol Spritz and Dessert Catering for Weddings
Aperol Spritz pairs naturally with relaxed food and dessert-led celebrations. Many couples use a spritz cart for arrival drinks, then add sweet stations later in the day.
Popular combinations include:
Aperol Spritz Cart with a Candy Buffet:
This works well for colourful weddings, birthdays and summer parties. The drinks station welcomes guests, while the candy buffet adds a fun treat area for later.
Spritz Cart with Waffles, Crepes or Ice Cream:
Freshly served desserts add warmth and theatre. They also suit evening receptions when guests want something more informal than a plated dessert.
Aperol Spritz with popcorn or pick-n-mix:
A popcorn machine or pick-n-mix stand can work well for corporate launches, exhibitions and staff events. These stations are simple, visual and easy for guests to enjoy while networking.
Is Aperol Spritz Still Popular in the UK?
Yes, Aperol Spritz remains popular in the UK, although it now sits within a wider spritz trend. Drinks such as Hugo Spritz have also gained attention, showing continued interest in lighter, sparkling and sociable drinks.
That makes spritz-style service a safe but current choice for many events. It feels familiar without being dull and stylish without being too formal.
For a more traditionally British summer event, Pimms cart hire can also be a strong alternative, especially for garden parties, race days, outdoor weddings, school events and corporate summer celebrations.
How Candy Buffets Supports UK Events
Candy Buffets provides UK-wide dessert catering and event hire for weddings, parties and corporate bookings. The focus is on attractive, managed setups that look professional and run efficiently.
Depending on the chosen package, the service can include delivery, set-up, staffing, guest service and tidy pack-down. Candy Buffets also uses maintained equipment, PAT-tested electricals where relevant and a practical approach to event layout and presentation.
For organisers, this reduces pressure on the day and helps create a smoother guest experience.
Final Thoughts
The Aperol Spritz has travelled from its Italian aperitivo roots to become a firm favourite at UK weddings, parties and corporate events. Its success comes from a simple mix of colour, refreshment, flavour and sociability.
For hosts, the best results come from choosing a setup that looks appealing, serves guests efficiently and fits the tone of the event.
Whether you are considering Aperol Spritz cart hire, dessert catering for weddings, corporate event catering, Pimm’s cart hire or a mix of sweet-and-treat stations, a managed event setup can help create a memorable experience without adding extra stress for the organiser.