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This Aperol Spritz Recipe is your ticket to a bright, Italian-style summer cocktail that’s effortlessly refreshing and wonderfully bitter-sweet.
I first fell in love with this drink on a sun-soaked terrace in Venice, watching gondolas glide by as the sunset painted the sky. The Aperol Spritz is Italy’s most famous aperitif: equal parts Prosecco and Aperol, a splash of soda, crowned with an orange slice. It’s light on alcohol (around 10–11% ABV), low in calories (roughly 120 per glass), and comes together in under five minutes—no oven, no fuss. Honestly, you can’t beat that for a summer drink that feels festive yet totally laid-back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ready in a flash—3 minutes from fridge to first sip
• Classic Italian flair—brings aperitivo tradition home
• Low-ABV cocktail—savor more without overdoing it
• Simple pantry staples—Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, orange
• Crowd-pleaser—perfect for backyard barbecues or Zoom happy hour
• Vibrant color—cheerful coral hue that brightens any gathering
• Easily customizable—tweak ratios or add an herb sprig
• Budget-friendly—no fancy liqueurs or obscure ingredients
Ingredients
• 2 oz Aperol (bitter-orange aperitif; Campari swap for bolder bitterness)
• 3 oz Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine; try La Marca or Mionetto)
• 1 oz soda water (Schweppes or Pellegrino work great)
• Ice cubes (large ones melt slower—keeps drink chill without dilution)
• Orange slice, for garnish (blood orange in fall; classic Valencia in summer)
Tips:
– Use a large wine glass so flavors can breathe.
– Chill Prosecco and Aperol for at least 2 hours before assembling.
– Pick ripe oranges for a fragrant garnish; twist peel over the glass to release oils.
Directions
- Chill Your Glass
Pop your wine glass into the freezer for 5–10 minutes—cold glass equals extra refreshment. - Load the Ice
Fill the glass about three-quarters full with large ice cubes (they melt slowly and look elegant). - Pour the Aperol
Measure 2 oz of Aperol with a jigger and pour it over the ice; you’ll love how it coats each cube in that sunset hue. - Add Prosecco
Tilt the glass slightly and gently stream in 3 oz of Prosecco—this keeps those bubbles alive. - Top with Soda
Add 1 oz of soda water for a delicate fizz; if you prefer a stronger spritz, cut back to a half ounce. - Stir (Gently)
Use a bar spoon to give it one or two slow stirs—this blends without knocking out the sparkle. - Garnish and Serve
Slide in an orange wheel or twist a peel over the top to release aromatic oils. Serve immediately.
Servings & Timing
Makes: 1 Aperol Spritz cocktail
Prep Time: 3 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
Total Time: 5 minutes
Note: Scale up easily—just maintain the 3:2:1 ratio (Prosecco:Aperol:soda) for any crowd.
Variations
• Grapefruit Spritz: Swap soda water for grapefruit tonic—zesty and tangy.
• Elderflower Spritz: Add 0.5 oz St-Germain for floral sweetness.
• Campari Spritz: Swap Aperol for Campari if you crave more bitterness.
• Non-Alcoholic Spritz: Use Seedlip Grove, non-alcoholic bubbly, and a dash of orange bitters.
• Rosé Spritz: Replace Prosecco with sparkling rosé for a pink-tinged twist.
Storage & Reheating
• Pre-Batch in Pitcher: Mix Aperol and Prosecco in a pitcher up to 24 hours ahead; keep chilled, add soda and ice just before serving.
• Fridge Storage: Unmixed Aperol Spritz does not store well—add soda and orange garnish fresh.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Chill all liquids and glassware, then assemble in minutes when guests arrive.
Notes
– Ratio Matters: I found that 3:2:1 hits the sweet-bitter spot every time. Too much soda, and you lose the color; too little, and it tastes heavy.
– Glassware Choice: A large stemmed wine glass shows off the coral color and lets you swirl in the aromas.
– Carbonation Tip: If your Prosecco goes flat, buy Italian deli-style sparkling water and add half the bubbles yourself.
– Seasonal Twist: In autumn, swap Valencia oranges for blood oranges, and add a rosemary sprig for extra aroma.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the difference between an Aperol Spritz and a Campari Spritz?
A: Aperol is sweeter and lower in alcohol (11% ABV vs. Campari’s 24%), so a Campari Spritz feels more bitter and stronger.
Q2: Can I use any sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?
A: Yes—Cava or sparkling rosé work, but classic Prosecco lends that light, fruity note you expect in a traditional Italian spritz.
Q3: How many calories are in an Aperol Spritz?
A: Approximately 120–140 calories per 5-oz glass, depending on your Prosecco’s sugar level and soda amount.
Q4: Why is my spritz flat too quickly?
A: Make sure your Prosecco is well chilled and pour gently over tilted glass; stir minimally to keep fizz alive.
Q5: Can I make a big batch ahead of time?
A: Absolutely—mix Aperol and Prosecco in a sealed pitcher up to a day ahead, then add soda, ice, and garnish when you’re ready.
Q6: What’s the best garnish?
A: A fresh orange wheel is classic, but grapefruit peel or a sprig of mint gives a lovely aromatic twist.
Q7: How do I adjust sweetness or bitterness?
A: Reduce Aperol for less sweetness or swap to Campari for more bite; you can also play with flavored sodas or tonics.
Q8: Is this drink kid-friendly?
A: For a mocktail version, use non-alcoholic sparkling wine, Seedlip Grove, and a dash of orange bitters—it’s all the fun without the buzz.
Conclusion
This Aperol Spritz Recipe captures everything we love about an Italian aperitif: bright color, bittersweet flavor, and an easy vibe that says “cheers” to summer. Give it a whirl at your next gathering, then come back and tell me how you customized it—did you try the elderflower twist or the non-alcoholic mocktail version? Share your thoughts below, and don’t miss my Negroni Recipe for another corner of Italy in your glass!
Aperol Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aperol bitter-orange aperitif; Campari swap for bolder bitterness
- 3 oz Prosecco Italian sparkling wine; try La Marca or Mionetto
- 1 oz soda water Schweppes or Pellegrino work great
- Ice cubes large ones melt slower—keeps drink chill without dilution
- Orange slice, for garnish blood orange in fall; classic Valencia in summer
Instructions
- Pop your wine glass into the freezer for 5–10 minutes—cold glass equals extra refreshment.
- Fill the glass about three-quarters full with large ice cubes (they melt slowly and look elegant).
- Measure 2 oz of Aperol with a jigger and pour it over the ice; you’ll love how it coats each cube in that sunset hue.
- Tilt the glass slightly and gently stream in 3 oz of Prosecco—this keeps those bubbles alive.
- Add 1 oz of soda water for a delicate fizz; if you prefer a stronger spritz, cut back to a half ounce.
- Use a bar spoon to give it one or two slow stirs—this blends without knocking out the sparkle.
- Slide in an orange wheel or twist a peel over the top to release aromatic oils. Serve immediately.
Notes
– Glassware Choice: A large stemmed wine glass shows off the coral color and lets you swirl in the aromas.
– Carbonation Tip: If your Prosecco goes flat, buy Italian deli-style sparkling water and add half the bubbles yourself.
– Seasonal Twist: In autumn, swap Valencia oranges for blood oranges, and add a rosemary sprig for extra aroma.
