Still ordering the same tired drink while everyone else looks effortlessly European? The Aperol Spritz is bright, bittersweet, and practically glows in your hand like liquid sunset. It is ridiculously easy to make, yet somehow feels fancy enough for a rooftop in Venice. Ready to upgrade your glass game?
Why This Drink Works
- Perfect Balance: Aperol brings bittersweet orange notes, prosecco adds crisp bubbles, and soda lightens the finish.
- Low Effort, High Impact: Three main ingredients. No shaker. No bar tools. Just build and sip.
- Session-Friendly: Lower alcohol than most cocktails, so it’s ideal for brunches and long patio evenings.
- Visually Stunning: That glowing orange hue practically demands to be photographed.
- Customizable: Adjust the prosecco ratio for sweetness or add more soda for a lighter spritz.
The Perfect Aperol Spritz: Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
The Aperol Spritz is the ultimate Italian aperitivo cocktail, known for its vibrant orange color, refreshing bubbles, and perfectly balanced bittersweet flavor. In this recipe, I show you exactly how to make an Aperol Spritz with the classic 3-2-1 ratio of prosecco, Aperol, and soda water so you get a crisp, well-balanced drink every time.
This easy cocktail recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and no special equipment, making it perfect for summer entertaining, brunch, or happy hour at home. If you want a light, refreshing cocktail that looks stunning in the glass and tastes even better, this classic Aperol Spritz recipe delivers bright citrus flavor and effortless elegance in every sip.
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part soda water
- ice
- 1 slice orange for garnish
Instructions
- Add the ice to the glass.
- Add the Prosecco and Aperol.
- Add the soda water and stir.
- Garnish with a slice of orange.
How to Serve an Aperol Spritz
- Glassware Matters: Serve in a large stemmed wine glass to showcase the color and allow room for ice and bubbles to breathe.
- Classic Garnish: Add a fresh orange slice for aroma and visual pop.
- Elevated Garnish: Try a green olive for a slightly savory Northern Italian twist.
- Ice Strategy: Use large, solid cubes to keep the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.
- No Ice Option: Chill all ingredients thoroughly and serve straight up for a more concentrated flavor.
- Pro Move: Add prosecco first, then Aperol, then soda to maintain vibrant color and lively bubbles.
- Entertaining Tip: Pre-slice garnishes and set up a DIY spritz bar for effortless hosting.
What Is Aperol
Aperol is an Italian aperitif crafted from a secret blend of herbs, roots, and citrus, known for its bright orange color and bittersweet flavor. Created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, Italy, it was designed for aperitivo hour—sipping before dinner.
Its most famous use is in the Aperol Spritz, made with prosecco and soda. With a low 11% alcohol content, Aperol is light, refreshing, and festive, making it perfect for cocktails and gatherings worldwide.
Very Adaptable
One of the great things about the Aperol Spritz is that it is a very adaptable cocktail. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash of club soda or a bit more Aperol. If you prefer a more bitter taste, you can add a splash of soda water or a bit more Prosecco. You can also mix and match the ingredients to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste.
Another reason for Aperol Spritz’s popularity is its versatility. It can be served as a pre-dinner aperitif or as a refreshing cocktail to sip on while enjoying a meal. It is also an excellent choice for parties and gatherings, as it is easy to mix up a batch of the cocktail and serve it to a group. The bright orange color of the Aperol also adds a festive touch to any occasion.
The History of the Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz was born in Italy’s Veneto region, where locals in the 1800s began lightening Austrian wines with a splash of soda, coining the term “spritz” from the German spritzen, meaning “to splash.”
Aperol, created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, became the key ingredient in the modern version: prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda. By the 1950s, this vibrant orange, bittersweet cocktail was a favorite in northern Italy, gaining international popularity decades later as a refreshing, low-alcohol drink perfect for summer, brunches, and aperitivo hour.
Today, the Aperol Spritz is an iconic Italian cocktail, celebrated worldwide for its bright color, crisp bubbles, and approachable flavor.
Other Drinks Made With Aperol
- Aperol Sour: Aperol, lemon juice, sugar, egg white; served in a rocks glass.
- Aperol Negroni: Aperol, Campari, sweet vermouth; served in a rocks glass.
- Aperol Gin Fizz: Aperol, gin, lemon juice, sugar, soda; served in a highball glass.
- Aperol Spritz: Aperol, prosecco, soda; served in a wine or cocktail glass.
- Aperol Collins: Aperol, lemon juice, sugar, soda; served in a highball glass.
Popularity
The Aperol Spritz has gained widespread popularity in recent years for a few reasons. One reason is that it is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is easy to drink. Its combination of sweet and bitter flavors and the crisp, dry taste of the Prosecco make it a perfect choice for sipping on a hot summer day or as an aperitif before a meal.
It is a very adaptable cocktail and can be served as a pre-dinner aperitif or as a refreshing sip while enjoying a meal. It is also an excellent choice for parties and gatherings, as mixing up a batch of the cocktail and serving it to a group is easy. The bright orange color of the Aperol also adds a festive touch to any occasion.
The Aperol Spritz has also gained popularity through social media and word-of-mouth. Its colorful and Instagram-worthy appearance, combined with its refreshing taste, has made it a popular choice among those who enjoy sharing their cocktails online. As more and more people have tried the Aperol Spritz and shared their experiences, its popularity has continued to grow.
The Aperol Spritz’s refreshing taste, adaptability, colorful appearance, and social media popularity have contributed to its widespread popularity in recent years.
Besides Soda Water, What Else Can You Use?
A few mixer variations can be added to an Aperol Spritz to change its flavor or adjust its sweetness or bitterness. Some common mixers that are used in Aperol Spritz include:
- Club soda: A common mixer that adds a bit of fizz and refreshment to the cocktail. It can also help balance the sweetness of the Aperol and the bitterness of the Prosecco.
- Orange juice: Some people like to add a splash to their Aperol Spritz for a fruity flavor. This can help to balance out the bitterness of the Aperol and add a bit of sweetness to the drink.
- Cranberry juice: This can be an excellent mixer, adding a bit of tartness and a reddish color to the Aperol Spritz.
- Lime juice: A splash of lime juice can add a bit of tartness and a fresh flavor to the cocktail.
- Ginger ale: This can be a good mixer, adding a bit of spice and a slightly sweet flavor to the Aperol Spritz.
It’s worth noting that these are just a few examples, and many other mixers can be used to give the Aperol Spritz a different flavor. Experimenting with different mixers can be a fun way to find the perfect balance of flavors for your taste. Just be sure to use a light hand when adding mixers, as it’s easy to overpower the flavors of the Aperol and Prosecco.
Do People Drink Aperol By Itself?
While Aperol is often used as an ingredient in cocktails, it can also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif. Aperitifs are alcoholic beverages that are typically consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Aperol is a popular choice for an aperitif because of its sweet and bitter flavor and low alcohol content (around 11%).
Aperol is typically served over ice, garnished with an orange slice or wedge. Some people also like to add a splash of club soda or tonic water to their Aperol to give it a bit of fizz and refreshment.
It’s worth noting that while Aperol can be enjoyed by itself as an aperitif, it is also a trendy ingredient in cocktails. Its sweet and bitter flavor and bright orange color make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aperol Spritz
What is an Aperol Spritz?
An Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail made with Aperol, prosecco, and soda water. It’s known for its bright orange color, crisp bubbles, and bittersweet flavor.
What is Aperol?
Aperol is a low-alcohol Italian aperitif made from a secret blend of herbs, roots, and citrus. It has a bittersweet flavor and vibrant orange color, perfect for refreshing cocktails.
What is the history of the Aperol Spritz?
The Spritz originated in Italy’s Veneto region in the 1800s when locals added soda to Austrian wines. Aperol was created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, and by the 1950s, it became the key ingredient in the modern Aperol Spritz.
How do I make an Aperol Spritz?
Use the classic 3-2-1 ratio: 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water. Serve over ice in a large stemmed wine glass with an orange slice garnish. Add prosecco first, then Aperol, then soda to maintain color and bubbles.
What glass should I use for an Aperol Spritz?
Traditionally, serve in a large stemmed wine glass or cocktail glass to showcase its color and allow room for ice and bubbles. Highball glasses work for variations like Aperol Collins or Gin Fizz.
Can I make an Aperol Spritz without ice?
Yes! Chill all ingredients thoroughly and serve straight up. This keeps the flavor more concentrated and avoids dilution, though ice is traditional for a refreshing sip.
What other cocktails use Aperol?
Aperol is versatile. Popular options include Aperol Sour, Aperol Negroni, Aperol Gin Fizz, Aperol Collins, and of course the classic Aperol Spritz.
What makes Aperol Spritz different from a regular Spritz?
The Aperol Spritz specifically uses Aperol, giving it a sweeter, slightly bitter orange flavor. Classic Spritzes can use other aperitifs, like Campari, for a more intense bitter profile.
Is an Aperol Spritz strong?
No, it’s a light cocktail with around 11% alcohol. It’s perfect for casual drinking, brunch, or aperitivo hour without being overly strong.
How can I garnish an Aperol Spritz?
Traditionally, use an orange slice. You can also try a green olive for a savory twist or experiment with lemon zest or a sprig of fresh herbs for a modern presentation.