This Aperol spritz looks and tastes like summer. It’s bubbly, light, and most importantly, refreshing. It’s the perfect drink to sip on during a lazy summer afternoon with some light appetizers to nibble on. This cocktail is like an adult version of an orange soda with its perfect balance of sweet and bitter.
Making Aperol spritz at home is easier than you think, as all you need are three simple ingredients and an orange slice for garnish. You don’t even need any special tools to make this cocktail recipe and you are sure to impress your guests. Want another refreshing drink? Try my classic mojito recipe, cucumber martini recipe, or caipirinha recipe.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Aperol — you cannot make an Aperol spritz cocktail without Aperol! Aperol is a vibrant orange Italian bitter apéritif with a unique bittersweet taste and hints of citrus notes. Apéritif is considered a stimulant for the appetite, so this drink is meant to be served before your meal. I don’t recommend any substitution.
Prosecco — Prosecco is a sparkling white wine from Italy. Use a dry (brut) Prosecco if you do not want your drink to be too sweet. If you do not have Prosecco, you can also use champagne.
Club soda — you can use sparkling water or club soda to add the bubbly texture to your cocktail.
Orange slice — while an orange slice is an optional garnish, it’s a traditional garnish and looks pretty!
How to Make Aperol Spritz
1. Fill a wine glass with ice. Pour the Aperol over the ice.
2. Add the Prosecco.
3. Top it with sparkling water.
4. Place an orange slice in the glass and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- This recipe follows the classic 3:2:1 ratio method of 3 parts Prosecco to 2 parts Aperol to 1 part sparkling water. For a stronger Aperol flavor, go 1:1 with equal parts Aperol and Prosecco. You can also make the drink less bitter by using less Aperol and more Prosecco.
- To make the drink even colder, you can chill your glasses in the freezer beforehand.
- Make sure the Aperol and Prosecco are chilled so you do not have to risk diluting the drink with too much ice to keep it cold.
- You can add a splash of orange juice for a sweeter Aperol spritz. It also adds a more tangy, citrus note to the drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I serve with this drink?
I recommend serving Aperol spritz with some Italian or Mediterranean-style appetizers. I love pairing this drink with tomato bruschetta, Panzanella salad, Caprese salad, or simply some burrata with crusty bread.
What’s the difference between Aperol and Campari?
Both Aperol and Campari are popular Italian liqueurs. Campari has a heavier flavor profile with hints of cherry, clove, rhubarb, cinnamon, and orange peel, similar to Aperol’s flavor profile with hints of orange, rhubarb, and bitter herbs. However, Aperol tastes fruitier and sweeter with a more syrupy texture. Aperol is also a lighter spirit with lower alcohol content.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I don’t recommend making a batch of this ahead of time as the club soda and Prosecco will lose their bubbles. However, this drink recipe is so easy to make that you can quickly whip it up right before serving.
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Aperol Spritz
Equipment
- Stemmed wine glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- Splash of sparkling water or club soda
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a white wine glass with ice.
- Pour the Aperol over the ice. Add the prosecco and top it with sparkling water. Place an orange slice in the glass and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe follows the classic 3:2:1 ratio method of 3 parts Prosecco to 2 parts Aperol to 1 part sparkling water. For a stronger Aperol flavor, go 1:1 with equal parts Aperol and Prosecco. You can also make the drink less bitter by using less Aperol and more Prosecco.
- To make the drink even colder, you can chill your glasses in the freezer beforehand.
- Make sure the Aperol and Prosecco are chilled so you do not have to risk diluting the drink with too much ice to keep it cold.
- You can add a splash of orange juice for a sweeter Aperol spritz. It also adds a more tangy, citrus note to the drink.
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