It’s bright orange and totally refreshing! If you haven’t tried an Aperol Spritz cocktail yet, you need to! With just 3 ingredients, this classic summer drink is quick and easy to make and will make you think you are on an Italian vacation.
This #SpritzBreak post is sponsored by Aperol.
This post was originally posted, July 20, 2015 and has been updated to include better instructions and more information on Aperol.
Wine cocktails, like this Aperol Spritz Cocktail, are perfect for warm weather and fun to serve on a patio. There are certain cocktail recipes that just feel like summer. And a spritz is one of those!
Why this recipe works
With its bright orange color and refreshing bubbles, you’re going to love it. It’s super simple and doesn’t require any special equipment.
While I like to keep my home bar free of those odd or one-off flavored liquors, Aperol is something that can be used in a variety of cocktails. It’s refreshing and has a unique, bitter orange flavor that can be used in all kinds of drinks.
Don’t want to make a spritz? Here are two other easy, refreshing drinks you can make with Aperol.
Whether you are making the perfect Aperol Spritz for yourself to enjoy or making them for friends, this recipe is so easy, basically, a formula, that you’ll be able to memorize it and make it at home, on vacation or anywhere you want to enjoy this yummy cocktail.
Doesn’t the word “spritz” sound so girly and sophisticated at the same time? They’re a great day-drinking cocktail since they tend to have less alcohol than regular cocktails.
Check out my classic White Wine Spritzer, Red Wine Spritzer and this Blood Orange Spritzer with Thyme.
Ingredient notes
Prosecco is just Italian sparkling wine which means if you have any kind of sparkling wine, it will work! Champagne, Cava, whatever you have is fine.
Aperol is pretty easy to find. You can find it at your local grocery store, Target and any specialty liquor store.
This refreshing drink also needs a little water. I use sparkling mineral water, but you can use club soda if you want a little more fizz. This is a personal preference.
Why do orange slices smell so good?! Oranges are like an instant vacation so they are a must to garnish this drink. The smell is invigorating and comforting. It also enhances the orange flavor of the Aperol.
Aperol Substitute
There are several aperitif options that have a bitter flavor that could take the place of Aperol. Look for things that are similar in color and have notes of citrus and herbs. I suggest heading to a store like Total Wine and browsing the shelves. Luxardo Aperitivo would work as would Campari.
If you didn’t want to buy another liquor, you could maybe do a mix of fresh orange and grapefruit juice plus a splash of gin. I have not tried this but it may give you the vibe. Gin would have the herbal elements (add a few dashes of bitters too!) and the orange and grapefruit would give you the bitter citrus.
How to Make the perfect Italian Spritz
Any glass will work but a stemless wine glass is always a great choice. I have my eye on spritz glasses for summer. Because they’re cute!
We used a jigger for the first one to make sure we got the measurements right. But you really don’t need to use it. It’s perfectly okay to eyeball it.
Aperol Spritz Recipe 3-2-1
To the wine glass with ice add 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part soda or sparkling water.
So easy. Once you know the Aperol Spritz drink measurements, you can easily make one drink or many!
(Update 2021) Aperol has updated their recipe to be equal parts Aperol and Prosecco topped with a splash of sparkling water. Try them both ways and let me know which way you like better!
Add a slice of orange to the glass. And you’re ready to sip!
A classic Italian Aperol Spritz is SO easy to make and I love how vibrant the color is. And when you bring the glass to your lips and get that gorgeous orange scent…so good!
As usual, I created a summer playlist to set the tone.
The Spritz is a great cocktail to serve at a girl’s night in. You can have all the ingredients, kept chilled in an ice bucket, and enjoy a lovely evening on the patio.
You’ll totally crave the satisfying citrus herbal flavor.
This is totally a drink for those hot summer days where you need something to cool you down. And who doesn’t love a little bubble from the Prosecco and soda water?
The Aperol Spritz cocktail is a total show stopper. The color alone will stop people in their tracks. I love things that look impressive but are ridiculously easy.
Top tips
This is a great drink for a crowd! Just prep the bar area before your guests arrive: slice your oranges, set out some wine glasses and fun paper straws. The only tool you need is for measuring. Everyone can make their own.
If you just one to make one for yourself, you can use individual-sized champagne so you don’t waste a whole bottle.
To make an even lower in alcohol drink, you can add more club soda and less of Aperol and champagne.
Increase the serving size in the recipe card to figure out how to make them by the pitcher.
Frequently asked questions
Aperol is an aperitif. It’s lower in alcohol and typically enjoyed before dinner. They are said to prepare the palette for food. You can read more about aperitifs in my review of Haus!
Orange is the dominant flavor in an Aperol Spritz. It’s on the bitter side, with herbal notes and really refreshing. A little bit of sweetness and effervescence comes from the Prosecco. Sparkling water smooths everything out.
Though the taste is not sweet, Aperol has a fair amount of sugar in it. It’s not a low-calorie option but is a great way to add flavor even if you don’t use very much.
Because it is lower in alcohol content, it won’t stay fresh at room temperature for long. To make it last longer, you can store it in the refrigerator. If you are planning to sip these regularly through summer, you shouldn’t need to bother. I’ve read instances of people keeping the bottle for 12 months at room temperature and not noticing any loss of quality.
Aperol is best known for the Italian Spritz, but you can certainly sip it on its own! Over ice, this bitter orange aperitif would be a yummy way to enjoy an afternoon by the pool. Or try an Aperol Soda.
The Spritz Cocktail feels like the perfect summer cocktail to make at home! Make this summer an Aperol Spritz summer!
Related recipes
Need more ideas? Check out my Cocktail Category or my Moscow Mule Variations, Vodka Cocktails, and Wine Cocktails.
Italian Spritz
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce soda water
- ice
- slice of orange to garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a stemless wine glass or spritz glass.
- Add 3 parts (sticking with ounces keeps things super easy) prosecco to the glass.
- Add 2 parts Aperol.
- Top with 1 part soda water.
- Add a slice of orange.
- Enjoy!
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