An Aperol spritz is an Italian cocktail made of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. Bittersweet, bubbly, and refreshing, it’s the perfect pre-dinner drink!
An Aperol spritz is one of my favorite summer cocktails. This Italian drink is made with three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, and one part club soba and garnished with an orange slice. It’s bittersweet, bubbly, and oh-so-refreshing.
If you’re going to Italy on vacation this summer, make sure to order one as an aperitivo while you’re there.
If you’re not, make this Aperol spritz recipe with me at home. It’s super simple (no special equipment required!), so it’s the perfect easy, elegant drink for laid-back summer nights. Enjoy!
Aperol Spritz Ingredients
You need 3 key ingredients to make this recipe:
- Aperol, of course! Aperol is an Italian aperitif, or pre-dinner liqueur. Developed by the Barbieri brothers in 1919, it has a bright orange color and citrusy, bittersweet flavor. Its exact ingredients are a secret, but key components include rhubarb, gentian root, and cinchona bark, which gives the drink its characteristic bitterness.
- Prosecco – Prosecco is a sparkling wine produced in northeast Italy. It varies in sweetness. For the least sweet flavor, look for a bottle labeled “brut.” “Extra-dry” and “dry” Prosecco will be sweeter. In a pinch, substitute another sparkling wine such as Champagne or cava.
- Club soda or sparkling water – It adds extra bubbles and balances the alcoholic ingredients.
You’ll also need ice, because a cooler drink is a more refreshing drink. And an orange slice is the traditional Aperol spritz garnish!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
This Aperol spritz recipe is one of the easiest cocktails to make at home.
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Pour in the Prosecco, followed by the Aperol and club soda.
- Garnish with a thin slice of orange and serve!
And of course, adjust the balance of flavors to your liking. Add more Prosecco for a less bitter drink or an extra splash of club soda if it’s tasting too strong. Keep in mind that the ice will also dilute the spritz as it melts.
Variation
Make a Campari spritz by replacing the Aperol with Campari.
Note that Campari has a higher alcohol content than Aperol (28% ABV vs Aperol’s 11%), so a Campari spritz is much stronger. You may want to start with a lower ratio of Campari to Prosecco and sparkling water and add more to taste.
What to Serve with an Aperol Spritz
Aperol spritzes are often served as an aperitivo, or pre-dinner drink, in Italy. They’re commonly accompanied by light bites or snacks, which are intended to whet the appetite before dinner.
For a fun at-home aperitivo hour, pair Aperol spritzes with any of these summer appetizers:
Cheers!
More Refreshing Cocktail Recipes
If you love this recipe, try one of these refreshing cocktails next:
