There’s something about that first sip of an Aperol Spritz that feels like a mini vacation in a glass. The gentle fizz, the bittersweet citrus, and that cheerful orange glow, it’s the kind of drink that instantly transports you to a sunny café terrace somewhere in Italy.
I first fell in love with this cocktail on a warm summer evening when my friend served it at her backyard dinner party. The air was golden, the table was set with candles and mismatched glasses, and the first clink of ice against glass made everyone smile.
What I adore most about the Aperol Spritz is how effortlessly elegant it feels, yet how simple it is to make. It’s refreshing without being too sweet, bubbly without being heavy, and ideal for everything from brunch with friends to a quiet evening on the porch.
You don’t need any fancy bar tools or mixology tricks, just three classic ingredients and a few minutes to stir and sip.
If you’ve ever wanted to bring a little Italian sunshine to your gatherings, this easy Aperol Spritz recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s crisp, colorful, and guaranteed to make any occasion feel like a celebration, no passport required.
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a wine glass with ice. The more, the better — this cocktail is best ice-cold.
- Pour in the Prosecco first, followed by Aperol.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water.
- Gently stir once or twice to combine the flavors without losing the fizz.
- Garnish with an orange slice on the rim or floating on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Aperol Spritz!
About the Recipe
This best Aperol Spritz recipe follows the authentic Italian 3–2–1 ratio: three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, and one part soda water. It’s foolproof, perfectly balanced, and beautifully vibrant. The slightly bitter orange flavor of Aperol pairs like magic with the dry sparkle of Prosecco and the refreshing lift of soda.
The beauty of this drink is its adaptability. You can serve it as a light pre-dinner aperitif, a brunch cocktail, or a poolside refreshment on a hot day. It serves 2–4 people, but the ratio makes it easy to scale up for parties or down for solo relaxation.
Unlike heavy cocktails, this one doesn’t weigh you down, it’s light, crisp, and made for lingering conversations and slow sunsets. Once you try this version, you’ll never go back to overly sweet or watery spritzes again.
Ingredients
- 3 parts (about 6 ounces) chilled Prosecco
- 2 parts (about 4 ounces) Aperol
- 1 part (about 2 ounces) club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes, enough to fill the glass
- Orange slices, for garnish
Optional variations:
- Add a splash of blood orange juice for a fruitier twist.
- Swap Aperol for Campari if you prefer a more bitter profile.
- Garnish with fresh mint or rosemary for a fragrant touch.
Instructions
- Fill the glass with ice.
Choose a large wine glass or a stemmed balloon glass. Fill it almost to the top with ice to keep your spritz perfectly chilled. - Add the Prosecco first.
Pour in about 3 parts of chilled Prosecco. Starting with the bubbles helps preserve their fizz and creates a lighter, more layered texture. - Pour in the Aperol.
Add 2 parts Aperol slowly. Watch as the bright orange hue swirls through the glass, it’s part of the fun! - Top with soda water.
Finish with 1 part club soda or sparkling water for a touch of effervescence. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine. - Garnish and serve.
Slide in a fresh orange slice (or two) and enjoy immediately while it’s cold and bubbly.
Mini tip: For the best taste, use high-quality chilled ingredients, a good dry Prosecco makes all the difference.
Tips for Success
The key to a perfect Aperol Spritz lies in the ratio and temperature. Always keep your Prosecco and soda water well-chilled before mixing. Warm ingredients can dull the flavor and fizz.
Use plenty of ice, don’t be shy! The ice keeps everything crisp and refreshing, especially on a warm day. And remember, add your ingredients in order: Prosecco first, then Aperol, then soda. This prevents the Aperol from settling at the bottom and helps everything blend evenly.
Finally, choose the right glass. A large wine glass lets the aromas open up, while the stem keeps your hands from warming the drink too quickly. Little touches like this turn a simple cocktail into something special.
What Goes Well With It
An Aperol Spritz pairs beautifully with light appetizers. Think salty snacks that balance the drink’s sweet-bitter notes: marinated olives, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or Parmesan crisps. It’s also a lovely companion for charcuterie boards, caprese salads, and bruschetta.
For a full aperitivo experience, serve it before dinner with a few small bites, maybe some crostini with ricotta and honey or a handful of roasted almonds. The contrast between savory nibbles and the bubbly orange sweetness is pure delight.
If you’re hosting brunch, the Aperol Spritz is a refreshing alternative to mimosas. It pairs perfectly with egg dishes, smoked salmon, or fruit salad. And for evenings? Enjoy it with a sunset and good company, no food needed, just the moment.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
While the Aperol Spritz is a cocktail meant for enjoyment rather than nutrition, it’s lighter than many mixed drinks. Aperol is lower in alcohol (11% ABV) compared to most spirits, making this drink less potent and easier to sip slowly.
The orange and herbal ingredients in Aperol add subtle aromatics and bitters that stimulate digestion, exactly why Italians enjoy it before meals. The soda water also helps hydrate while balancing the sweetness of the liqueur.
In moderation, this cocktail can fit comfortably into a balanced lifestyle. It’s refreshing, uplifting, and often shared among friends, proof that wellness is as much about connection and pleasure as it is about calories.
How to Store & Reheat
The beauty of the Aperol Spritz is that it’s best made fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time for easy serving. Keep your Prosecco and Aperol chilled in the fridge until ready to pour.
If you’re hosting a party, you can pre-mix Aperol and Prosecco in a pitcher (without the soda or ice) up to 2 hours in advance. When ready to serve, pour into glasses filled with ice and top with soda water. This keeps the drink bubbly and balanced.
Avoid storing mixed leftovers, the soda will go flat quickly. However, if you have extra Aperol or Prosecco, simply seal the bottles tightly and refrigerate. Prosecco is best consumed within 1–2 days after opening.
Closing Personal Touch
This easy Aperol Spritz recipe has become a year-round favorite in my house. Every summer evening, it reminds me to slow down and savor the small joys, like golden light through the kitchen window or laughter spilling across the table.
Even in winter, when the air is chilly, that bright orange color brings a little sunshine back into the room.
My husband jokes that the clinking of ice cubes means “vacation mode,” and honestly, he’s right. One sip and suddenly the week feels lighter. It’s our go-to drink for impromptu guests, lazy Sundays, or even just to celebrate making it through Monday.
If you’ve never tried making one at home, I promise, it’s easier than you think. All you need is a few ingredients, a big smile, and a reason to toast. Here’s to simple pleasures and sparkling moments, cheers to your new favorite cocktail!
