How to Make the Best Aperol Spritz

We love this classic Aperol spritz recipe with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. We first tried this refreshing Italian cocktail in Italy and have loved it ever since. Find the recipe for Aperol Spritz below, as well as extra tips and variations.

I first tried an Aperol Spritz in Venice several years ago. While walking through the city, I noticed locals and tourists sipping on bubbly golden orange spritzes at every turn. I was determined to find out what they were and try them. They were sipping on Aperol Spritzes and Campari Spritzes, with many bars offering both options.

Both were delightful, with Aperol a little sweeter and less bitter than the Campari Spritz. The Aperol Spritz still delivers some bitterness, nicely balanced with Prosecco and soda water. The light and bubbly Aperol Spritz is perfect for warm weather and summertime. Think about serving it with lighter dishes like antipasto, bruschetta, shrimp scampi, olives, slices of focaccia, and Caprese salad.

How to make the best Aperol Spritz

Remember the magic number 3-2-1. That’s the classic ratio of ingredients for a Aperol Spritz cocktail that’s perfectly balanced and refreshing:

• 3 parts Prosecco: This Italian sparkling wine provides the base with its light, bubbly character.
• 2 parts Aperol: This vibrant orange liqueur adds a touch of sweetness and its signature bittersweet orange flavor.
• 1 part soda water: A gentle top-up with soda water creates a refreshing fizz and dilutes the alcohol slightly.

To make an Aperol Spritz, add Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water to a wine glass filled with ice. I add the Aperol first, then the Prosecco, and finally, the soda water. Then slide in a slice of orange and enjoy!

Aperol tastes bittersweet. If you find the bitterness overwhelming, reduce the Aperol slightly and increase the Prosecco. (If you want more bitterness, consider swaping in Campari for the Aperol.) For a less boozy cocktail, reduce the Prosecco and Aperol and increase the soda water.

Choosing Prosecco for Aperol Spritzes

Look for Brut (dry) Prosecco when choosing Prosecco for an Aperol spritz. A drier, less sweet Prosecco balances Aperol’s sweetness. Avoid sweeter styles of Prosecco, like Prosecco Dolce, which will make your Spritz too sweet.

I look for mid-range bottles of Prosecco (just as I do when buying sparkling wine for mimosas). Small-batch producers or bottles with labels mentioning DOC or DOCG are usually more tasty and enjoyable if you can find them. If you have a local wine shop, ask the staff for guidance and their suggestions.

Tips for making the perfect Aperol Spritz

• Use good quality ingredients. I opt for a mid-range Prosecco, but if you’re unsure, ask your local wine shop for recommendations.
• Keep it cold. Fill your glass generously with ice right before mixing.
• Don’t over-stir. Too much mixing will deflate the delightful bubbles from your Prosecco and soda water. Instead, give everything a few gentle swirls.
• Garnish your spritz with a fresh orange slice. It adds a pop of color, and the citrusy aroma complements the drink perfectly.

Variations on the Aperol Spritz

• Campari Spritz: Swap Aperol for Campari, which tastes less sweet and more bitter.
• Grapefruit Aperol Spritz: Use grapefruit flavored sparkling water instead of plain soda water.
• Blood Orange Aperol Spritz: Use blood orange flavored sparkling water instead of plain soda water.
• Cranberry Aperol Spritz: Instead using 2 ounces of Aperol like in the classic, use 1 ounce of Aperol and 1 ounce of cranberry juice.

How to Make the Best Aperol Spritz

1 cocktail

Nutrition Per Serving
Serving Size
1 cocktail
/
Calories
231
/
Total Fat
0g
/
Saturated Fat
0g
/
Cholesterol
0mg
/
Sodium
10.7mg
/
Carbohydrate
17.8g
/
Dietary Fiber
0g
/
Total Sugars
16.8g
/
Protein
0.1g

AUTHOR: 

Adam and Joanne Gallagher