Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe Easy Steps for a Classic Italian Drink

The Aperol Spritz cocktail recipe is a straightforward, refreshing way to enjoy a classic Italian drink from the Veneto region. This bright orange cocktail mixes Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water in a set ratio, giving you a blend of bitter and sweet flavors that just works—especially when the weather’s warm. It’s easy to put together and has caught on worldwide for its crisp taste and eye-catching color.

What’s so great about this cocktail? It’s just a handful of ingredients, but somehow it delivers a drink that feels light and full of flavor at the same time. You can play with the flavors, make it extra bubbly or a bit more bitter—totally up to you. It’s one of those drinks that works for laid-back get-togethers or just a quiet evening, because it’s festive but not fussy.

Key Takeaways

• The Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail from Veneto.
• It uses Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water in a simple ratio.
• This drink is fresh, easy to make, and perfect for social occasions.

Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

The Aperol Spritz cocktail recipe is all about a simple mix: bittersweet Aperol, bubbly Prosecco, and sparkling water. Not much to it, but if you get the proportions and the garnish right, you end up with a refreshing beverage that’s honestly good for almost any occasion.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you need for the classic Aperol Spritz:

• 3 parts Prosecco (dry sparkling wine is best)
• 2 parts Aperol (that’s the Italian aperitif with the bittersweet orange flavor)
• 1 part soda water (club soda or sparkling water both work)
• Ice cubes—essential for chilling
• Orange slice for garnish

Prosecco gives you the bubbles and a bit of lightness. Aperol brings that signature orange color and bittersweet kick. Soda water keeps things from getting too sweet and adds a little zip. Ice keeps it cold, and the orange slice? Well, it looks nice and adds a bit of aroma. Using a big wine glass helps everything mix and gives you space for plenty of ice and garnish.

APEROL SPRITZ RECIPE

APEROL SPRITZ
(5 MINUTES | EASY | SERVES 1)

Nutrition per serving:
160 Cals, 0g Protein, 14g Carbs, 0g Fat, 11g Sugar

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EQUIPMENT

• Wine glass or large stemmed glass
• Bar spoon (optional)

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INGREDIENTS

• 3 oz Prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz soda water (club soda)
• Ice

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TO SERVE (OPTIONAL)

• Orange slice

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METHOD

Fill the Glass:
Fill a wine glass generously with ice cubes.

Build the Drink:
Pour in the Prosecco, then add the Aperol, and top with soda water.

Stir:
Stir gently once or twice to combine without losing the bubbles.

Garnish:
Add a fresh orange slice to the glass for a vibrant finish.

Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing Italian classic.

APEROL SPRITZ Infographic

Expert Tips for the Perfect Aperol Spritz

Pick a decent Prosecco—one that’s crisp and dry. That way, it balances out Aperol’s sweetness. Make sure your soda water is cold, or the drink just won’t hit the same.

Don’t be afraid to play with the ratios. The classic 3-2-1 is a great starting point, but if you like it a bit more bitter or sweeter, go for it.

Serve it in a big wine glass, lots of ice, and always finish with a fresh orange slice. That’s the key for aroma and the look.

Skip flat or warm sparkling water; it really kills the vibe. Best to chill all your ingredients before you start mixing.

History, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

The Aperol Spritz cocktail recipe is rooted in northern Italy, especially around Veneto. It’s a favorite aperitif, striking a balance between bitter and sweet that just seems to appeal to a lot of people. Let’s take a look at where it came from, some ways to change it up, and how to serve it for the best experience.

Origin and Cultural Significance

The Aperol Spritz started out in Venice in the early 1900s. Back then, it was just the Venetian Spritz—local wine with a splash of sparkling water. Aperol came along in 1919, adding that unmistakable orange color and bittersweet flavor.

Drinking spritzes before dinner became a bit of a ritual in Italy, meant to spark your appetite. It’s part of the Veneto lifestyle—outdoor cafes, lingering over drinks, plenty of conversation. Even though it’s popular all over the world now, it still feels like a little slice of Italian leisure.

Popular Variations and Substitutions

The classic is Aperol, prosecco, and club soda. But honestly, a lot of folks swap in Campari for a more bitter, punchy version. Some experiment with rhubarb-based aperitifs or toss in a splash of bitter tonic for extra depth.

You can also swap prosecco for another dry sparkling wine, or use lemon-lime soda instead of club soda if you want more zing. The “Negroni Spritz” is a thing too—just replace the club soda with more Campari or maybe vermouth. There’s no real wrong way, just play with the bitterness, sweetness, and bubbles until it’s your style.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

The go-to is a big wine glass, lots of ice, and a slice of orange (sometimes green olives, if you’re feeling fancy). It goes really well with light snacks—think nuts, veggies, or spinach dishes.

Since it’s an aperitif, it’s ideal before dinner, but honestly, it’s great with finger foods or tapas too. Salty snacks and mild cheeses are a solid match—they play off the drink’s bittersweet thing nicely.

Tasting Notes and Nutritional Information

The Aperol Spritz is bright orange, lightly bitter, and has those hints of orange peel and herbs from the Aperol. The prosecco and soda water bring the fizz and a bit of brightness.

For calories, you’re looking at about 120 in a 5-ounce pour—mostly from the alcohol and sugar. It’s lighter than a lot of cocktails, which is nice if you want a refreshing drink that doesn’t weigh you down.

Frequently Asked Questions

People ask a lot about the Aperol Spritz cocktail recipe. Most want to know the ingredients, how to make it fast, and what the right measurements are. Others wonder if you can swap out soda water for something like Sprite, or what variations are worth trying. Serving style comes up a lot too.

What do you need for a traditional Aperol Spritz cocktail?

You’ll need Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, and ice. A slice of orange is the classic garnish.

How do you make a simple Aperol Spritz?

Fill a wine glass with ice. Pour in Aperol, then Prosecco, and finish with a splash of soda water. Stir gently—don’t overdo it.

What are the proportions for a 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz recipe?

It’s 3 ounces of Prosecco, 2 ounces of Aperol, and 1 ounce of soda water. That’s the classic, balanced recipe. More on that here.

Can you mix Aperol Spritz with Sprite?

We wouldn’t recommend Sprite—it changes the flavor and makes it too sweet. Soda water keeps it crisp and light.

What are some variations of the Aperol Spritz cocktail?

Try switching Prosecco for Cava, or add a couple dashes of bitters. Some go for different citrus garnishes or tweak the sweetness a bit.

How is an Aperol Spritz traditionally served?

You’ll usually get it chilled, poured into a big wine glass packed with ice. Most folks toss in an orange slice—it just feels right and adds a little zing.