The Aperol Spritz is a bright orange cocktail that brings the taste of Italian summers to any occasion. The mix of bitter and sweet flavors creates a refreshing drink that people love at parties, brunches, and happy hours.
A classic Aperol Spritz combines 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water to make a perfect drink. This simple recipe has made it one of the most popular cocktails in Europe and beyond.
The drink started in Venice during the 1950s and spread across Italy. Now people around the world enjoy this fizzy cocktail, making it a top choice for warm afternoons and social gatherings.
Equipment
- Large wine glass or stemmed glass
- Ice cubes
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Bar spoon
- Small cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 3 ounces prosecco
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce soda water
- 1 orange slice for garnish
- Ice cubes
The prosecco should be chilled before mixing. Choose a dry prosecco rather than a sweet one for the best taste balance.
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes
- Pour 2 ounces of Aperol into the glass
- Add 3 ounces of chilled prosecco
- Top with 1 ounce of soda water
- Stir gently with a bar spoon
- Garnish with an orange slice
The drink should have a bright orange color. Gentle stirring keeps the bubbles intact.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Aperol & Prosecco cocktail has a bright orange color and gentle bubbles from the sparkling wine. Its aroma brings notes of orange zest and herbs.
The first sip reveals a perfect mix of sweet and bitter flavors. The sweetness comes from the Prosecco, while Aperol adds a pleasant bitter orange taste.
Fresh citrus flavors blend with subtle herbal notes. The drink feels light and refreshing on the tongue, with a smooth finish that leaves a mild citrus aftertaste.
The cocktail’s taste profile includes:
- Sweet: Orange and honey notes
- Bitter: Gentle herbal bitterness
- Citrus: Fresh orange peel
- Floral: Light rose hints
- Bubbly: Soft effervescence
This drink tastes best when served cold at 45-50°F (7-10°C). The ice helps maintain the ideal temperature and keeps the bubbles lively.
The flavor becomes more balanced as the ice slowly melts. Each sip offers a mix of sweet Prosecco, bitter Aperol, and fizzy soda water.
Substitute
The classic Aperol Spritz can be made with different ingredients when the original ones aren’t available.
Select Campari instead of Aperol for a stronger, more bitter taste. The drink will turn a deeper red color and have less sweetness.
Alternative Bubbles:
- Cava (Spanish sparkling wine)
- Franciacorta (Italian sparkling wine)
- Any dry sparkling wine
For a non-alcoholic version, mix equal parts bitter orange soda and sparkling water. Add a splash of orange juice for extra flavor.
Some bartenders replace the prosecco with other white wines.
A dry white wine mixed with club soda creates a similar effect.
Other Bitter Liqueurs:
- Select
- Luxardo Bitter
- Contratto Bitter
- Montenegro
The garnish can change too. Try blood orange slices, lemon twists, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of orange slices.
For a lower alcohol content, increase the amount of club soda and reduce the prosecco and Aperol portions.
