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.

Aperol & Prosecco Cocktail Recipe

The Aperol & Prosecco cocktail combines bubbly prosecco with the bittersweet taste of Aperol to create a refreshing Italian drink that’s perfect for warm afternoons.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

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

The drink tastes best when served right away while the prosecco is still bubbly.

Store Aperol at room temperature. Once opened, it stays good for several months.

For larger groups, mix the drink in a pitcher using the same 3:2:1 ratio of prosecco, Aperol, and soda water.

Don’t substitute champagne for prosecco – the flavors won’t blend as well.

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.

Aperol & Prosecco Cocktail Recipe