When I want an easy, refreshing drink, I usually reach for an Aperol Spritz. The Aperol Spritz is a simple Italian cocktail made with Aperol, prosecco, and soda water.
It’s light, a bit bitter, and that bright orange color? So inviting, honestly.
I find this cocktail is perfect for warm days, or when I want a drink that’s not too strong. I also like how it takes very little time and just a handful of ingredients to make.
If you want to mix your own Aperol Spritz at home, keep reading for the exact equipment, ingredients, and instructions.
Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Wine glass: I use a large wine glass that holds at least 12 ounces.
- Measuring jigger or small measuring cup: This helps me measure the Aperol and Prosecco accurately.
- Bar spoon: I use this for gently mixing the cocktail so it stays fizzy.
- Napkin or paper towel: Handy to wipe up any drips when pouring or mixing.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces 90 ml Prosecco
- 2 ounces 60 ml Aperol
- 1 ounce 30 ml club soda
- Ice cubes: Enough to fill a wine glass
- 1 orange slice: For garnish
Instructions
Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes, about three-quarters full.
- Pour in 3 ounces of Prosecco.
- Add 2 ounces of Aperol.
- Top with 1 ounce of club soda.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon two or three times to mix.
- Place a fresh orange slice on the rim or in the glass as garnish.
- Serve right away while it’s still cold and bubbly.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I taste an Aperol Spritz, I notice a light orange color with hints of sparkling bubbles. The first sip brings a mix of sweet and bitter flavors.
The orange and herbal notes from Aperol are easy to taste. I also pick up a bit of tartness from the Prosecco, which makes it feel crisp.
The soda water adds a refreshing, light touch and balances the sweetness. The drink feels cool and bubbly in my mouth.
I usually notice a gentle aftertaste that fades smoothly. The orange slice garnish adds a fresh scent and just a hint more citrus flavor.
Next time I make this cocktail, I might pay even closer attention to how the ice and bubbles make it extra refreshing. Funny how the little details stand out.
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have all the classic ingredients for an Aperol Spritz. It happens, right? In those moments, I reach for substitutes that keep the drink fun and honestly, still pretty tasty.
Here are a few options I’ve tried and liked:
Equipment
- Measuring jigger
- Mixing glass
- Spoon
- Wine glass
Ingredients
- Aperol substitute: I’ll use Campari if I want a stronger, more bitter kick. Select Aperitivo is another option—less sweet than Aperol, but it works.
- Prosecco substitute: Any dry sparkling wine does the trick. Cava or Champagne are usually what I grab if Prosecco’s missing.
- Soda water substitute: Club soda or sparkling mineral water, doesn’t really matter. Either one is fine instead of plain soda water.
- Garnish substitute: No oranges? Lemon or grapefruit slices have saved the day more than once.
Instructions
- Pour 3 parts sparkling wine, 2 parts Aperol (or whatever you’re using), and 1 part soda water into a wine glass.
- Add ice cubes until the glass feels nice and full.
- Stir it up gently with a spoon.
- Top with an orange, lemon, or grapefruit slice—whatever you’ve got.
I usually taste and adjust a bit, depending on which substitutes I ended up using. Sometimes it takes a little tinkering, but hey, that’s part of the fun.
