Blackberry Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

There’s just something about cocktails with a little twist that makes them stand out, right? The Blackberry Aperol Spritz is honestly one of those go-tos for me—super simple, gorgeous in the glass, and it manages to hit that sweet-tart-bitter balance I’m always chasing.

It’s basically a crisp, fruity take on the classic Aperol Spritz, and you can throw it together in just a few minutes. With fresh blackberries, sparkling wine, and Aperol’s signature orange vibe, it’s perfect for warm afternoons or, honestly, any time you want a drink that feels a bit special.

The blackberries add this deeper flavor and richer color, but the drink never feels heavy. I really like that.

You don’t need fancy tools or a lot of ingredients, either. Once you know the steps, you’ll be able to whip this up without thinking twice.

Blackberry Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

The tartness from the blackberries plays so well with Aperol’s bittersweet thing. Prosecco and club soda keep it light and bubbly, and that blackberry syrup brings a punch of fruitiness I can’t resist.

Equipment

• Wine glass (big enough for ice and everything else)
• Cocktail spoon or any long spoon for stirring
• Small saucepan (if you’re making your own blackberry syrup)
• Fine mesh strainer (for syrup)
• Measuring jigger or a small measuring cup
• Muddler or even just a fork (for mashing berries)
• Ice scoop or tongs
• Small bowl (to hold blackberries)

Ingredients

• 3 oz prosecco (make sure it’s cold)
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz blackberry syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 oz club soda (chilled)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh blackberries (for garnish)
• Orange slice (optional, for garnish)
• Simple syrup (optional, if you want it sweeter)

Instructions

• Fill a large wine glass about halfway with ice cubes.
• Pour in the Aperol and blackberry syrup.
• Slowly add prosecco—don’t rush, you want to keep those bubbles.
• Top off with club soda.
• Stir gently with a cocktail spoon, just enough to mix.
• Toss in a few fresh blackberries and maybe an orange slice if you’re feeling fancy.
• Serve right away, while it’s still cold and fizzy.

Notes

I always use chilled prosecco and club soda so the ice doesn’t melt too fast. If you want it sweeter, just add a splash of simple syrup before stirring—no shame in that.

Homemade blackberry syrup is honestly worth the tiny bit of effort. Simmer blackberries with sugar and water, strain, and you’re done. The flavor is so much better than what you get in a bottle.

If you’re after something lighter, try cutting the Aperol down to 1.5 oz and bumping up the club soda. It takes the edge off the bitterness and drops the alcohol a bit.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright citrus from the Aperol jumps out at me. There’s a slight bitterness, but the blackberries swoop in with just enough sweetness to keep things balanced.

The fresh blackberries add a juicy, berry flavor that really smooths out the Aperol’s sharper edges. I catch a bit of tartness, too—honestly, it keeps every sip feeling pretty refreshing.

The sparkling wine brings in a crisp, bubbly texture. It just makes the whole drink feel lighter, almost like it’s begging to be enjoyed outdoors on a warm afternoon.

There’s a gentle herbal note from the Aperol hanging out in the background. It’s subtle, but it stops the drink from veering into overly sweet territory.

The color is this deep reddish-orange, with a purple tint thanks to the berries. It looks honestly gorgeous and totally matches the fruity, citrusy vibe.

The aroma? It’s a mix of orange zest, ripe berries, and some light floral notes. I find myself wanting another sip before I’ve even finished the first.