Blood orange season brings a vibrant twist to classic cocktails. The Blood Orange Aperol Spritz adds a burst of citrus flavor to the popular Italian drink.

This refreshing cocktail pairs sweet-tart blood orange juice with the bittersweet notes of Aperol.

The eye-catching ruby hue makes this spritz perfect for special occasions or casual sipping. It’s easy to mix up at home with just a few ingredients.

Prosecco gives the drink its signature bubbles and light fizz.

This recipe offers a fun way to enjoy blood oranges while they’re in season. It’s a great choice for brunches, happy hours, or anytime you want a festive drink.

The Blood Orange Aperol Spritz brings a taste of Italian aperitivo culture right to your glass.

Blood Orange Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

This refreshing drink combines the bitter-sweet taste of Aperol with the bright citrus flavor of blood oranges. It’s a fun twist on the classic Italian aperitif.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

3 oz Prosecco
2 oz Aperol
1 oz blood orange juice
Club soda
Ice cubes
Blood orange slices for garnish

Prosecco provides the bubbly base. Aperol adds its unique bittersweet orange flavor.

Instructions

Fill glasses with ice cubes.
Pour in Prosecco, Aperol, and blood orange juice.
Top with a splash of club soda.
Stir gently with a cocktail spoon.
Garnish with blood orange slices.

Notes

This recipe makes one cocktail. You can easily double or triple it for more servings.

If blood oranges aren’t in season, regular orange juice works too. The drink might look different, but it will still taste good.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace Prosecco with more club soda and use non-alcoholic bitter orange syrup instead of Aperol.

You can adjust the sweetness by adding a little simple syrup if needed.

Tasting Notes

The Blood Orange Aperol Spritz offers a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile. Its bright orange hue catches the eye immediately.

The first sip reveals a perfect balance of sweet and bitter notes. The blood orange juice adds a tart sweetness, while the Aperol brings a pleasant bitterness.

Prosecco provides a crisp, bubbly texture that dances on the tongue. The carbonation enhances the drink’s refreshing quality.

A subtle hint of orange zest rounds out the flavor, adding depth and complexity. This cocktail is not overly sweet, making it an ideal choice for warm weather sipping.

The finish is clean and light, with a gentle lingering of citrus and herbs. It leaves the palate refreshed and ready for another sip.

This cocktail pairs well with light appetizers or can be enjoyed on its own as a pre-dinner drink. Its lower alcohol content makes it suitable for leisurely afternoon gatherings.

Substitute

Can’t find blood oranges or Aperol? This cocktail can be made with other ingredients.

Regular oranges work well in place of blood oranges. Just use the same amount of juice. The color won’t be as deep red, but the taste will still be great.

No Aperol? Try Campari instead. Campari is a bit more bitter, so you may want to add a little extra simple syrup. Alternatively, use Lillet Blanc for a lighter, less bitter drink.

Prosecco can be swapped for any dry sparkling wine. Cava or champagne are good options. For a non-alcoholic version, use sparkling water or lemon-lime soda.

Here’s a quick substitution guide:

Blood orange juice → Regular orange juice
Aperol → Campari or Lillet Blanc
Prosecco → Cava, champagne, or sparkling water

Remember, these swaps may change the flavor a bit. Feel free to adjust amounts to suit your taste. The goal is a refreshing, citrusy drink that’s perfect for sipping.

Blood Orange Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe