A classic spritz always feels refreshing, but toss in some strawberries and it just hits different. This Strawberry Aperol Spritz recipe gives you a crisp, slightly bitter aperitif with a sweet berry twist. It’s the sort of summer cocktail that feels light, colorful, and honestly—just easy to sip on a warm afternoon.
I love how the strawberries mellow out Aperol’s boldness without making the whole thing sugary. The prosecco bubbles keep it lively and the fruit just adds a fresh pop that makes every sip a little more inviting.
Mixing this cocktail at home? Super simple. I’ll run through what you need, the steps, and a few tasting notes so you know what you’re getting into.
Strawberry Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe
I keep coming back to this drink because it blends Aperol’s bright, slightly bitter vibe with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. Add prosecco, a splash of soda, and maybe some basil or mint, and you’ve got something perfect for a big wine glass.
Equipment
- Wine glass (big enough for ice and garnish)
- Jigger (for measuring Aperol, prosecco, and soda)
- Small pitcher (if you’re making more than one)
- Muddler or spoon (to crush strawberries)
- Cutting board and knife (for slicing strawberries and herbs)
- Mixing spoon (for a gentle stir)
- Ice scoop (makes life easier)
I usually reach for a wine glass instead of a tumbler because it really lets the bubbles and aromas shine. If I can’t find my muddler, I just use the back of a spoon—no big deal.
Ingredients
- 3–4 fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 oz Aperol (or strawberry-infused Aperol if you want more fruit)
- 3 oz dry prosecco (or another dry sparkling white)
- 1 oz soda water, club soda, or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh basil or mint leaves (for garnish)
- Optional: swap Aperol for Campari, Luxardo Aperitivo, or Lillet Rouge if you’re feeling adventurous
- For a mocktail: use a non-alcoholic bitter orange spirit and non-alcoholic prosecco
I pick strawberries that are ripe but still firm so they don’t turn to mush. Dry prosecco helps balance the sweetness from the berries.
Instructions
- Drop sliced strawberries into the bottom of your wine glass.
- Muddle them gently to get the juices flowing.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice.
- Measure out 2 oz Aperol and pour it in.
- Add 3 oz dry prosecco and 1 oz soda water.
- Stir everything together, but don’t go overboard.
- Garnish with a sprig of basil or mint.
If I’m making a batch for friends, I just multiply the quantities in a pitcher and add the prosecco at the end so the bubbles don’t disappear.
Notes
Strawberry-infused Aperol gives a bigger fruit punch without extra work. Basil brings a peppery edge, while mint just cools everything down.
If I want less bitterness, I reach for Lillet Rouge instead of Aperol. For a sharper kick, I go with Campari.
When I want to skip the booze, I grab a bitter orange spirit without alcohol and pair it with non-alcoholic prosecco. The drink still keeps that sweet, bitter, bubbly balance I love.
Equipment
- Small pitcher
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 3 fresh strawberries sliced
- 2 oz Aperol or strawberry-infused Aperol
- 3 oz dry prosecco or another dry sparkling white
- 1 oz soda water or club soda or sparkling water
- ice cubes
- fresh basil or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Drop sliced strawberries into the bottom of your wine glass.
- Muddle them gently to get the juices flowing.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice.
- Measure out 2 oz Aperol and pour it in.
- Add 3 oz dry prosecco and 1 oz soda water.
- Stir everything together, but don’t go overboard.
- Garnish with a sprig of basil or mint.
Notes
If you want less bitterness, use Lillet Rouge instead of Aperol. For a sharper kick, try Campari.
For a mocktail version, use a non-alcoholic bitter orange spirit and non-alcoholic prosecco. The drink keeps its sweet, bitter, bubbly balance.
Tasting Notes
I take a sip and right away, I get that familiar bittersweet vibe from the classic Aperol Spritz—but the strawberry? It sneaks in with this softer, fruity twist. There’s a freshness here, and honestly, it tastes a bit sweeter than the usual version.
The prosecco’s bubbles lift everything up, making the drink feel light and crisp. Strawberry flavor kind of weaves itself in with the Aperol’s citrus, so nothing comes across too bold or overwhelming.
A little bitterness shows up, just enough to keep the sweetness in check. That balance makes it easy to keep sipping without it ever feeling heavy.
The color really pops. Aperol brings its bright orange, and the strawberries toss in a gentle red blush. It actually looks as refreshing as it tastes, if that’s possible.
Texture? Yeah, that matters too. The ice chills everything perfectly, the sparkling wine gives it this lively fizz, and the fruit garnish hits you with a fresh aroma right before you drink.
Flavor highlights I notice:
- Sweetness: light strawberry notes
- Bitterness: classic Aperol base
- Citrus: orange undertones
- Sparkle: crisp prosecco finish
