The Best Aperol Spritz Recipe

Learn the secret to creating the perfect Aperol Spritz, a summer cocktail chock-full of Italian sophistication and delightful effervescence.

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Get ready to say a sassy “saluti” to a drink we return to summer after summer: the Aperol Spritz. You’ve probably seen them shine on Instagram; well, now it’s your turn to turn the camera on and pretend you’re sat on the Italian coast with this Med-approved beverage. Every sip of this citrusy mix of Aperol, prosecco, and soda water, topped with a fat slice of orange screams “Vacation!” When the crew are over, this is the drink you’ll get the most requests for, to raise a glass with amid laughs and chats.

What’s unique about the Aperol Spritz is its sweet-bitter taste. It’s like the lovechild of a Mimosa and a Negroni: equal parts frothy and herb-y. You could also compare it to a Paper Plane, which also features Aperol. No matter the company it keeps, the Aperol Spritz is the uncrowned queen of cocktails.

What is aperol?

Apérol is a popular Italian bitter aperitif that is most recognised for its bright orange hue. Originating from Padua, Italy, it was first introduced by the Barbieri brothers in 1919.

Apérol is made from a secret recipe that, as of today, has remained unchanged and known only to a few faithful people in charge of its production process. (The secret makes the drink even more delicious!) It is a blend of ingredients that includes sweet and bitter oranges, rhubarb, and many other herbs and roots. The result is a remarkably light, gentle, and delicate bitterness with a 11% alcohol content, making it an ideal drink no matter the time of day.

INGREDIENTS

A simple list for cocktail royalty. Here’s what you’ll need…

2 oz. Aperol
3 oz. prosecco
1 oz. soda water
half a slice of orange (for garnish)

Bar Checklist

wine glass
jigger or measuring tool
bar spoon
paring knife

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill

Fill a wine glass with ice.

Pour

Pour 2 ounces of Aperol over the ice.

Add

Add 3 ounces of prosecco.

Top

Top it up with 1 ounce of soda water. Garnish with a half-slice of orange.

ENJOY!

How to Make a Healthy/Low-Calorie Aperol Spritz

Ditch regular prosecco and go for low-calorie sparkling wine.
Opt for diet or no-sugar soda water.
Don’t go overboard with the Aperol. The more you pour in, the higher the sugar.
For an Aperol Spritz mocktail, swap the Aperol with a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif like Seedlip Spice 94 and pop in some alcohol-free sparkling wine.

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Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Aperol Spritz

Invest in a good prosecco and authentic Aperol.
Abide by the classic 2 (Aperol): 3 (prosecco): 1 (soda water) ratio.
Before mixing, make sure your wine glass is chilled.
Add the ice last to keep the prosecco bubbly and Aperol free from dilution.
An Aperol Spritz isn’t complete without an orange slice garnish. Don’t forget it!

FAQs

How many calories are in this Aperol Spritz recipe?

One glass of our Aperol Spritz will run you 175 to 200 calories, but it will depend on the brands of liquor you use and the size of your pour.

Any advice on how to sip my Aperol Spritz?

You’re going to want to take this one slow and savor it over ice. Sip it out of a wine glass, preferably poolside as the sun shines down. Also consider it as an aperitif, before meals, to get your taste buds tingling for what’s to come.

can i add angostura bitters to my aperol spritz?

Many do, so why not? It will obviously enhance the bitter flavor profile and make an already deep drink even deeper. Just start with a dash or two and then sample the cocktail; you don’t want to overdo it.

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how to prep and store an aperol spritz

Making Aperol Spritzes ahead of time isn’t recommended. Any drink that contains fizziness will turn flat if made too far ahead. But, if you’re throwing a party and wanna prep, you could always chill your glasses, cut up your orange garnishes beforehand, and have all your ingredients ready to go. That should cut down on the time it takes to whip up a batch of spritzes. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; however, as noted, the condition of the sparkles may be less than desirable. And remember: a half-full bottle of prosecco needs a wine stopper.