The Aperol Spritz is my favorite summer drink. Three ingredients, two minutes, and you’re holding something that tastes like vacation. If you’ve never made one at home, I promise — after this recipe, you won’t want to order it at a bar again.
What is Aperol?
Aperol is an Italian bitter liqueur with an intense orange color and a bittersweet flavor. It’s made with gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, among other ingredients. At only 11% alcohol, it’s much lighter than most liqueurs. The name comes from “apero,” French slang for aperitif.
What is an Aperol Spritz?
It’s the quintessential Italian summer cocktail: a mix of Prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda, served over ice with a slice of orange. It was born in northeastern Italy and became the most ordered drink on terraces around the world.
It’s bitter, bubbly, citrusy, and ridiculously easy to make.
How does it taste?
It has a gentle bitterness (nothing aggressive), a citrusy note from the orange, and the Prosecco bubbles make it light and refreshing. It’s not cloyingly sweet — it hits that perfect spot between bitter and fresh that makes you want another one. Honestly, when I’m traveling in the summer, this is the only thing I order.
Ingredients
- Prosecco — or any dry sparkling wine. This gives it the bubbles.
- Aperol — the orange bitter liqueur that gives it the color and flavor.
- Soda water — just a splash to stretch the drink and add fizz.
- Ice — lots of it. This drink is served very cold.
- Orange slice — for garnish and an extra citrus note.
How to make an Aperol Spritz
The classic ratio is 3-2-1: three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, one part soda.
- Fill a large wine glass with ice to the top.
- Pour the Prosecco first (about 90 ml / 3 oz).
- Add the Aperol (about 60 ml / 2 oz).
- Finish with a splash of soda water (about 30 ml / 1 oz).
- Stir gently with a spoon and garnish with an orange slice.
I don’t add bitters. I feel like the orange slice brings everything together without needing more bitterness. But if you like a more intense spritz, a couple drops of Angostura won’t hurt.
Tips for the best Aperol Spritz
- The Prosecco must be cold. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before making the drink.
- Don’t skimp on ice. The colder, the more refreshing.
- Use a wine glass, not a flute. The large glass leaves room for ice and the orange slice.
- Serve immediately. The bubbles fade fast, so make it right before drinking.
Variations
- With rosé: Swap Prosecco for sparkling rosé. Sweeter and a gorgeous color.
- With strawberries: Muddle 2-3 strawberries at the bottom of the glass before pouring. Perfect for brunch.
- With lemon: Swap the orange for lemon and add a squeeze of lemon juice. More tart and refreshing.
- With white wine: Use a light, crisp white wine instead of Prosecco for a less bubbly but equally refreshing version.
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 3 parts Prosecco or another dry sparkling wine
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part soda water club soda
- Ice
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass or large tumbler with ice.
- Pour in the Prosecco, followed by the Aperol. Try to maintain the 3:2 ratio for a well-balanced flavor.
- Top the drink off with a splash of soda water.
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients, being careful not to disturb the bubbles in the sparkling wine.
- Garnish with an orange slice, either on the rim of the glass or directly in the drink.
Notes
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Hi, I’m Ale Graf!
I’m a Mexican home cook based in Texas and the voice behind AleCooks and Piloncillo & Vainilla.
I create easy, family-friendly recipes with Mexican roots and a plant-forward mindset—always flexible and made to bring people together. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino and love helping home cooks feel more confident in the kitchen.
Come say hi on Instagram—I’d love to hear what you’re cooking.