If you are looking for the perfect blend of vibrant color, refreshing bitterness, and effervescent charm, the Aperol Spritz Recipe has got you covered. This iconic Italian cocktail is a celebration in a glass, balancing the sweet and tangy Aperol with sparkling prosecco and a splash of soda water. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, this drink instantly transports you to a sunny piazza in Venice, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Aperol Spritz Recipe lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a key role in creating that signature light, bubbly, and bittersweet taste. You don’t need a fancy liquor cabinet, just a few essentials to craft this classic cocktail with ease.
- Ice: Essential for chilling your drink and diluting it slightly for a balanced sip.
- Aperol (¾ cup): The slightly bitter, orange-infused liqueur that gives the spritz its vivid color and unique flavor.
- Prosecco (¾ cup): A dry Italian sparkling wine that adds the perfect bubbles and crispness.
- Soda or sparkling water (¼ cup): Lightens the drink and adds refreshing fizz without overpowering.
- Orange slice: A fragrant garnish that enhances aroma and adds a subtle citrus twist.
How to Make Aperol Spritz Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glasses
Begin by filling two glasses generously with ice. The ice doesn’t just cool your cocktail; it also keeps the bubbles in prosecco lively, so don’t be shy with it. A large wine glass or a tumbler works perfectly for this inviting drink.
Step 2: Pour in the Aperol
Slowly pour ¾ cup of Aperol over the ice in each glass. This vibrant orange liqueur is the star of the show, offering that signature bittersweet flavor that defines the Aperol Spritz Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Prosecco
Next, add a crisp ¾ cup of prosecco to each glass. The sparkling wine lifts the cocktail, adding effervescent bubbles and a dry finish that balances the sweetness of Aperol.
Step 4: Splash of Soda and Garnish
Finish your cocktail with a splash of soda or sparkling water (about ¼ cup) for a light, refreshing fizz. Then, add a slice of fresh orange as a garnish to brighten both appearance and aroma. Give it a gentle stir, and your Aperol Spritz is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Aperol Spritz Recipe
Garnishes
The classic orange slice is essential for that lovely citrus note and eye-catching color contrast. You can also experiment with a twist of lemon peel or a sprig of fresh rosemary to add an herbal aroma that’s unexpectedly delightful.
Side Dishes
Because the Aperol Spritz Recipe is light and refreshing, it pairs wonderfully with salty, savory snacks like olives, prosciutto, or light cheeses. Think about serving an antipasto platter to keep the Italian vibe flowing beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Aperol Spritz in unique glassware such as coupe glasses or mason jars. Add edible flowers on top or use colored ice cubes infused with herbs or citrus zest to elevate the look and make it an unforgettable centerpiece at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because sparkling bubbles don’t keep well once mixed, it’s best to prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving. If you have leftover Aperol or prosecco, store them in a cool, dark place and use within a few days.
Freezing
Freezing the Aperol Spritz Recipe is not recommended, as the carbonation in prosecco and soda will be lost, and the texture will suffer drastically. Instead, keep your ingredients refrigerated until you’re ready to mix fresh cocktails.
Reheating
This cocktail is intended to be served cold and bubbly, so reheating will ruin the experience. Always enjoy your Aperol Spritz fresh for that perfect balance of flavors and fizz.
FAQs
Can I use other sparkling wines instead of prosecco?
Yes, you can substitute prosecco with other sparkling wines like cava or champagne, but prosecco’s slightly sweeter and fruitier profile is ideal for the authentic Aperol Spritz Recipe taste.
What type of glass is best for serving Aperol Spritz?
The traditional way is a large wine glass, which allows room for ice and bubbles to circulate, enhancing the drink’s aroma and presentation.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Aperol Spritz?
Absolutely! Use a non-alcoholic aperitif in place of Aperol and pair it with sparkling water and orange slices to mimic the flavor without the alcohol.
How bitter is an Aperol Spritz?
Aperol provides a mild bitterness balanced by sweet citrus and bubbly prosecco, making it pleasantly bittersweet rather than harshly bitter.
Can I prepare the Aperol Spritz ahead of time for a party?
It’s best to prepare the cocktail right before serving to maintain the fizz and freshness, but you can pre-chill all components and have them ready to mix quickly.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Aperol Spritz Recipe, it’s hard not to become a lifelong fan. Its bright flavors, stunning hue, and effortless preparation make it a delightful addition to any social occasion. So go ahead, mix up a glass, and let this classic Italian cocktail bring a spark of joy and sunshine to your day.
Print
Aperol Spritz Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and refreshing Aperol Spritz cocktail made with Aperol, prosecco, soda water, and garnished with an orange slice. Perfect for a light, bubbly drink ideal for warm weather or as a stylish aperitif.
Ingredients
Ingredients for 2 Servings
- Ice, as needed to fill glasses
- ¾ cup Aperol
- ¾ cup prosecco
- ¼ cup soda water or sparkling water
- 2 orange slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the glasses: Fill two glasses generously with ice to keep the cocktail chilled and refreshing.
- Add Aperol: Pour ¾ cup of Aperol evenly over the ice in both glasses, providing the distinct orange flavor and color to the spritz.
- Pour prosecco: Add ¾ cup of prosecco to each glass carefully to preserve the bubbles and add a crisp, dry element to the drink.
- Add orange and soda: Garnish each glass with an orange slice, then finish by topping with a splash (¼ cup total) of soda or sparkling water for a light fizz and balanced taste.
Notes
- Use chilled prosecco and soda water for the best refreshing effect.
- Adjust the amount of soda water based on your preferred sweetness and strength.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the bubbly freshness.
- For a slightly different twist, try using blood orange slices as garnish.
