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Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe is the perfect summer drink, and simple enough to make at home. As the temperature rises and the sun shines brighter, nothing beats sipping on a refreshing summer drink. So, get ready to add a pop of orange to your summer and indulge in the sweet, bitter taste of a spritz.

Three Glasses of a cocktail made with Aperol.
Refreshing Aperol Spritz Cocktail

I love a great Pineapple Campari for summer, but when I’m looking for a smoother flavor profile, the Aperol Spritz Cocktail is my choice.

Why the Aperol Spritz is the Perfect Summer Drink

One of the reasons why the Aperol Spritz is the perfect summer drink is its refreshing taste. The combination of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water creates a light and bubbly texture perfect for hot days. The bitterness of the Aperol is balanced with the sweetness of the Prosecco and the club soda water adds a touch of effervescence, making it a refreshing and thirst-quenching cocktail.

Another reason why the Aperol Spritz is a go-to summer drink is its versatility. This classic cocktail can be served in many different settings, from casual barbecues to elegant soirées. It also pairs well with a variety of summer dishes, from light salads to grilled meats and seafood.

The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for entertainment. Aperol is fine stored at room temperature or you can keep the ingredients chilled. Just mix up a drink and pour it over ice cubes as you need it. There’s no need to use a cocktail shaker or any fancy equipment.

Sideview of three Aperol cocktails in a triangle shape and garnished with a orange wheel. Hostess At Heart

What is Aperol?

Aperol is an alcohol-based Italian liqueur, considered an apéritif obtained from the infusion of gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona bark, among other ingredients. It is bitter with notes of orange zest and a subtle flavor of vanilla. It is known for its vibrant orange hue.

Aperol has a low alcohol content of 11% ABV (Alcohol by Volume) making it ideal for sipping.

The Italian tradition is to serve an Apéritif as a pre-dinner drink to stimulate one’s appetite. For me, an Aperol Spritz is perfect any time of day.

Aperol vs Campari – Are they the same thing?

No. Both are Italian aperitifs. Aperol has a low alcohol content of 11% ABV (Alcohol by Volume) compared to Campari’s higher alcohol content of 20.5 to 28.5%. Campari also has more of a bitter edge than Aperol’s bittersweet flavor. For more information on the differences, I found this article very interesting.

Sideview of three Aperol cocktails lined up and garnished with a orange wheel. Hostess At Heart

Simple Recipe for Aperol Spritz

Most often an Aperol Spritz is served in a large wine glass but you can use any glass that you choose. 

Combine sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Cava with a bitter liqueur, is known as a spritz. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients used aperol spritzers including prosecco, aperol, and club soda next to two glasses of ice.
  • – 3 parts Prosecco – The Italian version of French Champagne.
  • – 3 parts Aperol
  • – 1 splash of club soda
  • – Garnish with an orange slice or an orange wedge

The Classic Aperol Spritz uses a ratio of 3 parts Prosecco to 2 parts Aperol, but I prefer an equal balance of the two, which makes it a little sweeter. I’ll give you some other options to make this refreshing aperitif your own.

How to make an Aperol Spritz

To get started, add Aperol to your glass and top it with the Prosecco. Add a splash of club soda and stir the ingredients together. Add ice and stir to chill. The traditional garnish is an orange slice. 

How to Customize Your Aperol Spritz

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s easy to adjust to your personal taste. If you prefer your drinks on the sweeter side, you can add a bit more Aperol. And if you want a lighter, less boozy drink, you can top it off with more soda water or sparkling water. Experiment with different ratios until you find your perfect balance.

To add some extra flair, try adding a splash of grapefruit juice or orange juice for a citrus twist. For more bubbles, swap out the soda water for sparkling wine or tonic water. Make it extra festive by garnishing it with blood orange. Or, for a savory twist, add a sprig of rosemary or thyme with a slice of cucumber.

Tableview of an aperol spritz cocktail in a wine glass and garnished with an orange wheel. Hostess At Heart

What to serve with your Aperol Spritz

I suggest Italian or Mediterranean-style appetizers such as a Charcuterie board filled with green olives, fresh mozzarella, and crusty bread. Salty snacks such as nuts and pretzels are delicious and easy to serve. Jarcuteries both savory and sweet, are fun and perfect for summer!

What else can I make with Aperol?

  • Aperol Negroni – Aperol, sweet vermouth, gin.
  • Paper Plane – Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and lemon juice.
  • Aperol Cosmopolitan – Aperol, Vodka, lime juice.

The Aperol Spritz truly is the perfect summer drink. Its refreshing and light taste makes it ideal for any occasion. I hope you will give this Aperol Spritz Cocktail recipe a try and stop back to let me know what you think.

Top down view of glasses of aperol spritz cocktail garnished with orange slices - Hostess At Heart

I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.

Tableview of a Aperol Spritz garnished with an orange and surrounded by the ingredients. Hostess At Heart

Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Author: Julie Menghini
Savor the essence of summer with an Aperol Spritz cocktail. It's a refreshing and thirst-quenching cocktail easy enough to make at home.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Course Cocktail
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword: Cocktail, Spritz
Servings: 1

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 oz Aperol liquer
  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • 1 oz Club Soda

Garnish with an orange slice.

Instructions
 

  • Add Aperol, Prosecco, and club soda to a serving glass. Stir to combine. Add ice and serve immediately.

Notes

Tips: Keep the Prosecco and club soda chilled after opening to preserve the effervescence.
For less sweetness only use 2 ounces of Aperol.

Nutritional Disclaimer

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

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Sideview of three Aperol cocktails lined up and garnished with a orange wheel. Hostess At Heart
Best Aperol Spritz Recipe
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating




Lynn

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

I've never made one for myself and it was SO GOOD! Thanks for the push to do it myself-- I'll be sipping this one all summer!

Julie Menghini

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

It's a great summer sipper. Thank you!

mindy

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

We are enjoying this Aperol Spritz very much. We love making it on Friday evenings after a long week. It is refreshing, quick and a great way to relax! :)

Julie Menghini

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

I agree, Mindy! Thank you.

Kathleen

Monday 12th of June 2023

SPOT on! Loved it! Can I have another? Those are the comments I heard when I served this at my summer book club the other evening! Delicious!

Julie Menghini

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

Thanks, Kathleen!

Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!

Sunday 11th of June 2023

This sounds delicious and refreshing. I'll keep it in the back of my mind as I head into summer!

Julie Menghini

Monday 12th of June 2023

Thank you, Jeff! It's a great summer sipper.

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