The Aperol Spritz is an ultra-refreshing, classic Italian cocktail. Also known as Spritz Veneziano, it looks like a sunset and tastes like summer. Even if you don’t like champagne, you will still love this.
The Aperol perfectly cuts the champagne flavor making the cocktail delightful in every way. With only three ingredients, the Italian classic can be easily replicated at home.
The roots of the Aperol Spritz date back to Italy in the early 1900s. The popular cocktail is still enjoyed there as well as anywhere as a refreshing aperitif. This thirst-quenching cocktail is fairly low in alcohol content, making it perfectly acceptable to enjoy before dinner. With just three simple ingredients and no fancy bar equipment needed, the Aperol Spritz is perfect for a happy hour right at home!
What is Aperol
Aperol is a coral-hued Italian bitters aperitif with a flavor blend of zesty citrus, aromatic herbs and sweet vanilla. An alcoholic drink that you have before a meal, it is bittersweet, fruity, refreshing, and fairly low in alcohol content (11%).
An aperitif is meant to stimulate the appetite and is often fruity in nature. Along the streets of Rome, there are signs outside small wine bars advertising all of their great aperitifs. Look for Aperol near the liqueurs at the liquor store.
If you are looking for another great cocktail made with an aperitif, try our Campari Sprtiz.
Aperol Spritz Ratio
Just a few simple ingredients are all you need to make the classic cocktail at home, just remember 3-2-1! Three ounces of sparkling wine or Prosecco, two ounces of Aperol, and just one ounce of soda water. Combine them all in a glass with ice, no shaking or elaborate contraptions required.
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
Here is a brief overview of how an Aperol Spritz cocktail comes together. For the full recipe, including all aperol spritz ingredients and their measurements, be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Fill a glass with ice. Our preference is a large wine goblet so you can pretend you are sipping on the cobbled streets of Rome.
- Add Aperol to the glass followed by the sparkling wine.
- Top with a splash of club soda. Club soda is just like carbonated water with the addition of some minerals that give it a unique taste.
- Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice or two. We love to add the orange slices right to the cocktail, too.
How to Serve
Serve your Aperol Spritz in a wine glass over lots of ice. It is such a perfect and refreshing cocktail on a hot day! Garnish with a slice of orange, or as mentioned above, throw a few of the orange slices right into the glass.
Large Wine Glasses
Aperol Spritz Calories
The cocktail contains just 158 calories making it a lighter drink on the spectrum. If you are looking for more low calories cocktails, try this Vodka Soda or Gin Rickey Recipe.
Other Spritz Recipes
Spritz cocktails are perfect for summertime or any time you want a refreshing drink. Here are a few others to try!
- The Hugo Spritz is made with elderflower liqueur and fresh mint leaves.
- The Campari Spritz features Campari, which provides a bold and bitter base that defines the drink and gives it its vibrant red color.
- Lillet Blanc stars in the Lillet Spritz, a cocktail that is crisp and refreshing with herbal, citrus, and floral notes.
Other Italian Cocktails
If you make this great Aperol Spritz recipe, leave us a comment and let us know what you think!
Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- 3 ounces sparkling wine Prosecco or similar
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce soda water
Instructions
- Add the Aperol to an ice-filled glass.
- Add the sparkling wine to the glass.
- Top with the soda water.
- Stir gently, garnish, and enjoy.
Stephanie says
Looks great! Quick question…should it be 3 oz Aperol or 3 oz Prosecco? The recipe card says 3 oz Prosecco, but the blog above says 3 oz Aperol.
Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for catching that! 3 ounces of sparkling wine or Prosecco and 2 ounces of Aperol. I hope you enjoy it!
Taylor says
Hi! Where are these glasses from? Do you have a link? Thanks!
We got them here: https://amzn.to/3N3WCTw
Dilia says
Looks amazing!! Which prosecco do you recommend for this recipe?
Thanks.
Thanks! We typically use La Marca Prosecco or Cupcake, nothing too expensive. Enjoy!