Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a bubbly Italian aperitif with citrus and herbal notes. With 3 ingredients and 3 minutes, this classic cocktail is worth the hype.
Bubbly, citrusy, herbal, subtly bitter and lightly sweet, the Aperol Spritz is the most classic bubbly mixed drink of them all. When that glowing sunset-orange that catches late-afternoon light, it literally looks like it belongs on a postcard from a piazza somewhere.
This Italian cocktail has been capturing hearts and minds since the 1950’s. If you’re like me, you might have rolled your eyes to the popularity of this drink. But taste one made the right way: it’s absolutely worth the hype.
What Is an Aperol Spritz?
The Aperol spritz, or Spritz Veneziano, is a classic Italian aperitif: a cocktail meant to wake up the appetite before a meal. The spritz was originally invented in the 1800’s in Italy as a way to water down sparkling wine by mixing water.
The version we know today, with its signature orange glow, came together in the 1950s and is now recognized by the International Bartenders Association as one of the IBA official cocktails,, with a specific 3-2-1 ratio:
- 3 parts Prosecco (or other dry sparkling wine)
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part soda water
Tips for the Perfect Aperol Spritz
The Aperol spritz is so easy to make: there’s no real technique involved at all! Just stir ingredients and top with bubbles. But this spritz has been criticized for being watery, too sweet, and like a Capri sun (thanks, New York Times). Here’s how to make the best Aperol spritz:
- Use a mid-range, dry Prosecco. The key to a great spritz! Low quality Prosecco can make the drink too sugary. Grab a mid-price range bottle of Prosecco or champagne for this one with a dry flavor.
- Make sure both the Aperol and Prosecco are chilled. To minimize dilution, have both of the alcohols chilled as much as possible.
- Squeeze in the orange. Bring more tangy citrus notes by squeezing in the orange wedge to the drink, then adding it as a garnish.
- Use plenty of ice. Keep that beverage ice cold! Try clear ice for the most stunning look.
- Use a straw. It’s subtle, but drinking out of a straw keeps your hand from warming the glass. Less dilution, better drink!
What Exactly Is Aperol?
Aperol is an Italian bitter (amaro) that’s bright orange a bittersweet flavor. The first aperitif invented back in the 1860’s in Italy was Campari, the main ingredient in a Negroni. Many sprung up after that, with each restaurant making its own unique aperitif. Aperol was invited in 1919, and it was bought by the Campari company in the 1990’s.
Its flavor is lightly sweet, bitter, and balanced, with notes of herbs and citrus. It has a fairly low alcohol content (22 proof or 11% ABV). Its light flavor is much more approachable than the very bitter Campari.
Other ways to use Aperol once you have a bottle open: try the unique modern classics Paper Plane and Naked and Famous, or my sweet tart Aperol Cocktail.
When to Serve an Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is built for warm weather and the hour before dinner! Here are a few great ways to serve it:
- As a summer porch drink at golden hour
- As an aperitivo before an Italian dinner – pair it with my Margherita pizza
- For outdoor parties or bridal showers where a pretty, low-ABV option is welcome
- As an alternative to a mimosa for holiday mornings
If You Find It Too Sweet, Try These Drinks
To me, the Aperol Spritz is pretty sweet: here are a few drinks I like even more:
- Negroni Sbagliato: A spin on the Negroni using Prosecco instead of gin, it’s similar to the Aperol Spritz but I think it’s better!
- St Germain Spritz or Hugo: This floral, refreshing drink is easy drinking: perfect for summer!
- Limoncello Spritz: This sparkling drink has a pure lemon flavor and is a little more balanced.
- Campari Spritz: Bitter and bubbly, it’s a common spin on the Aperol spritz.
- Amaro Spritz: This bubbly drink has notes of caramel and cola, and learns more bitter.
- Americano: The Americano is another bubbly cocktail using Campari, sweet vermouth, and lots of soda water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in terms of alcohol level! A spritz is around 8–10% ABV: it’s about the same as a glass of wine, and lighter than most cocktails. Some people may find the flavor strong (it can taste pretty sweet).
Any dry sparkling wine works — cava, dry Champagne, or a domestic sparkling. Avoid sweet sparkling wines like moscato d’Asti, which will tip the drink overly sugary.
Aperol is lower in alcohol (11% vs Campari’s 24%), lighter and sweeter, and more approachable. Campari is very bitter and herbaceous. See my guide to Campari vs Aperol.
Yes. Multiply the 3-2-1 ratio, combine the Aperol and chilled Prosecco in a pitcher just before serving, and let guests add their own soda water and ice.
The Classic Aperol Spritz
Pin RecipeThe classic Aperol spritz is worth the hype! It’s light and bubbly, with hints of citrus and herbs: one of the most refreshing mixed drinks of all time.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) Aperol, chilled
- 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) soda water
- Ice (try clear ice!)
- For the garnish: orange wedge, a straw if you like
Instructions
- Add the Aperol to a glass filled with ice and stir. Top with the sparkling wine and soda water.
- Squeeze in the orange wedge and stir gently, then serve. Serve with a straw to minimize dilution!
from A Couple Cooks
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Sonja Overhiser
May 9, 2026 at 01:53PM
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