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Aperol spritz is the perfect summer cocktail: citrusy, bubbly, and perfectly refreshing. This Italian classic comes together in minutes and is as refreshing as it is beautiful.
Why I Love This Cocktail
There are a lot of reasons to reach for an Aperol spritz, but for me, it really comes down to how easy and balanced it is. On warm evenings when I want something light but still festive, this is the cocktail I pour. It has a lower alcohol content than many mixed drinks, making it ideal for casual sipping while watching the sun dip below the horizon, which for me usually occurs over cornfields.
I also love the subtle bitterness that Aperol brings. It’s not overpowering, but just enough to add depth and keep the sweetness from taking over.
Here’s what makes my version special: I like to add just a splash of fresh orange juice. It’s a small addition, but it really brightens up the drink, emphasizing the natural citrus in Aperol. And since you’re already going to have orange on hand to garnish, why not just squeeze in some of the juice?
Here’s why you’ll love this cocktail:
- Comes together with just 5 ingredients (plus ice!)
- Has a beautiful orange hue that feels like the perfect color for summer
- Slight bitterness keeps the flavor balanced
- Low alcohol content makes it a great choice for easy sipping
Aperol Spritz Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to build this cocktail:
- Aperol – This iconic orange-colored Italian aperitif brings citrusy, herbal notes with a slight bitterness.
- Prosecco – A dry sparkling wine that adds crisp bubbles and balances the sweetness.
- Club soda – Just a splash to lighten the whole drink.
- Orange juice – Adds some extra citrus and enhances the fresh flavor.
- Orange slice – Adds a fresh pop of color. Plus, you can eat it after you’re done sipping.
The full amount of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
This cocktail is super simple to make:
Fill – Add ice to a wine glass.
Mix – Pour in the orange juice, prosecco, Aperol, and club soda, and stir to combine.
Garnish – With a slice of orange and serve immediately.
The traditional spritz ratio is 3:2:1—three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, and one part club soda. You can adjust it to your taste, but the base idea is always light, fizzy, and just bitter enough to make it unique.
Serving
Serve immediately after mixing while it’s cold and still bubbly. This cocktail is ideal as an aperitif before dinner, or with light snacks like olives, nuts, or a simple cheese platter.
Storage
- Refrigerate: The Aperol, prosecco, orange juice, and club soda can all be kept chilled separately until ready to serve.
- Leftovers: Once the drink is mixed, it should be consumed. If stored in the fridge, the bubbles will dissipate and the ice will melt, affecting the overall flavor.
More Cocktail Recipes
- Classic margarita
- Hugo spritz – like this Aperol spritz but with an elderflower flavor!
- Spicy margarita
- Siesta cocktail
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Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
- ice
- ½ oz fresh orange juice (about ½ a squeezed orange)
- 3 oz prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz club soda
- orange slice to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice.ice
- Add the orange juice, prosecco, Aperol, and club soda. Stir to combine.½ oz fresh orange juice (about ½ a squeezed orange), 3 oz prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz club soda
- Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.orange slice
