This aperol spritz recipe creates the perfect Italian cocktail that captures summer in a glass. After making hundreds of these refreshing drinks during my years as a bartender, I can tell you this classic three-ingredient combination never fails to impress guests.
The bright orange Italian aperitif mixed with bubbly prosecco creates a drink that tastes like sunshine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or relaxing on your patio, this spritz delivers the perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors.
What You Need for the Perfect Aperol Spritz
Creating an authentic Italian spritz requires just four simple ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature taste and beautiful orange color.
Essential Ingredients:
- 3 ounces Aperol (Italian orange aperitif)
- 3 ounces dry prosecco (Italian sparkling wine)
- 1 ounce club soda or sparkling water
- Fresh orange slice for garnish
- Ice cubes
Aperol is the star ingredient that gives this cocktail its distinctive flavor. This Italian liqueur combines orange zest with herbs and a touch of vanilla. You’ll find it near other aperitifs at most liquor stores.
Dry prosecco provides the effervescence and balances Aperol’s bitterness. Choose a brut style to avoid making your drink too sweet. Quality prosecco costs between $12-18 and makes all the difference.
Club soda adds extra fizz and lightens the alcohol content. Any unflavored sparkling water works perfectly for this purpose.
How to Make Aperol Spritz Step by Step
Making this Italian cocktail couldn’t be easier. The beauty lies in its simplicity, requiring no special bartending skills or equipment.
Simple Instructions:
- Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes
- Pour 3 ounces of Aperol over the ice
- Add 3 ounces of chilled prosecco
- Top with a splash of club soda
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice
- Serve immediately while bubbly
I always chill my prosecco beforehand and use plenty of ice. This keeps the drink refreshingly cold without diluting the flavors too quickly. The key is maintaining that perfect 3:3:1 ratio of Aperol, prosecco, and soda.
Customizing Your Spritz Recipe
Every palate is different, so feel free to adjust the proportions to match your taste preferences. I’ve experimented with countless variations over the years.
Make It Less Bitter:
- Use 2 ounces Aperol instead of 3
- Increase prosecco to 4 ounces
- Add extra club soda
Reduce Alcohol Content:
- Use more sparkling water
- Decrease both Aperol and prosecco proportionally
- The standard recipe contains about 11% alcohol
Enhance the Flavor:
- Try different prosecco brands
- Use blood orange slices for garnish
- Add a splash of fresh orange juice
Perfect Food Pairings
Aperol spritz works beautifully as an aperitif before dinner. The bitter notes stimulate your appetite while the bubbles cleanse your palate.
Ideal Appetizers:
- Olives and nuts
- Fresh mozzarella with crusty bread
- Caprese skewers
- Mediterranean dips
- Fresh fruit like grapes or strawberries
The drink’s bitterness pairs wonderfully with salty, creamy, or sweet foods. I love serving it with cheese boards or light Italian antipasti during summer gatherings.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
After years of perfecting this recipe, I’ve learned several tricks that elevate every glass. These small details make a big difference in your final drink.
Expert Recommendations:
- Use stemless wine glasses for casual elegance
- Chill all ingredients before mixing
- Don’t skip the orange garnish – it adds essential oils
- Make drinks individually for best carbonation
- Serve within 5 minutes of preparation
The most common mistake people make is using sweet prosecco instead of dry. This creates an overly sugary drink that masks Aperol’s complex herbal flavors.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This traditional Italian spritz recipe achieves perfect balance. The equal parts Aperol and prosecco create harmony between bitter and bubbly.
Key Success Factors:
- Equal ratios create perfect flavor balance
- Simple three-ingredient base prevents mistakes
- No special equipment or techniques required
- Consistent results every single time
- Authentic Italian proportions from original recipe
- Beautiful presentation with minimal effort
I’ve served this exact recipe at countless events. Guests always ask for the recipe because it tastes like authentic Italian spritzes.
The drink’s stunning orange color makes it perfect for entertaining. Anyone can master this recipe in minutes.
Final Thoughts
This aperol spritz recipe delivers authentic Italian flavor with minimal effort. The combination of bitter orange liqueur and sparkling wine creates a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail that never goes out of style. Master this classic, and you’ll have the perfect drink for any summer occasion.
Easy Aperol Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes until nearly full.
- Pour 3 ounces of Aperol over the ice (about one-third of the glass).
- Add 3 ounces of chilled dry prosecco to the glass.
- Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling water.
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice and serve immediately while bubbly.