Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe (3 Ingredients)

As someone who loves to entertain, having a few easy cocktail recipes in my back pocket is a life-saver. You don’t have to be a master mixologist or professional bartender to make a great drink, especially one as easy as an Aperol spritz. Just like my strawberry sangria, there’s no shaker required. Just measure, mix, and enjoy!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Prosecco – This white sparkling wine is to Italians what Champagne is to the French. When choosing a Prosecco for your spritzer, look for a dry (brut) or extra dry bottle to balance Aperol’s natural sweetness. You don’t need anything fancy! I’ve found many good bottles in the $10-15 range.
• Aperol – The bright reddish-orange heart of our cocktail! While Aperol is the most well-known and trusted brand name, you are welcome to use any citrusy aperitivo in its place.
• Soda Water (Club Soda) – Sparkling water adds extra effervescence and dilutes the spritz just a bit, making it lighter and less alcoholic. Make sure to opt for an unflavored variety and use it cold from the fridge.
• Ice Cubes – If you want an extra professional appearance, make a giant sphere or cube of clear ice. As a bonus, larger ice cubes melt more slowly, keeping your Aperol spritz from becoming too diluted.
• Orange Slice – Call me fussy, but I think a garnish really completes a drink. The citrusy aroma and cheerful color makes this spritzer even more delightful, and adds a built-in snack!

This is just a short review of the ingredients; for the complete recipe, including quantities, scroll down to the recipe card 👇

How to Make an Aperol Spritz

Watch the full video recipe to learn how to make the Best Aperol Spritz recipe. This step-by-step tutorial simplifies the process, offering tips and tricks to guarantee perfect results every time.

Prefer the written recipe? Scroll down to the recipe box 👇

What is an Aperol Spritzer?

First, let’s back up a minute and explore the component parts. Aperol is a bright orange Italian aperitivo (a low-alcohol liqueur typically served before meals) created in 1919 in Padua, Italy, by the Barbieri brothers. It’s known for its vibrant color, bittersweet flavor, and relatively low in alcohol content (11%), which makes it ideal for leisurely sipping. 

A spritz is a type of cocktail that originated in Northern Italy during the 19th century when Austrians would dilute local Italian wines with a splash of sparkling water. Modern spritzers are typically made with a bitter liqueur instead of wine, but the formula remains the same. The Aperol spritz, which was popularized in Venice, is arguably the most famous variation.

This light and bubbly Italian cocktail has become synonymous with summer sipping thanks to a delicious balance between sweet, bitter, and citrusy. It starts with a touch of orange sweetness, followed by a mild herbal bitterness, and finishes with a crisp, bubbly sparkle. It is light, complex, and incredibly refreshing, particularly on a warm, sunny day.

What is the difference between Aperol vs. Campari?

While Aperol and Campari are both Italian aperitivi with a signature bitter flavor and vibrant red-orange hue, they’re quite different in taste and strength. Aperol is lighter, sweeter, and lower in alcohol (11%), with strong notes of orange and rhubarb. Campari is bolder, more bitter, and stronger (about 24% ABV), with deeper herbal and spice undertones. 

If Aperol is a breezy, sun-drenched afternoon, Campari is the moody, late-night counterpart. While Aperol is the star of classic spritzes, Campari is best known for cocktails like the Negroni. That said, you’re welcome to make a Campari spritz for a boozier, more intensely flavored twist!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations

Whether you like it more bitter, more bubbly, or a bit fruitier, the Aperol Spritz is endlessly customizable to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to help mix things up:

• Citrus Swap – Garnish with a lemon or grapefruit slice instead of orange for a slightly different citrus note.
• Less Bitter – Add a splash of blood orange juice to mellow out Aperol’s herbal edge with extra citrusy zing.
• Boozier – Skip the soda water and go heavier on the Prosecco for a stronger cocktail.
• Lower-Alcohol – Reduce the Prosecco by half and top with more sparkling water for a daytime-friendly drink.
• Herbal Infusion – Add a sprig of fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil for a garden-fresh twist.
• Campari Spritz – Swap Aperol for Campari if you prefer a deeper, more bitter flavor profile.
• Rosé Spritz – Use a dry sparkling rosé instead of Prosecco for a pretty pink drink with a fruity flair.

Expert Tips & Tricks 

• Follow the 3:2:1 ratio. That’s 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water. It’s the golden rule for a perfectly balanced spritz, and can easily be translated into a batched pitcher drink!
• Chill your ingredients. Keep your Prosecco and soda water in the fridge until you’re ready to mix for a crisper, more refreshing cocktail.
• Use a wine glass or balloon glass. The wide bowl gives the aromas room to breathe and makes for an elegant presentation.
• Add Prosecco first. Pouring the Prosecco before the Aperol helps preserve its bubbles. Add the soda water last for maximum fizz. Be gentle if you decide to stir it; you don’t want to flatten the bubbles.
• Don’t skip the garnish. A fresh orange slice isn’t just pretty! The tart aroma complements the citrus notes in Aperol and rounds out the flavors.

How to Serve Aperol Spritz

The Aperol spritz is best enjoyed cold and freshly made, served over ice in a large wine glass or balloon glass with a slice of orange for garnish. It’s considered an aperitivo, perfect for sipping before dinner or alongside light snacks. 

Serve it with a bowl of marinated olives, a plate of prosciutto and melon, or some salty potato chips for a true Italian-style happy hour. It’s also a great choice for brunches, garden parties, or any warm-weather gathering where you want something festive, bubbly, and not too strong. 

Common Questions