Okay, let’s be real—the Aperol Spritz isn’t just a drink, it’s an aesthetic. You’ve seen it on Instagram, glowing like a sunset in those oversized wine glasses, often held by someone who probably owns at least three linen shirts.
But here’s the thing: this cocktail isn’t just pretty—it’s ridiculously refreshing, easy to make, and basically the unofficial drink of summer (though, spoiler alert: I’ll show you how to make it work in winter too).
The good news? You don’t need to be a bartender or own a fancy bar setup. You can pull this off in your kitchen, even if your cocktail “gear” is literally a spoon and a wine glass.
I’ll walk you through the classic Aperol Spritz recipe, then we’ll play around with fun variations like a Cranberry Aperol Spritz for Christmas, or a Fall Aperol Spritz that pairs perfectly with sweater weather.
So, grab your ice, pop that prosecco, and let’s get mixing.
The Best Aperol Spritz Recipe + Fun Party Twists
The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing Italian cocktail made with prosecco, Aperol, soda water, and an orange slice. Light, bubbly, and slightly bitter-sweet, it’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable with seasonal twists like cranberry, apple cider, or blood orange. Perfect for summer brunches, cozy winter nights, or party themes.
Ingredients
-
3 ounces prosecco
-
2 ounces Aperol
-
1 ounce soda water
-
Ice cubes
-
Orange slice
How To Make The Best Aperol Spritz
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Add Aperol first.
- Pour prosecco carefully.
- Add soda water.
- Garnish with orange slice.
- Stir gently and enjoy.
What Exactly Is an Aperol Spritz?
At its core, the Aperol Spritz is a three-ingredient wonder: prosecco, Aperol, and soda water. Add some ice and an orange slice, and boom—you’ve got the most photogenic cocktail of your life.
But let’s dig deeper:
- Aperol – A bright orange Italian aperitif that tastes like a mix of orange peel, herbs, and subtle bitterness.
- Prosecco – Italy’s sparkling wine, bringing fizz and fun.
- Soda water – The unsung hero that lightens things up so you can sip all day without immediately regretting your life choices.
The ratio is the magic here: the classic is 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water. Easy enough to remember even after your second glass.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
Still not convinced? Here’s why the Aperol Spritz deserves a spot in your repertoire:
- Simple yet classy – It’s like the cocktail equivalent of wearing sneakers with a chic outfit.
- Refreshing – Not too strong, so you can actually drink more than one.
- Versatile – Works for summer brunches, winter holiday parties, or literally any excuse to clink glasses.
- Photogenic AF – Sorry, but that bold orange color just screams “take a picture of me.”
The Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe
Here’s the traditional way to make it. You’ll laugh at how easy it is.
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces prosecco
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce soda water
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Extra Detail):
-
Fill the glass with ice.
Don’t skimp here—fill it to the top. A watered-down Spritz is a sad Spritz. -
Add Aperol first.
Why? Because it sinks beautifully into the ice, and you’ll feel like a pro bartender. -
Pour in the prosecco.
Tilt the glass slightly so you don’t kill all the bubbles. Think champagne toast, not soda chug. -
Top with soda water.
Just a splash—it keeps things bubbly and balanced. -
Garnish with an orange slice.
No, not a lemon, not a lime—an orange slice. It complements the Aperol’s flavor perfectly. -
Give it a quick stir.
Don’t overdo it; you’re not making soup. Just one or two gentle stirs.
That’s it. Seriously. You’ve just made the best Aperol Spritz recipe ever.
Variations You’ll Want to Try
1. Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Perfect for the holidays. Swap the soda water for cranberry juice (or mix the two). It’s festive, fruity, and looks stunning on a Christmas table.
2. Winter Aperol Spritz
When the snow falls, add a splash of blood orange juice and garnish with a rosemary sprig. It’s cozy but still sparkly—like a holiday sweater in cocktail form.
3. Fall Aperol Spritz
Mix in a dash of apple cider with the soda water. It’s crisp, warming, and pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice vibes.
4. Aperol Spritz Mocktail
Want the Spritz aesthetic without the buzz? Use non-alcoholic sparkling wine and a zero-proof aperitif instead of Aperol. The taste is shockingly close, and you’ll still get that Aperol Spritz aesthetic for your Instagram.
5. Campari Spritz
Feeling adventurous? Swap Aperol for Campari. It’s bolder, more bitter, and great for anyone who thinks Aperol is “too sweet.”
How to Make It Look Like an Aperol Spritz Bar
Ever been to an Aperol Spritz party theme event? It’s basically orange everywhere—balloons, straws, napkins. If you want to impress your friends, set up a little Aperol Spritz bar at home. Here’s how:
- Line up bottles of prosecco, Aperol, and soda.
- Add a tray of garnishes: orange slices, rosemary sprigs, maybe some cranberries.
- Put out fun glasses (stemless wine glasses look chic).
- Bonus: print a little “3-2-1” recipe card so guests can DIY.
Trust me, people love the novelty of making their own. It turns a casual night into an Aperol Spritz party instantly.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Spritz
Want to level up? Keep these tricks in mind:
- Chill everything before making the cocktail—warm prosecco ruins the vibe.
- Use big ice cubes so they melt slower and don’t dilute the drink.
- Don’t overshake or stir. You want bubbles, not flat orange water.
- Play with garnish. Try blood orange wheels, thyme sprigs, or even edible flowers for that extra wow factor.
Pairing Ideas: What to Eat with Aperol Spritz
This drink shines with light, fresh foods. Some pairing favorites:
- Antipasto platters (cheese, olives, cured meats)
- Grilled shrimp or light seafood dishes
- Caprese salad
- Anything salty (FYI, Aperol and potato chips are an iconic Italian snack pairing—seriously, try it).
Why Aperol Spritz Is the Ultimate Party Drink
Here’s the deal: Aperol Spritz isn’t just a cocktail, it’s a whole vibe. It’s light enough that people can drink multiple glasses without falling asleep on your couch, it looks gorgeous, and it’s customizable for any season. You can dress it up for a Christmas Aperol Spritz, keep it casual for a backyard summer hang, or even theme an entire party around it.
And honestly? Few cocktails balance simplicity, taste, and aesthetics this perfectly.
Conclusion: Time to Spritz Up Your Life
So, there you go—the ultimate guide to making and enjoying an Aperol Spritz recipe. From the classic 3-2-1 formula to fun seasonal twists, you’ve got everything you need to impress yourself (and maybe your friends).
Next time you’re craving something light, bubbly, and stylish, skip the beer or basic wine and mix up one of these beauties. Trust me, your Instagram feed and your taste buds will thank you. 😉