Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is one of Italy’s most iconic aperitivo cocktails. Light, bubbly, citrusy, and slightly bitter, it’s the kind of drink that instantly transports you to a sunny patio somewhere along the Amalfi Coast. Traditionally served as an aperitif before dinner, the Aperol Spritz is designed to stimulate the appetite while encouraging long conversations and slow sipping.

Its vibrant orange color and refreshing flavor have made it a modern classic worldwide, but at its core, it remains beautifully simple: Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water in a 3:2:1 ratio over ice. Perfection!

Watch Me Mix an Aperol Spritz

How to Make an Aperol Spritz

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Prosecco first, followed by the Aperol.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Gently stir to combine.
5. Garnish with a fresh orange slice and serve immediately.

What is an Aperol Spritz?

An Aperol Spritz is a sparkling Italian cocktail made with 3 parts Prosecco + 2 parts Aperol + 1 part soda water. This cocktail is low ABV, refreshing, slightly bitter, lightly sweet, and incredibly easy to make at home. It’s often served in a large wine glass with plenty of ice and a fresh orange slice.

While the classic is a classic for a reason, I like a slightly more bitter Aperol Spritz, so I use a 3:3:1 ratio with 3 parts Aperol instead of 2. It gives the cocktail a little more depth, and that signature bitter orange flavor really shines through. If you love a spritz that feels slightly less sweet and a bit more aperitivo-style, this is the version I’d recommend. But honestly, spritzes are all about personal preference. Adjust the ratio until it tastes perfect to you.

Tips for Making the Best Aperol Spritz

• Use Plenty of Ice. A spritz should stay cold and refreshing. Fill the glass with ice so the drink stays crisp without quickly diluting.
• Pour the Prosecco First. Adding Prosecco first helps preserve the bubbles and naturally mixes the cocktail as you pour.
• Choose a Dry Prosecco. A dry or brut Prosecco helps balance Aperol’s sweetness and bitterness.
• Don’t Overdo the Soda Water. The soda water should lighten the drink, not flatten it. A small splash is all you need.
• Use Fresh Orange. A fresh orange slice adds aroma and bright citrus oils that elevate the entire cocktail.
• Buy the good stuff. Since this is an easy 3-ingredient cocktail, there’s no way for your ingredients to hide.

Aperol Spritz Variations

There are so many ways to add different flavors (and even temperatures) to an Aperol Spritz. Here are some of my favorites:

• Make it a colder slushie (for adults). Try the classic Frozen Aperol Spritz or this one with peaches.
• Warm it up. For cold winter nights, try this Mulled Aperol. It’s not bubbly, but it sure is cozy.
• Spike it. Make a boozier Aperol Spritz by adding tequila.
• Dial Back the Booze. Make a Low-ABV Aperol Spritz with more soda water instead of bubbly (or use N/A bubbly).
• Make it Seasonal. Try the Spring Rhubarb Spritz, Winter Aperol Spritz, Cranberry Spiced Spritz, and Valentine’s Day Spritz.

Batch Aperol Spritz Recipe

Perfect for parties, summer hosting, or keeping in the fridge for easy spritzes all weekend long.

Serves 6–8

Ingredients

• 1 bottle Prosecco (750ml)
• 1 bottle Aperol (750ml)
• 1 cup soda water
• Orange slices
• Ice

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the Prosecco and Aperol.
2. Add orange slices.
3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. When serving, fill glasses with ice and pour the spritz mixture about 3/4 full.
5. Top each glass with a splash of soda water and garnish with fresh orange.

Jules’ Bitter-Forward Batch Aperol Spritz

If you prefer a more bitter-forward spritz like I do, use:

• 1 bottle Prosecco
• 1 bottle Aperol
• 1 cup soda water

Instead of leaning prosecco-heavy, this keeps the Aperol flavor front and center while still staying bubbly and refreshing.

Hosting Tips

Freeze orange slices ahead of time to use as ice cubes. They keep the spritz cold without diluting it and also make the glasses look extra beautiful for hosting.

Here are three of my favorite Spritz glasses:

• Schott Zwiesel Tour 13-oz. Outdoor White Wine Glass
• Raye Angled Crystal Amaro Spritz Glasses
• Fable Pinot Noir Glasses

Aperol Spritz FAQs

Is an Aperol Spritz strong?

Not particularly. Aperol is relatively low ABV compared to many spirits, making the Aperol Spritz a lighter cocktail option.

What does Aperol taste like?

Aperol has notes of bitter orange, rhubarb, herbs, and vanilla with a lightly sweet finish.

Can I make an Aperol Spritz ahead of time?

You can pre-batch the Aperol and Prosecco, but wait to add ice and soda water until serving so the drink stays bubbly.

What’s the difference between Aperol and Campari?

Aperol is lighter, sweeter, and lower ABV than Campari. Campari has a more pronounced bitterness and a deeper herbal flavor.