Simple Aperol Spritz Recipe That’s Perfect For Warm Weather

Some drinks show up loud… the Aperol Spritz just shows up glowing. That bright orange sparkle? It’s not just for looks. This one’s got easy summer energy written all over it. It’s light fizzy and just bitter enough to feel grown up without getting too serious.

Perfect for those afternoons where nothing’s really planned but everything feels like a vibe. You’re outside somewhere. Sun’s doing its thing. Someone’s pouring and someone else is already reaching for snacks. One sip in and it’s like ok… we’re doing this right.

The Aperol Spritz isn’t here to impress. It’s here to chill. And somehow it always makes things feel a little more golden.

What Is an Aperol Spritz and Where Did It Come From

The Aperol Spritz is one of those cocktails that looks fancy but takes zero effort. It’s just three things, Aperol, Prosecco and Soda water, but when they hit the glass together… it’s magic!

You get that bittersweet citrus flavor from the Aperol, bubbles from the prosecco and just enough soda to keep it crisp.

It started in Northern Italy, where people would chill out before dinner with something light and a little bitter to wake up their appetite. That’s the whole idea behind the aperitivo hour… take it slow, sip something cold, snack a little and talk a lot.

Over time, the Spritz kinda blew up. That orange glow and easy vibe made it a go-to all over Europe, and now pretty much everywhere else too.

It’s not fussy, it’s not strong, it’s just refreshing and basically fun. Perfect when you want a drink that looks good and makes you feel even better.

This one isn’t just for parties, it’s for lazy Sundays, balcony hangs, unexpected drop-ins and anything that deserves to feel a little more special.

Tips to Make It at Home

The Aperol Spritz is easy but there’s a few tricks to make it hit just right. You don’t need fancy gear or a lot of time… just the right moves and some ice.

• Use a big wine glass. This drink likes space. A large glass gives it room to breathe and lets those bubbles do their thing.
• Fill it with ice. Like all the way. This keeps it cold and helps balance the flavor so it stays light not flat.
• Pour the prosecco first. Start with prosecco then Aperol and finish with soda water. It keeps the bubbles alive and the drink from tasting too sweet.
• Go easy on the stir. You’re blending not mixing paint. One gentle swirl is all it needs to come together.
• Fresh garnish makes the difference. An orange slice is a must. A sprig of rosemary if you’ve got it makes it feel like you actually planned this whole moment. Even if you didn’t.

Snacks + Aperol? Always

An Aperol Spritz without snacks is like showing up to aperitivo hour empty-handed… just wrong. This drink was literally built to pair with bites! Here are a few things I like to pair it with:

• The basics: Salty green olives, marcona almonds, maybe some grissini or toasted focaccia with olive oil. Simple stuff that hits every time.
• A cheese board never hurts: soft cheeses like brie or burrata love the contrast of a slightly bitter spritz. Toss in some prosciutto or spicy salami and now you’re really doing it.
• Sweet and salty works too. A few slices of melon or a drizzle of honey over hard cheese balances everything out. The drink brings the sparkle… the snacks bring the vibe.

You don’t need a whole spread but trust, a few good snacks take the whole Aperol Spritz experience from casual to curated without even trying that hard.

The Aperol Spritz Recipe

This one’s all about easy refreshment. With Aperol’s bittersweet citrus bite, the soft sparkle of prosecco and a splash of soda to keep things crisp, the Aperol Spritz lands perfectly between laid-back and lifted. It’s zesty, slightly bitter, subtly sweet and seriously hard to stop at just one. The ultimate aperitif? Pretty much.

Ingredients

• 3 parts Prosecco
• 2 parts Aperol
• 1 part soda water
• Ice cubes
• Orange slices for garnish
• Optional: Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish

Zero-proof version: Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine and an Aperol-style aperitif like Wilfred’s or Lyre’s Italian Orange. Same color same chill feel just no buzz.

Instructions

1. Fill a wine glass with ice cubes to chill the glass.
2. Pour in 3 parts of prosecco followed by 2 parts of Aperol.
3. Top it off with 1 part of soda water.
4. Gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a slice of orange and, if desired, a sprig of fresh rosemary.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Aperol Spritz!

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 213 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Aperol Spritz Variations to Try

Once you’ve made the classic you can start playing with it. These spins keep that light bubbly vibe but give you new flavors to mess around with depending on what you’re feeling.

Make it extra bitter: Cut back a little on the prosecco and add more Aperol. You’ll get more of that citrus bite and it leans a little more grown up.

Rosé spritz: Swap prosecco for a dry rosé. It’s still light but adds a little fruitiness that feels perfect for warm nights and picnic plates.

Blood orange twist: Add a splash of blood orange juice or use a blood orange slice for garnish. It deepens the color and gives the flavor a richer citrus vibe.

Grapefruit soda instead of soda water: More tang more fizz more fun. It turns the whole thing into a sunset in a glass.

Want another prosecco or champagne recipe? Why not try a Mojito Royal, a French 75 or a Citrus Mimosa cocktail.

And to pin for later:

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Yield: 1

Aperol Spritz

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Aperol Spritz is a vibrant cocktail that perfectly balances Aperol with crisp prosecco and a splash of soda water. Each sip is a burst of Italian sunshine

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 90 ml Prosecco
• 60 ml Aperol
• 30 ml soda water
• Ice cubes
• Orange slices for garnish
• Optional: Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a wine glass with ice cubes to chill the glass.
2. Pour in 3 parts of prosecco followed by 2 parts of Aperol.
3. Top it off with 1 part of soda water.
4. Gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a slice of orange and, if desired, a sprig of fresh rosemary.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Aperol Spritz!

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version: Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine and an Aperol-style aperitif like Wilfred’s or Lyre’s Italian Orange. Same color same chill feel just no buzz.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 213Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 0gSugar: 22gProtein: 0g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.