Aperol Spritz Cocktail

Just close your eyes as you take a sip of this subtly sweet bubbly Aperol Spritz Cocktail and transport yourself to your own Italian vacation. Summertime isn’t complete without a glass of your new favorite Aperol and prosecco cocktail in hand so let’s get mixing! 

If you’re looking for more refreshing cocktails for summer, be sure to check out our Sparkling Cucumber Gimlet, Peach Bourbon Smash, and Sangria Mexican Mule.

Why You’ll Love An Aperol Spritzer Cocktail

Oh, the incredible Aperol spritz. What’s not to love about this bright and refreshing glass full of summer? I could go on and on for days about why I love this Aperol spritz cocktail but here are just a few of the top reasons why I know you’ll love this Aperol cocktail with prosecco. 

• It’s incredibly easy to throw together with only 3 main ingredients. 
• One sip and you’ll immediately feel like you’re on an incredible beach vacation without a care in the world 
• You can mix up the flavor profiles in any way you want by adding different types of flavored sparkling water 
• It will wow your guests at your next backyard summer party! 

What Is Aperol?

Aperol seems to be this elusive mysterious ingredient that is quickly becoming a summer patio sipping staple with the cult classic Aperol spritz, but what exactly is Aperol, and how would you describe the flavor profile? 

This refreshing beverage is considered an aperitif which in Italy is a category of drinks enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. The alcohol content is much lower than the likes of vodka or tequila, coming in with only 11% ABV, making it a great mixing beverage. 

Now that we’ve covered the logistics of what Aperol actually is, what does it taste like? 

As the bright orange coloring would insinuate, key ingredients include sweet oranges, bitter, rhubarb, and a mix of various herbs and roots. The Italian aperitif is slightly bitter but when mixed up in a cocktail, the sweetness cuts through the bitterness.

What Is An Aperol Spritz Drink?

The classic Aperol drink gets its glorious bright orange hue from the Aperol which is the foundation of this refreshing summer sipper. What turns this pre-meal aperitif into an insanely refreshing cocktail you’ll want to sip on any time of the day is the addition of prosecco and sparkling water. 

Spritz cocktails have been highly popular for centuries as they originally came into existence to dilute the Italian wines some believed to be too strong. 

As the rise in popularity of spritz cocktails emerged it only made sense that an Aperol spritz recipe would follow soon after as this beverage would be considered too bitter to drink on its own. By adding a little prosecco with the Aperol and sparkling water, the Aperol soda recipe became the height of luxury sipped on by any and all trendy members of society.

Aperol Spritz Ingredients

• Aperol – The Italian apéritif has an orange-red color and can be found at almost any standard liquor store
• Sparkling wine – Prosecco is the best, but any dry sparkling wine will work. You can also try a sweet sparkling wine if you like a sweeter cocktail 
• Sparkling water – any sparkling water will work. For an extra flavor burst try it with the flavored Italian sparkling water, like San Pellegrino blood orange. 

How To Make An Aperol Spritz With Prosecco

(full printable recipe at the end of this post)

To make your new favorite prosecco cocktail you’ll first need to remember one thing. This is NOT a shakeable cocktail. As we all know, bubbles do not do well in a shaker, and trying to put 2 different bubbly liquids in your shaker will end in absolute disaster. 

Simply grab a mixing glass, or your desired Aperol glasses (wine glasses are perfect) and mix all your ingredients together until combined. Once combined, add ice and garnish with an orange slice. 

Lastly, simply sit and imagine you’re sitting on the streets of Italy and enjoy every last sip of your homemade Aperol spritz. 

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Aperol Spritz FAQs

Can Aperol get you drunk?

Just like with any alcohol, you need to drink responsibly and avoid overconsumption. Aperol has the equivalent ABV as a bottle of wine, so take that into consideration whenever you’re consuming any Aperol. 

Can you drink Aperol straight?

Technically you can drink Aperol straight, but it might not be the most pleasant experience. Aperol is a bitter alcoholic beverage that is best when mixed with other ingredients or diluted with sparkling water. 

What is the best glass for an Aperol Spritz?

This Italian cocktail looks stunning in a long-stemmed wine glass to show off its vibrant color. I really love the modern wine glasses shown in these photos. They are my favorite wine glasses and are perfect Aperol glasses!

What is an aperitif?

An aperitif is a category of drinks enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. While it’s most common in Italy, it can be compared to happy hour drinks in America.  

What is Prosecco?

Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine. Not to be confused with Champagne. While they are both very similar, champagne is from France and uses different grapes and different methods for incorporating the bubbles into the wine. 

How long does opened Aperol last?

Open Aperol can last up to 12 months before you would need to throw it out. Some say that refrigerating after opening better preserves the quality, but it will also last just fine not refrigerated. 

What To Serve With An Aperol Spritz Cocktail

While you can enjoy an Aperol Spritz with anything from flatbread pizza to brunch, this aperitivo is perfect when paired with bite-sized appetizers like Shortbread Cheese Crisps, a simple and elegant Charcuterie Board, Antipasto Skewers, Grilled Grape Brie and Arugula Flatbread, and Dried Apricot Blue Cheese Canapes.

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