Aperol Spritz
This classic Italian aperitif is light, bubbly, and bittersweet, with a bright orange color that feels made for warm evenings. The 3-2-1 ratio keeps it easy: three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol, and one part soda.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 1 cocktail
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 0mItalianDrinks
An Aperol spritz is a simple sparkling cocktail from northern Italy. It is usually served before dinner as an aperitif, which means a drink meant to wake up the appetite.
The flavor is gently bitter, citrusy, and lightly sweet. Prosecco brings the bubbles, Aperol adds orange and herbal notes, and soda water keeps the drink refreshing.
The key is to build the drink right in the glass over plenty of ice. Use cold ingredients, stir gently, and serve it right away while the bubbles are lively.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
5 items · 1 cocktail
- Ice, enough to fill a large wine glass
- 3 ounces chilled prosecco
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce chilled club soda or sparkling water
- 1 fresh orange slice, for garnish
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the glass
Use a large wine glass or balloon glass. If you have time, place it in the freezer for 5 minutes. A cold glass helps the ice melt more slowly.
2. Fill with ice
Add enough ice to fill the glass almost to the top. Plenty of ice keeps the drink cold and helps the spritz stay bright instead of watery.
3. Pour the prosecco
Add 3 ounces chilled prosecco to the glass. Pour slowly so the bubbles do not foam over.
4. Add the Aperol
Pour in 2 ounces Aperol. The drink will turn its signature orange color as the Aperol moves through the prosecco.
5. Top with soda
Add 1 ounce chilled club soda or sparkling water. This lightens the drink and adds a crisp finish.
6. Stir gently
Use a bar spoon or regular spoon to stir once or twice. Be gentle so you mix the drink without knocking out too many bubbles.
7. Garnish and serve
Slide an orange slice into the glass or rest it on the rim. Serve right away while the spritz is cold and fizzy.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Do not mix an Aperol spritz ahead of time. The prosecco and soda will lose their bubbles. You can chill the glass, prosecco, Aperol, soda, and orange slices in advance.
- For a party: Set out chilled bottles and a small measuring cup. Use the 3-2-1 ratio for each glass: 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda.
- Storage: A mixed spritz does not store well. If you have leftover prosecco, seal it with a sparkling wine stopper and refrigerate for 1 to 2 days.
- Swaps: Use another dry sparkling wine if you do not have prosecco. Cava works well. Champagne also works, though it may taste drier and sharper.
- Make it less sweet: Choose a very dry prosecco labeled “brut,” add an extra splash of soda, or reduce the Aperol slightly.
- Make it lighter: Use 2 ounces prosecco, 1 1/2 ounces Aperol, and 2 ounces soda water for a lower-alcohol spritz-style drink.
Cook's note
Nutrition is an estimate per cocktail, based on 3 ounces prosecco, 2 ounces Aperol, 1 ounce club soda, and a small orange slice. Values can vary by brand, especially for Aperol and prosecco. This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for adults of legal drinking age.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What is the classic Aperol spritz ratio?
The common ratio is 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water. For one drink, that means 3 ounces prosecco, 2 ounces Aperol, and 1 ounce soda.
Can I use sparkling water instead of club soda?
Yes. Club soda has added minerals and a slightly sharper taste, while sparkling water is usually softer. Either one works in an Aperol spritz.
What prosecco should I buy for an Aperol spritz?
Choose a dry prosecco labeled “brut” or “extra dry.” Brut is the driest option. Avoid very sweet sparkling wine because Aperol already brings sweetness.
Why does my Aperol spritz taste watery?
The most common reasons are not enough ice, warm ingredients, or slow sipping in a warm room. Fill the glass well with ice and start with chilled prosecco and soda.
Can I make an Aperol spritz without alcohol?
For a nonalcoholic version, use a zero-proof bitter orange aperitif, alcohol-free sparkling wine, and soda water. The flavor will be similar, though not exactly the same as Aperol.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
1 cocktail
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat0 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium8 mg
- 0%
- Total Carbohydrate15 g
- 5%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars13 g
- Protein0 g
- 0%
- Vitamin D0 mcg
- 0%
- Calcium13 mg
- 1%
- Iron0.3 mg
- 2%
- Potassium95 mg
- 2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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