Aperol Spritz
A vibrant and refreshing Italian aperitif cocktail, characterized by its bright orange hue, balanced bittersweet flavor, and sparkling effervescence.
What is this drink?
The Aperol Spritz is the most ubiquitous aperitivo in Italy and has conquered the global cocktail scene with breathtaking speed — a simple three-ingredient drink of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water served in a large wine glass over ice with an orange slice. Its vivid orange color, low alcohol content, and refreshing bittersweet flavor make it the perfect warm-weather social cocktail and the defining drink of Italian aperitivo hour.
Why you'll love it
The Aperol Spritz is brilliantly designed for maximum sociability — it is light enough to drink multiple of, bitter enough to stimulate appetite without overwhelming, sparkling enough to feel festive, and visually striking enough to make anyone reaching for their phone. The orange slice perfumes every sip with citrus. It is simple to make, gorgeous to look at, and genuinely refreshing.
When to serve
The Aperol Spritz belongs at outdoor terraces, sunset happy hours, Italian aperitivo spreads with olives and prosciutto, garden parties, and anywhere the goal is relaxed, convivial socializing. It is the quintessential pre-dinner drink that has expanded far beyond its Italian origins to become a global icon of laid-back sophistication.
Pro tip
The classic Italian formula is strictly 3-2-1 by parts: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water — pour in that order to preserve the Prosecco's carbonation. Build the drink in a large wine glass or balloon glass packed with ice, add the soda last with a gentle stir. Use a fresh, large orange slice (not a wheel) for maximum aromatic impact. The Prosecco should be genuinely dry — avoid sweet varieties.
Aperol
The vivid orange Italian aperitivo liqueur that defines the spritz. Made from bitter orange, rhubarb, and herbs, Aperol has a distinctive bittersweet, slightly citrusy flavor at a modest 11% ABV. Its brilliant orange color is its signature visual contribution.
Prosecco
The sparkling wine that provides effervescence, dry wine character, and the alcohol backbone of the spritz. A brut or extra-dry Prosecco from the Veneto region is traditional and appropriate — the bubbles carry Aperol's aromatics to the nose beautifully.
Soda Water
The ingredient that lightens the drink, adds a final pop of carbonation, and reduces the overall sweetness of the Aperol. Just one ounce lengthens the drink and makes it more refreshing without diluting the Aperol-Prosecco balance.
Swap Options
Swap Aperol for Campari to make a Campari Spritz — more bitter, more assertive, and less sweet. Try Cynar for an artichoke-based spritz with a more complex, herbal bitterness. Use Lillet Blanc instead of Aperol for a wine-forward, floral variation. Elderflower liqueur with Prosecco and soda creates a gentler, more fragrant spritz without the bitterness. Hugo Spritz replaces Aperol with elderflower syrup and fresh mint.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the glass
Fill a large wine glass or a large tumbler generously with 1 serving of ice.
Tips:
- •More ice helps keep the drink colder and prevents over-dilution as it melts.
Add Prosecco and Aperol
Pour 3 ounces (90 ml) chilled Prosecco into the glass, followed by 2 ounces (60 ml) Aperol.
Tips:
- •The classic ratio is 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda.
Top with soda water
Add 1 ounce (30 ml) of soda water (or sparkling water) to the glass.
Tips:
- •Pour gently to preserve the bubbles.
Garnish and serve
Gently stir once to combine the ingredients. Garnish with 1 orange slice. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- •A simple stir is enough; avoid over-stirring to maintain fizz.
Flavor Profile
Alcohol Content
Fun Fact
Bartender's Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are well-chilled for the best experience.
- Adjust the ratio of Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water to your personal taste.
- For a less bitter taste, you can slightly increase the Prosecco or soda water.
- Consider using a premium or artisanal soda water to enhance the overall flavor.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Campari Spritz
Replace Aperol with Campari for a more assertive, intensely bitter version with a deeper red colour. The Campari Spritz is drier, less sweet, and more complex — the preferred choice for those who find the Aperol Spritz too mild or too orange-sweet.
Hugo Spritz
Substitute Aperol with 20ml of elderflower syrup and add fresh mint leaves and a slice of lime. The Hugo is sweeter, more floral, and considerably lighter than the Aperol Spritz — perfect for those who find Aperol's bitterness too pronounced.
Lillet Blanc Spritz
Replace Aperol with Lillet Blanc, a French wine-based aperitif with honey and orange notes. Combined with Prosecco and soda, it produces a softer, less bitter spritz with a more delicate floral and citrus character.
Tools that make this drink come together
Large Wine Glass (Balloon Glass)
The Aperol Spritz is always served in a large wine glass filled to the brim with ice. The wide bowl allows the orange aromas to develop and the ice to keep the drink cold. A large format also gives room for the Prosecco, Aperol, soda, and garnishes.
Bar Spoon
Stir once or twice gently after adding the soda water to combine the layers without losing the Prosecco's carbonation. One gentle lift from the bottom to the top is sufficient to integrate the Aperol into the Prosecco.
Ice Bucket or Tongs
Fill the wine glass to the top with ice before adding any liquid. A generous amount of ice keeps the drink cold far longer than a modest scoop would, which is critical for an outdoor summer aperitivo that might be sipped slowly.
Can't Find These?
Any large glass — a generous tumbler, a large goblet — works perfectly. Fill it with ice regardless of shape. Stir with any spoon or even a straw. The Aperol Spritz is the most forgiving cocktail imaginable to assemble.
The right glass makes a real difference
Large Wine Glass
The Aperol Spritz is inseparable from its large, wide-bowled wine glass filled to the brim with ice cubes. The generous volume accommodates the 3-2-1 ratio of Prosecco, Aperol, and soda over plenty of ice with room for a slice of orange. The wide bowl allows the Aperol's orange and rhubarb aromatics to develop and reach the nose before each sip. The casual, large-format glass also conveys the relaxed Italian aperitivo spirit perfectly.
Alternatives
A large goblet or balloon glass works identically. A Collins glass gives a taller, narrower alternative that preserves carbonation slightly longer. Any large, generous glass will do — the Aperol Spritz is famously egalitarian and works beautifully in almost any vessel.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Aperitivo Snacks (Cicchetti)
Small Italian bar snacks — olives, cured meats, bruschetta, and cheese — are the quintessential Aperol Spritz companions. The salty, savoury bites complement the bittersweet orange cocktail perfectly, stimulating the appetite before dinner.
Prosciutto & Melon
The classic Italian summer pairing of sweet melon wrapped in salty prosciutto is beautifully complemented by the Aperol Spritz's bittersweet citrus character. Light, refreshing, and effortlessly elegant.
Grissini & Dips
Thin, crispy Italian breadsticks with hummus, tapenade, or whipped ricotta are ideal for sipping an Aperol Spritz between bites. The light crunch and mild flavour of grissini don't overpower the delicate cocktail.
Caprese Salad
Ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with olive oil echo the bright, Mediterranean flavours of the Aperol Spritz. The acidity of the tomato and the richness of the mozzarella are refreshed by each sparkling sip.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Pre-Chill Everything
Refrigerate both the Prosecco and the Aperol at least 4 hours before serving. Cold ingredients over cold ice means the Aperol Spritz stays perfectly cold and fizzy from the first sip to the last, without excessive melting.
Set Up an Aperitivo Station
Arrange Prosecco, Aperol, soda water, wine glasses, ice, and sliced orange on a tray or table. Guests can build their own Spritz to their preferred ratio — more Aperol for intensity, more Prosecco for lightness, more soda for a lower-alcohol option.
Pre-Slice Orange Garnishes
Cut orange rounds or half-moons and store in a small container in the fridge up to 4 hours ahead. Fresh orange garnish releases its citrus aroma into the drink and adds a bright visual touch that is central to the Spritz's presentation.
Use Large Ice Cubes
Prepare large ice cubes the night before. Larger ice melts more slowly in the wide wine glass, keeping the Spritz cold and well-diluted for longer without becoming watery too quickly — especially important when sipping leisurely outdoors.
Common questions answered by our bartenders
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