Bubbly, fruity and refreshing, this easy and quick Aperol Spritz Recipe is the perfect Italian summertime cocktail! This fool-proof Aperol Cocktail is made with just 3 simple ingredients and is perfect for warmer weather buzz.
3-Ingredient Aperol Spritz Recipe
Looking for the perfect summer cocktail? Try our 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz made with Aperol orange liqueur, Prosecco and club soda for the perfect summertime aperitivo hour! This is the definitive, classic Aperol Spritz recipe for those seeking an authentic classic.
It’s super fizzy and a little bitter for those who love not too sweet cocktails, following the original 3:2:1 recipe ratio of the original, with 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part club soda (the “sprtiz”). This ratio is perfect for allowing the distinctive Aperol flavor to take centre stage while being superbly sippable and effervescent thanks to the acidity of Prosecco and lightening aspect of club soda, without diluting the flavor.
Aperol on it’s own has a distintive blood orange-licorice flavor that is very “love it or hate it” but in this cocktail that flavor is mellowed slightly, so even avid licorice-haters like me find it immensely sippable.
I love a good 3-ingredient cocktail recipe, especially when it results in a cocktail that tastes a lot more complex than it’s simple ingredients. That makes this 3-ingredient Aperol Spritz Cocktail perfect for summer entertaining, when you want something impressive without spending too much time mixing and measuring.
(Plus, it has a low alcohol content compared to other summer cocktails since Aperol only has 11% alcohol content, making it perfect for hot summer days when you want something refreshing and fruity, but don’t want an intense buzz.)
An Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail made with just three ingredients: prosecco, Aperol and soda water in a 3-2-1 ratio. It’s light, bubbly and lightly bittersweet – perfect for aperitivo hour or summer gatherings
Why You Will Love This aperol spritz Recipe
3-2-1 Cocktail. This is a fool-proof 3 ingredient cocktail with a simple ingredient ratio that is super easy to remember. (3 – Prosecco, 2 – Aperol, 1 – Club Soda)
Perfect for Summer. This cocktail has a low alcohol contain making this a perfect summertime drink to cool off with. Perfect for when you want a fizzy drink to pair with Italian appetizers.
Not Too Sweet. Light, bubbly and not too sweet – perfect for those who love a bitter drink that’s still fruity.
Aperol Spritz History & Culture
The Aperol Spritz originated in northern Italy, particularly in the Veneto region, and is closely tied to the Italian aperitivo tradition. Aperol itself was created in 1919 in Padua, and the spritz evolved as a low-alcohol, pre-dinner drink made with local prosecco, bitter liqueur and soda.
Today, the Aperol Spritz remains a staple of early evening social drinking in Italy, valued for its light bitterness, bright color and easy, communal appeal.
Aperol Spritz INGREDIENTS
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this yummy Aperol Spritz. See the recipe card down below for exact measurements.
- Aperol
- Prosecco – dry/brut is essential to keep the drink balanced rather than cloying, brightening the citrus and taming the Aperol’s bitterness
- Club Soda
Optional Garnish: Orange Slices or Spiraled Orange Peel.
Substituions or Variations
Aperol features a bright infusion of zesty orange, herbs, roots and vanilla – it has a robust blood orange and licorice flavor that is not easily replaced by other singular swaps, however if Aperol is not available or you want to see what you already have on hand to swap in:
- Select Aperitivo is a rhubarb-based spirit that is bittersweet and complex, featuring a juniper note instead of the licorice-flavor of Aperol – it can be swapped in 1:1 for Aperol in this recipe.
- Campari is a significantly more bitter and strong orange liqueur that can be swapped in at about half of what the recipe calls for of Aperol.
- Prosecco can be swapped for any other dry sparkling wine.
- If you’d like some added flavor, consider swapping out the club soda for some flavored sparkling water, such as, strawberry sparkling water.
(I do not recommend swapping the Aperol for Triple sec, Cointreau, Grand Marnier or orange juice as these will result in markedly different cocktails – best to look for cocktails on our site that actually call for those ingredients if that’s what you’re working with.)
HOW TO MAKE APEROL SPRITZ
- Add ice cubes to a glass, then pour the Prosecco over the ice.
- Follow by pouring the Aperol.
- Top with club soda or a splash of soda water.
- Garnish with some orange slices, serve immediately and enjoy!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- You want to use a very good quality Prosecco. A one that you would be happy to enjoy on it’s own since it is the main component of this recipe.
- While I provide suggestions above for swaps, Aperol is the only ingredient that’ll complete the original recipe. I wouldn’t recommend swapping it with any other orange liqueur if you want an authentic experience.
- Since this recipe contains multiple bubbly ingredients, it is best prepared just before enjoying.
Aperol Spritz RECIPE FAQ’S
A. Its signature flavor is sweet, citrusy and sugary, with a little bitterness in the aftertaste. It has aromatic orange notes from the Aperol which are complimented by fresh orange slices.
A. To adjust the sweetness, modify the amount of Aperol liqueur or add a sweetener like simple syrup. Taste as you go to achieve your desired sweetness level.
A. I don’t recommend making an Aperol Spritz ahead of time. You want to serve it right after it’s been freshly poured, as it goes with any bubbly drink recipe. But you can pre-chill the ingredients and prepare garnishes ahead of time.
A: Serve it in a large wine glass or a short tumbler over ice, garnished with fresh orange slices for the best presentation.
A: Yes, it is traditionally made with Prosecco, but as mentioned in our substitutions above, you can swap it for any sparkling wine.
A: While it won’t be a traditional Aperol Spritz, you can use tonic water, sparkling water or even orange juice in a pinch.
What to Serve with Aperol Spritz:
Here are some food pairing ideas to elevate your aperitivo hour:
- Potato Chips
- Bruschetta
- Olives
- Soft Cheeses (or cheese platter)
Pin this Recipe for your Summer Cocktail Inspiration
Easy Aperol Spritz Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)
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Aperol Spritz
Ingredients
Method
- Add ice cubes to a glass, then pour the Prosecco over the ice.
- Follow by pouring the Aperol.
- Top with club soda or a splash of soda water.
- Garnish with some orange slices, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
Check out more 3-Ingredient Cocktails here:
Check out more Summer Cocktails here:
Or Check out all of our Cocktail Recipes here.
