Some drinks know how to make an entrance, and an Aperol Spritz is one of them. One glass of bright orange fizz and a Tuesday afternoon starts to feel a lot like a holiday. The best part? It only takes three ingredients and a couple of minutes, so you can easily whip one up at home whenever the mood strikes.
This guide covers the ingredients, the ratio and the best sparkling wine to use, plus an easy Aperol Spritz recipe to keep up your sleeve for whenever the sun comes out.
What Is an Aperol Spritz?
An Aperol Spritz is an Italian aperitivo made with Aperol, prosecco and soda water. It’s bright, bubbly and citrusy, with a bitter edge and just a little sweetness.
The spritz itself dates back to the 19th century when Austro-Hungarian soldiers in Italy’s Veneto region weren’t used to the strength of the local wine, so they topped it up with sparkling water. The name is thought to come from the German word for a splash, Spritzen.
Aperol joined the party in 1919, when brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri launched it at the Padua International Fair, and its recipe is still a closely guarded secret. Exactly when it first met the spritz is hard to pin down, but the pairing became an aperitivo-hour regular. In parts of the Veneto it’s still served with an olive alongside the orange slice. Today it’s a favourite all over the world, and it’s easy to see why.
Ingredients for Aperol Spritz: What You’ll Need
You only need three ingredients, plus ice and a garnish. The classic ratio is 3-2-1: three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part soda water. For one glass, that looks like this:
- 90ml chilled prosecco
- 60ml Aperol
- 30ml soda water
- Plenty of ice
- 1 orange slice or wedge, to garnish
Aperol brings the bitter orange flavour, the prosecco adds crispness and fizz, and the soda lightens everything up.
Aperol Spritz Glassware
A large wine glass is the classic choice, it leaves room for plenty of ice and the full drink. If you’re on the hunt for new glasses, browse our full collection of wine glasses for the perfect vessel.
The Best Prosecco for Aperol Spritz
Choose a dry prosecco, and avoid sweeter styles, which can tip the drink too far towards sweet. You don’t need to spend a lot either. A fresh, fruity bottle you’d happily drink on its own is all it takes.
Italian prosecco is the traditional pick, but Australian prosecco from the King Valley is well worth trying too. Browse our prosecco collection to compare styles.
Prefer something different? Any dry sparkling white wine works well, and Cava is a good alternative. Have a look through our sparkling wine collection for more styles.
Classic Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe
Makes one drink and takes just a couple of minutes.
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Pour in the prosecco.
- Add the Aperol.
- Top with the soda water.
- Stir once, gently, then garnish with an orange slice or wedge and serve straight away.
Getting the Aperol Spritz Ratio Right
The 3-2-1 ratio is a starting point, and it’s easy to adjust to your own taste:
- Too bitter? Use a little less Aperol and a little more prosecco.
- Want it lighter? Add more soda water.
- Want less alcohol? Swap the prosecco for a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Aperol still contains alcohol, so it won’t be alcohol free.
- Keep everything cold. Chilled ingredients and plenty of ice keep it crisp.
The Best Occasions for an Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz started out as an aperitivo, the Italian tradition of having a drink before dinner but thanks to its low alcohol content and refreshing taste, we think it works for almost any occasion. Here’s a few of our favourites:
- Before dinner: pour one while you’re cooking or waiting for guests to arrive, ideally with a few nibbles on the side.
- Sunny afternoons: it’s a summer favourite and tailor-made for a long, lazy afternoon in the sun.
- Casual catch-ups: with just three ingredients, it’s easy to whip up a round for friends.
Aperol Spritz FAQs
What does an Aperol Spritz taste like?
Bitter, sweet and citrusy, with herbal notes and plenty of bubbles. The Aperol brings bitterness and a little sweetness, while the prosecco keeps it crisp.
Is an Aperol Spritz strong?
Aperol is around 11% alcohol, and the drink is stretched with prosecco and soda water, so it’s lighter than many cocktails. It still contains alcohol, so enjoy it responsibly.
What’s the difference between an Aperol Spritz and a Campari Spritz?
A Campari Spritz swaps the Aperol for Campari, which is more bitter and higher in alcohol. An Aperol Spritz tends to be slightly sweeter, so it really comes down to how much bitterness you like.
Do I have to use prosecco?
No. Prosecco is the traditional choice, but any dry sparkling white wine works. Just steer clear of anything too sweet.
Ready to Mix Your Spritz?
A great Aperol Spritz requires a good bottle of bubbles. Browse our prosecco and sparkling wine collections to find one for your glass. Have some left over? Our guide on whether wine can go bad explains what to look for, and when the weather cools, our mulled wine recipe is a great next project.
