Classic Aperol Spritz

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We’re going to Italy this summer, so I’m celebrating with this classic Aperol spritz recipe! Aperol spritzes are ultra refreshing, not-too-sweet bubbly cocktails.

A proper Aperol spritz tastes like summertime in Italy and looks like a golden orange sunset. I’ll gladly sip one on our front porch now, overlooking our overgrown front yard, and later, with a view of the Italian Riviera.

The Aperol spritz has been in the spotlight over the past week, since the New York Times boldly declared that “The Aperol Spritz Is Not a Good Drink.” Grub Street shot back that the “Entire Internet Agrees Aperol Spritz Is, in Fact, Good.”

I, for one, find the Aperol spritz to be entirely delightful. Both articles are written with the assumption that you have tried an Aperol spritz, but what if you haven’t? I vote that we all make some this weekend and decide for ourselves.

Aperol Spritz Ingredients

These cocktails require four basic ingredients, plus ice. 

1) Aperol

Only Aperol will do here. Aperol is a bright orange apéritif. The brand describes the flavors as, “zesty orange with complex herbal scents harmonized with a touch of vanilla.” Look for Aperol near the liqueurs or amaros at the liquor store.

2) Prosecco

Prosecco is an inexpensive Italian sparkling wine similar to Spanish Cava or French Champagne. I recommend choosing a dry (brut) Prosecco so you drink doesn’t turn out too syrupy or sweet. Good choices range from 12 to 18 dollars.

3) Club soda

For some fizzy dilution. Any unflavored sparkling water will work. I keep cans of sparkling water in my pantry for this purpose.

4) Slice of fresh orange

You can skip this if you don’t have it, but an orange slice is the classic garnish for an Aperol spritz.

How to Make an Aperol Spritz

Aperol spritz cocktails are unbelievably easy to make. No cocktail shaker or fancy equipment required!

You’ll simply fill a wine glass with ice, then add Aperol, Prosecco, club soda and a slice of orange.

Watch How to Make an Aperol Spritz

How to Adjust Your Aperol Spritz

The generally accepted ratio is equal parts Aperol and Prosecco plus a splash of club soda. However, you can play around with the ratio until your Aperol spritz tastes exactly the way you like it. I like mine with a little more Prosecco than Aperol.

Make it less bitter

Aperol’s bitter notes can take some getting used to, so you can reduce the bitterness by using less Aperol and more Prosecco.

Make it less boozy

As written, your Aperol spritz is around 11 percent alcohol content by volume (Aperol is 11% ABV and Prosecco is 12%). To make it even lower in alcohol content, use proportionally more club soda and less Aperol and Prosecco.

What to Serve with Your Aperol Spritz

The aperol spritz is commonly served as an apéritif. Apéritifs are designed to be served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. They’re typically lightly alcoholic and more dry than sweet.

Serve your Aperol spritzes with Italian or general Mediterranean-flavored appetizers. Keep in mind that Aperol is on the bitter side. Salty, creamy/fatty and sweet foods take the edge off bitter flavors.

Here are some simple options that pair well:

• Olives or Torn Olives with Almonds, Celery & Parmesan
• Goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or burrata with crusty bread (perhaps with olive oil and/or good jam)
• Fresh fruit, such as grapes, oranges and strawberries
• Caprese Skewers or Mediterranean Tomato & Feta Dip
• Popcorn drizzled with olive oil (why not?)

Please let me know how you like Aperol spritz cocktails in the comments! I really love hearing from you, and hope these bubbly cocktails become your go-to summer patio drink.

Looking for more refreshing cocktails? Here are a few of my favorites, and you can view all of my cocktail recipes here.

• Bellinis
• Classic Red Sangria
• French 75’s
• Fresh Margaritas
• Moscow Mules
• Mimosas