One of the first things that my food-focused mind flagged after arriving in Tuscany for a summer study abroad program was the bright orange cocktails in stemmed wine glasses. Venturing out for walks right before dinner, I’d see people sipping them at restaurants all across the city. After determining that this visually striking drink was an Aperol spritz, I quickly joined the masses and began ordering them during happy hour. I liked them because they were sweet, but not too sweet. They were especially refreshing on a hot summer day and seemed to be a classic drink option for native Italians and tourists alike.
Now, years later, the Aperol spritz forever reminds me of my time spent abroad. I long ago learned how to make an Aperol spritz, and still keep a bottle of Aperol at home so I can craft one whenever the mood strikes. Because when you want to feel like you’re sipping on a drink under the Tuscan sun, nothing compares to the Aperol spritz.
What is an Aperol spritz?
An Aperol spritz is one of Italy’s most well-known cocktails, made by combining a bittersweet, orange-red liqueur called Aperol with Prosecco and a splash of sparkling water. It is usually served as an aperitivo, which is meant to stimulate the appetite before a meal. Spritz cocktails originated in northern Italy, and are generally made with Prosecco (Italy’s famous sparkling wine), a splash of liqueur or fruit juice, and sparkling water or club soda.
Aperol Spritz Ingredients
- Aperol: The drink’s namesake ingredient, Aperol is a low-proof liqueur made from gentian, rhubarb and cinchona bark. It’s a type of bitter liqueur that Italians call amaro (literally meaning “bitter”). Because Aperol is sweeter and less bitter than other amaro, it’s very approachable for newcomers. Aperol has been made in Italy since 1919.
- Prosecco: I like to keep a bottle on hand for spontaneous spritz making, but if you aren’t like me, grab one of our Test Kitchen’s best Prosecco picks. A dry Prosecco will help balance out the Aperol’s sweetness.
- Club soda: A splash of club soda (aka soda water) gives the spritz some extra bubbles.
Directions
Step 1: Fill a glass with ice
Carefully fill a large wine glass or rocks glass with ice.
Step 2: Add the Aperol
Pour the Aperol over the ice into the wine glass.
Step 3: Pour in the Prosecco
Add the Prosecco to the glass.
Step 4: Top it with club soda
Finish the cocktail with a splash of club soda.
Step 5: Garnish it with orange
Stir the cocktail to combine and garnish it with an orange slice.
Aperol Spritz Variations
- Make a Campari spritz: Simply swap out the Aperol for Campari to make a Campari spritz. If you don’t mind bitterness, you’ll love this more intense variation.
- Use a different type of club soda: Try flavored sparkling water in the place of the club soda for a little extra zhush.
Can you make an Aperol spritz ahead of time?
We wouldn’t recommend making Aperol spritzes ahead of time because they’ll lose their sparkle. No, really: The club soda and Prosecco will go flat. Since this cocktail is such an easy mixed drink, you shouldn’t have a problem pouring one up whenever the mood strikes.
Aperol Spritz Tips
How can you make an Aperol spritz recipe less boozy?
The golden ratio for spritzes is 3 ounces of Prosecco, 2 ounces of liqueur and 1 ounce of club soda. However, feel free to use a little less Aperol and a little more Prosecco if you want a lighter drink. You can also “water” it down with some more club soda.
What can you serve with an Aperol spritz?
Enjoy an Aperol spritz with other Italian foods, especially appetizers like bruschetta, caprese salad or even some crostini with some high-quality olive oil. After all, an Aperol spritz is typically enjoyed before dinner for aperitivo, so it’s best with some pre-dinner snacks.
