Hey there, friends! If you are looking for an easy summer cocktail to make on a hot, sunny afternoon, try this classic 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz Recipe! This refreshing and bubbly Italian drink can be made in five minutes with only three ingredients!
I'm sharing a classic Italian cocktail that has become a favorite of mine-the Aperol Spritz. I was introduced to my first Aperol Spritz in Italy a few summers ago during aperitivo hour with olives and potato chips at a sunny villa on the Amalfi coast and in Florence's historic center. I've been dreaming of recreating this refreshing drink ever since!
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This thirst-quenching cocktail is the perfect sipper for a hot summer day, brunch, or a pre-dinner aperitivo (or apéro, as the French say) with friends. With its vibrant orange hue and bittersweet orange flavor, which is incredibly refreshing, the Aperol Spritz is bound to become a favorite. Another easy-to-make cocktail you might enjoy is this Hugo Spritz, Blueberry Bourbon Smash, or Tinto de Verano.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
The 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz is a favorite summer cocktail for many reasons:
- The Aperol Spritz is a refreshing combination of Prosecco, Aperol, and club soda that's incredibly easy to drink. It's light and bubbly and not too sweet. Its bright orange hue is as cheerful as it is appetizing!
- The recipe follows a simple 3-2-1 ratio that is easy to remember. It's hard to go wrong when making it! You can whip up this classic aperitivo with just a few ingredients in no time.
- Because of its lower alcohol content, it's the perfect summer spritz to cool off on a warm day.
- It's great for casual gatherings, as a pre-dinner drink for elegant parties, or simply enjoying on the patio with salty snacks like Cheesy Kale Chips or Air-Fried Shishito Peppers.
If you love bubbly, refreshing cocktails, you'll enjoy this Blood Orange French 75, Meyer Lemon French 75, or Blackberry Bourbon Smash.
This Aperol Spritz recipe is fantastic! It's refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.
- Heather
Ingredients
You only need three main ingredients to make the perfect Aperol Spritz, an easy cocktail with a perfect balance of flavors:
- Prosecco is a sparkling wine made in Italy. It is the go-to choice for many spritzes, like this Hugo Spritz. Choose a dry Prosecco to balance the sweetness of the Aperol; check with Barnivore to ensure it's vegan.
- Aperol - Created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers, this Italian bitter apéritif with a bright orange hue is a bittersweet liqueur made from rhubarb, cinchona bark, bitter orange, gentian root, and herbs. Its alcohol content is 11%, compared to 9% in an Aperol Spritz.
- Club soda - Add a splash of club soda for extra refreshing fizz and to balance the cocktail. Use your favorite brand.
- Orange slice - for garnish. Its orangey aroma, adds to the cocktail experience.
- Ice is an essential ingredient. If you're hosting a party, be sure to stock up!
A complete ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few creative variations you can try when making this easy Aperol Spritz recipe:
- Club soda - Instead of club soda, you can use seltzer (soda water), flavored sparkling water, or mineral water.
- Garnish - Add a sprig of rosemary or basil for an aromatic twist.
- Less alcohol - Add more club soda to reduce the alcohol content, or adjust the ratio to have less Prosecco and more club soda or sparkling water.
- Prosecco - For a unique twist on the classic Aperol Spritz, try a Spanish Cava Brut or a French sparkling wine such as Crémant Brut. If you don't have any sparkling white wine, you can try a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, or Chardonnay. I'd avoid Moscato, Riesling, or Gewürztraminer.
- Non-alcoholic - Try a non-alcoholic Prosecco and an alcohol-free alternative to Aperol. Try this Blue Lagoon Mocktail or Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail for a non-alcoholic beverage.
How to Make the Best Aperol Spritz
It's easy to make this classic 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz recipe in just a few simple steps:
- Step 1: Add ice cubes to a white wine glass, then pour the Prosecco over the ice.
- Step 2: Follow by pouring the Aperol.
- Step 3: Top with club soda or a splash of soda water.
- Step 4: Garnish the Aperol Spritz with a slice of orange, adding a squeeze of orange if you like.
Expert Tips
- Chill the ingredients - make sure the Prosecco, Aperol, and club soda are well-chilled before making an Aperol Spritz.
- Use a good quality Prosecco. It doesn't need to be expensive, but choose one you'd be happy to drink alone.
- Serve this cocktail promptly to enjoy the bubbles and fizz!
How To Serve a 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz Cocktail
The Aperol Spritz is best served immediately. Here are some food pairing ideas to elevate your aperitivo hour:
- Serve with bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil, and vegan mozzarella on toasted baguette slices.
- Vegan Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and vegan mozzarella drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Serve with a vegan cheese and charcuterie board with a selection of vegan cheese, olives, nuts, and fresh bread. Salty and briny olives complement the sweetness of the drink. You may also enjoy this fruit charcuterie board!
- Crostini with roasted red pepper and vegan feta.
- Foccacia with rosemary and olive oil is a delicious and simple pairing that complements the Aperol Spritz without overpowering it.
- Serve this classic cocktail with light snacks and potato chips, like I've enjoyed in Italy!
Recipe FAQs
While it's best enjoyed immediately, you can pre-mix Aperol and Prosecco and add club soda or soda water and ice just before serving.
You can make this cocktail for a crowd. Multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings and mix in a pitcher. Add the ice and club soda to individual wine glasses before serving.
A dry Brut Prosecco works best as it balances the sweetness of Aperol.
Aperol's alcohol content is 11%, compared to 9% in an Aperol Spritz. At an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 11%, Aperol is similar to a glass of wine. Spritzes are less strong than a glass of wine and many cocktails.
Related Recipes
If you try this recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
How to Make the Best Aperol Spritz
EQUIPMENT
- white wine glass
INGREDIENTS
- Ice
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz club soda or sparkling water
- 1 slice of orange
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place ice in a white wine glass. Pour the Prosecco over ice in the wine glass.
- Follow with the Aperol.
- Top with the club soda.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and add a squeeze of orange if you like.
NOTES
- Chill the ingredients - make sure the Prosecco, Aperol, and club soda are well-chilled before making an Aperol Spritz.
- Use a good quality dry Prosecco. It doesn't need to be expensive, but choose one you'd be happy to drink alone.
- Serve this cocktail promptly to enjoy the bubbles and fizz!
NUTRITION
Resplendent Kitchen offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site as a courtesy. Although resplendentkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information from online calculators, these figures are estimates.
Caroline says
A modern classic cocktail, perfect for summer!
Emily Miller says
Thanks so much, Caroline! Enjoy the rest of your summer! Cheers!
Paula says
This was a refreshing aperol spritz for a hot summer day!
Emily Miller says
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Paula. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Lubna says
Perfect for sunny days and easy to make too.
Emily Miller says
Thanks so much, Lubna! I appreciate your feedback.
DK says
Yes! I was looking for the perfect summer cocktail and this aperol spritz was perfect! It was light and refreshing and perfect for a sunny saturday afternoon!
Emily Miller says
Thanks so much, DK! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Heather says
This Aperol Spritz recipe is fantastic! It’s refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Thank you!
Emily Miller says
Thank you for your feedback, Heather. I really appreciate it!
Emily Miller says
Enjoy your Aperol Spritz, and let me know how it turns out. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Cheers to good times with friends and great cocktails!