How to Make an Aperol Spritz

5 from 7 votes
Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.

A simple, refreshing, three-ingredient Aperol spritz recipe that is perfect year round! This classic cocktail couldn’t be easier to make and truly is delicious.

Aperol Spritz with a straw and orange slice

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

It’s no secret that a well-made drink is a perfect way to celebrate or relax. Although there are plenty of classics to choose from, there’s something to be said for the simple, classic cocktails that always deliver.

The Aperol spritz has gained significant popularity in recent years, but not everyone knows easy and delicious they are. We’re going to dive in a little deeper to learn more about this delicious drink as well as teach you how to make one!

Orange cocktail with Prosecco over the top.

And if you end up loving this drink, try our Lingonberry Aperol Spritz. We had this on a cold day in Finland. It was magical!

History of an Aperol Spritz

Interestingly, Aperol-based drinks have been around since the early 1900s. Italian brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri spent seven years perfecting their recipe for the drink.

As the drink gained popularity, they developed an official recipe in the 1950s that we know today as the traditional Aperol spritz.

In the 2000s, the drink received a significant amount of sponsorship and notoriety which further propelled its widespread use across the world. 

What Kind of Alcohol Is Aperol?

Aperol has many different ingredients. The most prominent are sweet and bitter oranges, rhubarb, and a large variety of different roots and herbs.

All of these combine to give it its trademark bittersweet taste and citrus flavor. 

Wine glass filled with ice and a bottle of Aperol

How to Make an Aperol Spritz

It’s far easier than you might think to make one. And you’ll only need three main ingredients to start:

Ingredients

  • Aperol – A zest orange apéritif that makes this drink!
  • Prosecco – An Italian, sparkling white wine.
  • Club Soda – Unflavored sparkling water to add some fizz.
  • Orange Slice – A classic garnish for an Aperol spritz.
Pouring in Aperol

Directions

Fill a large wine glass with ice.

Add the Aperol, Prosecco and then top with club soda.

Gently give it a stir and then add in an orange slice.

What to Serve with Your Aperol Spritz

The Aperol spritz has a unique bittersweet flavor that allows it to be paired with a wide variety of foods.

Some of the most notable include meats, cheeses, and even smoked salmon. It may come as a surprise, though, the potato chips are also one of the most popular foods to pair with the drink.

Anything with a high salt content complements the flavor of the spritz notably well. Since this drink is meant to stimulate your taste buds, it’s often served alongside appetizers before a main course. 

You can also serve it with a giant cheese platter for the ultimate summer meal.

What Flavor Is Aperol?

Aperol’s flavor can be described as a rich, orange sweetness. But, it also has herbal undertones that provide a bitter taste.

When consumed, the drink initially tastes sweet and tends to taste more bitter at the end of the sip. 

Aperol Spritz recipe

Is Aperol a Wine or Liquor?

April is not liquor. It is also not definitively wine, but it has many similarities to it.

The most notable is its alcohol content of 11% ABV, which is on par with most wines. The fruity and bitter taste of the drink Also results in many people comparing it to wine. 

Is Aperol the Same as Campari?

No, Aperol is not the same as Campari. The two differ in both flavor and color, with Campari being darker and more bitter.

But, the real difference is in the total alcohol content. Aperol contains approximately 11% ABV while Campari could range anywhere from 20.5% to 28% ABV. 

If you’re looking for a good cocktail using Campari try our classic Negroni.

Cocktail made with Aperol, Prosecco and club soda

More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love

Cosmopolitan Cocktail

The Best Classic Cocktail Recipes

Frozen Gin and Tonic Recipe

Classic Whiskey Sour

The Best Dirty Martini

The Bees Knees

Smoky Lemon Mule

Refreshing Skinny Margarita Recipe

Grapefruit Salty Dog

How to Make Apple Pie Moonshine

Aperol Grapefruit Margarita Recipe

If you like prosecco cocktails try this mimosa too!

Also check out more great cocktail recipes our favorite brunch recipes, the best-mixed drinkstequila cocktails, gin cocktails, vodka cocktails, and cheap drinks to make at home!

Let us know if you make this Aperol spritz by leaving a comment and review below. We’d love to know what you think!

You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure and privacy policy.

Entertaining with Charm cookbook.

My new Entertaining book is here! Order Now!

Aperol Spritz recipe.
5 from 7 votes

Aperol Spritz

By: Eden
A simple, refreshing, three-ingredient Aperol spritz recipe that is perfect year round! This classic cocktail couldn't be easier to make and truly is delicious.
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 2 minutes
Servings: 1 Cocktail
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients 

  • 2 ounces Aperol
  • 3 ounces prosecco , chilled
  • 1 ounce club soda , sparkling soda
  • 1 orange slice

Instructions 

  • Fill a large wine glass with ice.
  • Add the Aperol, Prosecco and then top with club soda. 
  • Gently give it a stir and then add in an orange slice. 

Notes

If you like a less bitter drink, add in 1 ounce less Aperol and 1 ounce more prosecco.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1Cocktail, Calories: 213kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Sodium: 6mg, Potassium: 24mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 29IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 7mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

About Eden

I’m Eden Passante and I develop, create, style and photograph every recipe and party on Sugar and Charm. I’m the author of Entertaining with Charm and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics and I’m here to help you create simple and easy recipes for entertaining and how to add charm to any gathering!

You May Also Like

5 from 7 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




5 Comments

  1. Lyn says:

    5 stars
    Such a delicious drink recipe!

    1. Eden says:

      5 stars
      Thank you Lyn!

  2. Katie says:

    5 stars
    This looks simply delightful! Can’t wait to try this!

  3. Sara Coleman says:

    5 stars
    Simple to make, refreshing and delicious. Thank you for this recipe!

    1. Eden says:

      Thanks Sara!