Classic Aperol Spritz

If there is one cocktail that feels like a warm Italian evening every single time you sip it, it is the Aperol Spritz. Three ingredients. Two minutes. Absolutely iconic. That gorgeous orange glow, the bubbles, the slightly bitter citrusy sweetness… it is just perfect. And the best part is literally anyone can make this at home for basically nothing and it looks and tastes like you ordered it at a rooftop bar in Venice.

I started making Aperol Spritzes at home a few summers ago and honestly I have never looked back. It is my go-to when I want something that feels special without a ton of effort. Serve these at your next dinner party, backyard hangout, or just pour yourself one on a Thursday evening because you earned it. No judgment here.

The Classic Ratio

The traditional Italian recipe is 3-2-1: three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, one splash of sparkling water. I personally like going equal parts Aperol and Prosecco because I love that slightly bitter depth, but start with the classic ratio and adjust to your taste. There is no wrong way to make this drink.

The Key to Keeping the Bubbles

Order matters here. Always pour the Prosecco first, then the Aperol, then the sparkling water. This way the heavier Aperol sinks through the bubbles and you get a gorgeous ombre effect without losing all the carbonation. Then just a single very gentle stir and you are done. Do not over-stir or you will knock all the bubbles out and nobody wants a flat spritz.

Classic Aperol Spritz

The iconic Italian aperitivo cocktail made with just 3 ingredients in 2 minutes. Bubbly, bittersweet, and perfectly refreshing for any occasion.

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 2 minutes mins

Servings: 1 cocktail

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 oz Aperol
• 3 oz Prosecco chilled
• 1 splash sparkling water
• 1 large ice cube
• 1 slice orange for garnish

Method

 

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in Prosecco first then Aperol then a splash of sparkling water. This order keeps the bubbles.
3. Give it the gentlest stir just once or twice.
4. Garnish with a half orange slice and serve immediately.

Notes

The classic ratio is 3 parts Prosecco to 2 parts Aperol to 1 splash water. I like equal parts for stronger Aperol flavor.

Serving Tips

Use a large balloon wine glass if you have one. The wide bowl gives you room for plenty of ice and lets the gorgeous color really shine. A big round ice cube is beautiful here and melts slower so your drink stays strong. Orange slice garnish is non-negotiable in my opinion, it is the finishing touch that makes the whole thing look so polished.

Make a batch for a crowd by scaling everything up and mixing in a pitcher without ice, then pour into individual ice-filled glasses right before serving. This cocktail never gets old and it never goes out of style. Cin cin!

XO, Pam