10 Better Aperol Spritz Recipes for Your Next Party

An Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail that combines Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water to create a refreshing and slightly bitter drink. It’s especially trendy in the summer months and is known for its bright orange color. Here’s everything you need to know about the mixed drink, plus a few delicious spins on the classic recipe.

Basic Aperol Spritz Recipe

The Aperol Spritz is known for its balance of sweet and bitter flavors, making it a perfect aperitif to enjoy before a meal. Some prefer a bit more Prosecco or a bit less Aperol, depending on their preference for sweetness or bitterness. Adjust the proportions to taste, if desired.

Here’s the standard recipe for an Aperol Spritz:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 ml) Aperol
• 3 oz (90 ml) Prosecco
• 1 oz (30 ml) soda water or club soda
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a wine glass or large goblet with ice cubes.

2. Pour in the Aperol.

3. Add the Prosecco.

4. Top off with a splash of soda water or club soda.

5. Stir gently to combine.

6. Garnish with a slice of orange.

Why Is the Aperol Spritz so Popular?

The drink has roots in Italy, imbuing it with an unmistakable touch of Italian culture. Those who sip it feel transported, reminiscing about European cafés and lazy Mediterranean holidays. It embodies the spirit of la dolce vita or “the sweet life.”

Its vibrant orange hue doesn’t just catch the eye — it’s also a hit on social media platforms. Many find it hard to resist capturing and sharing this visually appealing beverage on Instagram, adding to its widespread allure.

The Campari Group — the owner of Aperol — recognized the drink’s potential early on. They channeled significant resources into marketing the Aperol Spritz. From hosting “Spritz Socials” in urban hubs to launching compelling ad campaigns, they successfully painted the drink as sophisticated and fun.

The drink is simple, with just three primary ingredients and a straightforward preparation. Home bartenders and commercial establishments appreciate this ease, especially when they can serve a stylish drink without much fuss.

Versatility also sets the Aperol Spritz apart. You can savor it to prepare your palate for a meal, or enjoy it during brunches and garden parties. Its adaptability to various settings and occasions has won it many fans.

A significant force behind its soaring popularity is the “trend factor.” As with many things that capture the public’s imagination, the Aperol Spritz enjoyed a snowball effect. As more and more people sampled it, shared their experiences and posted about it, the buzz only grew louder.

A Twist on the Classic

The Aperol Spritz is a classic, but there’s always room for innovation. Here are a few variations that put a twist on the original to make it even better.

Rosemary Cucumber Aperol Spritz

This drink combines Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, cucumber slices and rosemary sprigs. Simply muddle cucumber slices and a sprig of rosemary in a glass. Add ice, Aperol and Prosecco, and top off with soda water. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.

Blood Orange Aperol Spritz

For a more citrusy drink, mix Aperol, Prosecco, soda water and blood orange slices in a glass filled with ice. Squeeze in the juice from a blood orange slice. Top with soda water and garnish with additional blood orange slices.

Grapefruit Elderflower Aperol Spritz

This version calls for Aperol, Prosecco, St. Germain or elderflower liqueur, grapefruit slices, and soda water. In a glass filled with ice, combine all the ingredients except for the grapefruit juice and soda water. Create a base mix to your liking and top it off with juice and soda water. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Lavender Aperol Spritz

You will need Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, and store-bought or homemade lavender syrup. In a glass, mix Aperol and a splash of lavender syrup. Add ice, Prosecco and soda water. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender or a twist of lemon.

Chili Lime Aperol Spritz

This spicy drink calls for Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, a pinch of chili flakes and a lime wedge. Rim a glass with chili salt before adding ice, Aperol and Prosecco. Squeeze in the juice from a lime wedge and add a pinch of chili flakes. Top with soda water and stir gently.

Remember, the beauty of cocktails is you can be adjust them based on your preferences. You can always play with the ratios or add new ingredients to match your taste. If you want sweet summery cocktails, feel free to add more fruit or fruit juice into the mix. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process of experimentation!

Virgin Aperol Recipes

Creating a virgin or non-alcoholic version of the Aperol Spritz is about capturing the drink’s essence and flavor without alcohol. These recipes call for non-alcoholic bitters to recreate the taste of the alcoholic components. Keep in mind that bitters are potent stuff — err on the side of caution and add only a drop or two initially. You can always add more later.

Classic Virgin Spritz

Take orange juice, sparkling water and a dash of non-alcoholic bitters, such as Fee Brothers or Seedlip Spice 94. Mix a shot of orange juice with two shots of sparkling water in a glass with ice. Add a dash of non-alcoholic bitters. Garnish with an orange slice.

Grapefruit and Rosemary Virgin Spritz

You’ll need grapefruit juice, sparkling water, a rosemary sprig and non-alcoholic bitters. Combine the grapefruit juice and sparkling water in equal parts, and fill the glass with ice. Add a dash of non-alcoholic bitters. You can garnish the drink with a grapefruit slice and a sprig of rosemary.

Cucumber and Mint Virgin Spritz

This refreshing drink combines cucumber slices, mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup and sparkling water. Muddle a few slices of cucumber and mint leaves in a glass. Add a splash of lime juice and simple syrup, top off with sparkling water, and garnish with a mint sprig.

Blood Orange Thyme Virgin Spritz

This drink pairs beautifully with summer fruits, light burrata and buffalo mozzarella. Combine blood orange juice, a thyme sprig and sparkling water in a glass with ice. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and a slice of blood orange.

Elderflower Lemon Virgin Spritz

Tart and refreshing, this drink is a mixture of elderflower cordial or syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water. In a glass with ice, combine one part elderflower cordial with one part lemon juice. Top off with sparkling water and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Make the Aperol Spritz Your Own

The cocktail is a testament to Italy’s rich cocktail culture, merging vibrant and refreshing citrus and Prosecco flavors with Aperol’s warm herbaceousness. Its enticing orange hue and delectably balanced sweet and bitter notes make it ideal for sun-soaked afternoons and leisurely evenings.

The straightforward recipe ensures anyone can recreate this classic at home, tailoring it to their palate. Whether you stick to the traditional method or opt for your unique twist, the Aperol Spritz remains a drink that promises a splash of Italian summer in every sip. Its timeless appeal will continue as seasons change and trends evolve.