Ingredients
Scale
- 3 oz (6 tablespoons) prosecco, well-chilled
- 2 oz (4 tablespoons) Aperol
- 1 oz (2 tablespoons) soda water or club soda, well-chilled
- Large ice cubes (enough to fill glass)
- 1 orange slice for garnish
- Optional: green olive or fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Chill Your Glass (Optional): For the absolute best Aperol Spritz, place your large wine glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before making your drink. This step is optional but keeps your cocktail colder longer. If you don’t have time, simply skip to the next step.
- Fill Glass with Ice: Take your large wine glass (or balloon glass) and fill it completely with ice cubes. Use large ice cubes if you have them – they melt more slowly and keep your drink properly chilled without excessive dilution. Fill all the way to the top; don’t be conservative with ice!
- Add Aperol First: Pour 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of Aperol over the ice. The vibrant orange liquid should coat the ice beautifully. Aperol goes first so it mixes properly with the other ingredients as they’re added.
- Pour the Prosecco: Slowly pour 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) of well-chilled prosecco over the Aperol and ice. Pour gently to preserve the bubbles – avoid splashing or aggressive pouring. The drink will naturally begin mixing as you pour, creating beautiful color gradations.
- Add Soda Water: Top with 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of cold soda water or club soda. This splash adds extra effervescence and lightens the drink without adding sweetness. Again, pour gently to maintain carbonation.
- Stir Gently: Using a bar spoon or regular spoon, give the drink just 2-3 gentle stirs to combine the ingredients. Don’t over-stir or you’ll lose precious bubbles! The goal is to integrate the liquids while maintaining maximum fizz.
- Garnish with Orange: Take a fresh orange slice and make a small cut from the center to the edge so it can perch on the rim of your glass. Alternatively, you can drop the orange slice directly into the drink or express an orange peel over the surface (twist it to release oils) and drop it in.
- Optional Additional Garnish: Some regions of Italy add a green olive on a cocktail pick for a savory element, or you can add a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint for aromatic appeal.
- Serve Immediately: Present your Aperol Spritz right away while the bubbles are at their liveliest. The drink is ready to enjoy! Encourage guests to give it a quick stir before sipping to ensure everything’s well-mixed.
- Sip and Enjoy: The Aperol Spritz is meant to be sipped leisurely, preferably while sitting outside and pretending you’re in Italy! Salute!
Notes
- The Official Ratio: The 3-2-1 ratio (3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda) is the official Aperol Spritz recipe from Italy. However, ratios can be adjusted to taste (see variations below).
- Temperature Matters: Everything should be very cold – chill your prosecco and soda water for at least 4 hours before making drinks.
- Ice Quality: Large ice cubes melt more slowly and keep your drink colder longer without excess dilution. Avoid crushed ice, which melts too quickly.
- Prosecco Choice: Use dry prosecco (brut or extra dry), not sweet. The Aperol provides plenty of sweetness already.
- Make it Stronger/Lighter: For a stronger drink, reduce prosecco to 2 oz and increase Aperol to 3 oz. For lighter, use 4 oz prosecco and 1.5 oz Aperol.
- Batch Preparation: You can pre-mix Aperol and measured prosecco portions for parties, but add soda water and ice only when serving to preserve carbonation.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail/Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Aperol Spritz
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg