Classic Refreshing Aperol Spritz Cocktail

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It is bright, bubbly, and pleasantly bittersweet without feeling heavy.
• The classic 3-2-1 ratio makes it easy to remember and consistently delicious.
• It takes only 5 minutes and requires no cocktail shaker.
• Its vivid orange color makes it especially inviting for warm afternoons and casual gatherings.

Grocery List

• Produce: 1 fresh orange
• Dairy: None needed
• Pantry: Aperol, dry prosecco, unflavored sparkling water or club soda, ice cubes

Full Ingredients

For the Cocktail

• 1 1/2 cups medium ice cubes, enough to fill a 12- to 14-fluid-ounce wine glass
• 3 fluid ounces dry prosecco, chilled to 38–45°F
• 2 fluid ounces Aperol
• 1 fluid ounce unflavored sparkling water or club soda, chilled to 38–45°F

For the Garnish

• 1 fresh orange slice, about 1/4 inch thick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill the bubbly ingredients

Refrigerate the prosecco and sparkling water until they reach 38–45°F. Cold ingredients keep the ice from melting too quickly and help the finished cocktail stay crisp, bubbly, and refreshing.

Step 2: Prepare the orange garnish

Wash and dry the orange, then cut one round slice about 1/4 inch thick. Make a short slit from the edge toward the center if you would like the slice to sit neatly on the rim of the glass.

Step 3: Fill the glass with ice

Add 1 1/2 cups of ice cubes to a large 12- to 14-fluid-ounce wine glass. Fill the glass generously; plenty of ice keeps the drink colder and actually slows dilution better than a small amount of ice.

Step 4: Add the prosecco

Pour 3 fluid ounces of chilled prosecco slowly over the ice. Adding the prosecco first helps the ingredients combine naturally while protecting its lively bubbles.

Step 5: Pour in the Aperol

Add 2 fluid ounces of Aperol. Pour it slowly so the liquid does not foam over the glass. The cocktail will take on its signature vivid orange-red color.

Step 6: Finish with sparkling water

Top the cocktail with 1 fluid ounce of chilled sparkling water or club soda. Use a long spoon to stir gently from the bottom upward just once or twice. Do not shake or stir vigorously, as this will flatten the carbonation.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Place the orange slice inside the glass or secure it on the rim. Serve the Aperol Spritz immediately while it is very cold and fully carbonated.

Pro Tips

• Use the 3-2-1 ratio: Combine 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part sparkling water for an easy-to-remember classic spritz.
• Choose dry prosecco: Look for bottles labeled Brut to balance the sweetness of the Aperol.
• Use plenty of fresh ice: Large, solid cubes stay cold longer and dilute the cocktail more slowly than small or partially melted cubes.
• Keep everything cold: Chill the prosecco, sparkling water, and glass before mixing whenever possible.
• Stir lightly: One or two gentle turns are enough to combine the drink without losing its bubbles.

Variations

• Lighter Spritz: Use 2 fluid ounces prosecco, 1 fluid ounce Aperol, and 2 fluid ounces sparkling water for a lower-alcohol, less-sweet version.
• Grapefruit Spritz: Replace the orange garnish with a thin ruby grapefruit slice and add 1/4 fluid ounce fresh grapefruit juice.
• Herbal Spritz: Add one small rosemary sprig or two fresh basil leaves alongside the orange slice for a fragrant herbal note.

Storage & Make-Ahead

An Aperol Spritz is best assembled immediately before serving and should not be stored after mixing because the prosecco and sparkling water will lose their carbonation. The prosecco and sparkling water can be refrigerated at 38–45°F for up to 24 hours before serving. Orange slices may be cut up to 4 hours ahead, covered tightly, and refrigerated. For a gathering, measure the Aperol into individual glasses up to 15 minutes ahead, but wait to add the ice, prosecco, and sparkling water until guests are ready to drink.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 190 kcal | Carbs: 19g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 16g | Sodium: 7mg | Cholesterol: 0mg