Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail that is perfect for the summer! This traditional Aperol spritz recipe is both bitter and sweet with a hint of bubbly, using a 3-2-1 ratio making it the perfect cocktail blend.
What exactly is an Aperol Spritz? This colorful cocktail can be found all over northern Italy, and slowly they have made their way into the United States.
It's the perfect Summer cocktail, both bitter and sweet with a hint of bubbly. Using the popular 3-2-1 method, this Aperol spritz recipe is made up of 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part club soda. That's it! It's easy, delicious, and quick to make. You’ll love this refreshing Aperol spritz recipe.
Aperol Spritz is a beautiful drink, best served alongside appetizers like crostini, Honey Baked Brie, Cranberry Baked Brie (during the holidays), and green olives. You can take it a step further and display your items neatly on a charcuterie board for guests.
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Aperol Spritz Ingredients
This classic Aperol Spritz recipe requires four simple ingredients, plus ice cubes.
- Prosecco: A true Aperol spritz calls for processo which is an Italian sparkling wine. I recommend choosing a dry (brut) version so that your drink doesn’t turn out too syrupy or sweet. Look for a bottle of prosecco that is of good quality but mid-range in price, it doesn't have to be expensive.
- Aperol: Aperol is a bright orange, bittersweet apéritif liqueur with a low alcohol content of (11%). It has a unique bittersweet taste with herbal notes of sweet oranges, gentian root, cinchona bark, and rhubarb. You can find this at most retail and liquor stores.
- Club Soda: A splash of club soda helps tone down the bitterness of the Aperol. You can also use tonic water, or sparkling water, just make sure it's unflavored.
- Orange: A traditional garnish. Adding a large orange slice or two to your Aperol spritz is the classic way to serve it!
How to make an Aperol spritz with the 3-2-1 traditional method
Making the perfect Aperol Spritz using the 3-2-1 – ratio method. That is 3 ounces prosecco (75ml), 2 ounces Aperol (50ml), and 1 ounce soda (25ml). No cocktail shaker is required!
- Pour in the ingredients. Fill a large white wine glass with plenty of ice about halfway full. Pour in the prosecco, then the Aperol, and top the drink off with club soda.
- Garnish. Add a large slice of orange into the glass before serving.
Aperol Spritz Variations
Perhaps you want your Aperol Spritz a bit sweeter or stronger? Here are some variations.
- Make it sweeter - If you find the combination of Aperol and prosecco too bitter, swap the prosecco for a sparkling moscato d’asti. Another option is to squeeze a small amount of fresh orange juice at the end.
- Make it stronger - For a bit stronger flavor, use a 3-3-1 measurement.
- Skip the club soda - The splash of soda water helps dial down the bitter flavors of the Aperol, but if you are an Aperol lover like myself, go ahead and skip the club soda altogether.
Pro tips for making your best Aperol spritz
- Chilled is better. Always keep your Aperol cold in the fridge and pre-chill your glasses!
- Add frozen orange slices - For an extra cold drink, that won’t get watered down – slice, then freeze an orange 6 hours before making Aperol spritz. Add the frozen orange slices to help keep your drink cold. They also add a delicious citrus flavor!
- Add ice and prosecco to the glass first. Aperol is a dense liquor and will settle at the bottom of the glass, but adding the prosecco first will help to distribute the drink more evenly.
- Use white wine glasses - This refreshing cocktail can be served in a white wine glass, which is both practical and visually pleasing.
FAQ
Making Aperol Spritz is super easy using the 3-2-1 – ratio which is 3 parts prosecco (75ml), 2 parts Aperol (50ml), and 1 part soda (25ml).
White wine glasses are perfect for serving Aperol Spritz.
Yes, Aperol is gluten-free and suitable for those with celiac disease.
Yes, Aperol is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
Recipe
Aperol Spritz Recipe 3-2-1 (The perfect cocktail!)
Ingredients
- ice
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce club soda or sparkling water
- 1 orange, slice for garnish
Instructions
- Pour in the ingredients. Fill a large white wine glass with plenty of ice about halfway full. Pour in the prosecco, then the Aperol, and top the drink off with club soda.
- Garnish. Add a large slice of orange into the glass before serving.
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