This Aperol Spritz recipe is summer in a glass (or a pitcher!) that no one can resist when the temperature spikes. This citrusy, bittersweet Italian cocktail is just as easily made for one as it is for a large party and only requires three simple ingredients!
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What’s an Aperol Spritz?
Spritz cocktails originated in Northern Italy as way to water down the wine for those who found it too strong. Then, that watered down wine evolved into what we know today as the Aperol Spritz, which is now a summer staple. It’s usually made with a 3-2-1 recipe: 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water.
Aperol Spritz cocktails can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, in my opinion. My favorite place I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying one was on a beach while visiting Rimini, Italy last year. Pardon the very cheap, plastic cup, but you don’t need fancy glassware when it’s served up on an Italian beach! (Plus, of course, glass isn’t safe on the beach.)
Ingredients (aka the Trifecta!)
- Aperol – This Italian liqueur has a bittersweet taste and notes of bitter oranges, rhubarb, and herbs. If you want to be an Aperol connaisseur, I recommend my post on Aperol vs. Campari, which is another beloved bitter orange Italian liqueur.
- Prosecco – This is an Italian sparkling wine that is widely available at just about any bottle shop. I recommend getting a brut or dry-style as not to over sweeten the drink.
- Soda water – You can use club soda or seltzer, whichever you have on hand.
- Garnishes – This is optional but it never hurts to throw in a slice of orange.
Instructions for One
Step 1: Add the Aperol to a large wine glass or a spritz glass filled with ice cubes.
Step 2: Then, top with the prosecco.
Step 3: Then, add the soda water.
Step 4: Garnish with an orange slice if desired.
Instructions for Batching
Making a small or big batch is just as easy as making it for one. You simply have to multiple the measurements by the amount by the number of servings you’d like. Then, add the ingredients to a pitcher or dispenser and stir well. For your convenience, I’ve included measurements for making a small batch to serve 8 and a large batch to serve 16 in the notes section of the recipe card.
I don’t recommend making the Aperol Spritz pitcher in advance of when you need it as the Prosecco and soda water may go flat, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by chilling them in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready to serve, you can quickly and easily assemble the pitcher to ensure that it’s as fresh and bubbly as possible.
Important tip for making a batch: Always pour into a cocktail glass filled with ice; don’t add directly to the pitcher as not to dilute the cocktail. If you’re not able to store the Aperol Spritz pitcher in the fridge when not in use, nestle the pitcher in a big bucket or cooler of ice to keep the cocktail crisp and cool.
More Aperol and Other Italian Cocktails
Explore the world of Italian cocktails and try out some of my other delicious easy cocktail recipes like Aperol Negroni, Rosé Aperol Negroni Sbagliato, and Aperol Sour Cocktail. Or, if you’re looking for a variation but with a spicy kick of ginger, check out my Aperol Mule.
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📖 Recipe
Aperol Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces Prosecco (dry or brut style)
- 1 ounce Soda water (seltzer or club soda)
- Orange slice for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add the aperol to a large wine glass filled with ice.
- Top with prosecco and soda water.
- Garnish, if desired.
Notes
- 2 cups aperol
- 1 bottle prosecco (750 ml bottle, dry or brut style)
- 1 cup soda water (about ⅔ of a 12 ounce can)
- Orange slices for garnish, optional
- 4 cups aperol
- 2 bottles prosecco (750 ml each, dry or brut style)
- 2 cups soda water (a little less than 1 ½ of 12 ounce cans)
- Orange slices for garnish, optional
- Add Aperol, prosecco, and soda water to a pitcher or drink dispenser large enough to hold all of the beverage and gently stir.
- Add several orange slices to the pitcher, if desired.
- Allow guests to pour into cocktail glasses filled with fresh ice.
Nutrition
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Nichole
Can’t beat an Aperol Spritz in the summer!