The best Aperol Spritz recipe

Learn the secret to creating the perfect Aperol Spritza summer cocktail full of Italian refinement and delicious effervescence.

Get ready to say a cheeky “saluti” to a drink we return to summer after summer: the Aperol Spritz. You’ve probably already seen them shining on Instagram; Well, now it’s your turn to turn on the camera and pretend you’re sitting on the Italian coast with this Medically approved drink. Every sip of this citrus blend of Aperol, prosecco and soda, garnished with a thick slice of orange, screams “Holiday!” When the crew is done, this is the drink you get the most requests for, to raise a glass while enjoying a drink and a chat.

The unique thing about the Aperol Spritz is its sweet-bitter taste. It’s like the lovechild of a Mimosa and a Negroni: equal parts frothy and spicy. You could also compare it with a Paper Plane, which also contains Aperol. Regardless of the company it is in, the Aperol Spritz is the uncrowned queen of cocktails.

What is aperol?

Apérol is a popular Italian bitter aperitif best known for its bright orange hue. Originating from Padua, Italy, it was first introduced by the Barbieri brothers in 1919.

Apérol is made according to a secret recipe that has remained unchanged to this day and is only known to a few loyal people responsible for the production process. (The secret makes the drink even tastier!) It is a mix of ingredients consisting of sweet and bitter oranges, rhubarb and many other herbs and roots. The result is a remarkably light, soft and delicate bitterness with an alcohol content of 11%, making it an ideal drink at any time of the day.

INGREDIENTS

A simple list for cocktail royalty. This is what you need…

• 2 oz. Aperol
• 3 oz. prosecco
• 1 oz. mineral water
• half a slice of orange (for garnish)

Bar checklist

• wine glass
• jigger or measuring instrument
• bar spoon
• paring knife

INSTRUCTIONS

To fill

Fill a wine glass with ice.

Pour

Pour 2 ounces of Aperol over the ice.

Add

Add 3 ounces of prosecco.

Top

Top it up with 1 ounce of club soda. Garnish with half a slice of orange.

TO ENJOY!

How do you make a healthy/low-calorie Aperol Spritz?

• Ditch regular prosecco and go for it low-calorie sparkling wine.
• Choose diet or soft drink without sugar.
• Don’t go overboard with the Aperol. The more you pour in, the higher the sugar content.
• For a Aperol Spritz mocktailSwap the Aperol with an alcohol-free bitter aperitif such as Seedlip Spice 94 and add some alcohol-free sparkling wine.

Tips and tricks for making a perfect Aperol Spritz

• Invest in a good prosecco and authentic Aperol.
• Stick to the classic 2 (Aperol): 3 (prosecco): 1 (soda water) ratio.
• Before mixing, check that your wine glass is chilled.
• Finally add the ice to keep the prosecco sparkling and Aperol free from dilution.
• An Aperol Spritz isn’t complete without one orange slice garnish. Do not forget it!

Frequently Asked Questions

how to prepare and store an aperol spritz

It is not recommended to make Aperol Spritzes in advance. Any drink that contains carbon dioxide will become flat if prepared too far in advance. But if you’re having a party and want to get ready, you can always let your glasses cool, cut up your orange garnishes beforehand, and have all your ingredients ready. That should shorten the time it takes to whip up a batch of spritzes. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; however, as noted, the condition of the glitter may be less than desirable. And remember: a half-full bottle of prosecco needs a wine stopper.