Name: Italian Aperol Spritz Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Plenty of ice cubes (large cubes preferred); 3 oz (90 ml) chilled Prosecco (dry Brut style); 2 oz (60 ml) Aperol; 1 oz (30 ml) chilled soda water or club soda; 1 fresh orange slice, for garnish

Transport yourself to a sunny Italian piazza with this iconic Aperol Spritz. The classic 3-2-1 blend of crisp Prosecco, bittersweet Aperol, and fizzy soda water creates a refreshing, vibrant orange cocktail that’s perfect for aperitivo hour. Garnished with a juicy orange slice, it delivers bright citrus notes, gentle bitterness, and sparkling elegance in every sip.

Why You’ll Love This recipe

You’ll adore this Italian Aperol Spritz because it captures the effortless joy of Italian summer evenings in one beautiful glass. It’s incredibly simple to make yet feels wonderfully sophisticated, striking the perfect balance between sweet, bitter, and bubbly.

The vibrant orange hue instantly lifts your mood, while the refreshing fizz makes it ideal for pre-dinner sipping or lazy afternoons with friends. Unlike heavy cocktails, this one is light and sessionable, encouraging conversation and good times without overwhelming your palate.

It’s also budget-friendly, uses just a handful of ingredients, and looks stunning on any table—making you feel like a pro bartender at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or unwinding after a long day, this recipe brings a taste of Veneto’s vibrant aperitivo culture straight to your glass, creating memories with every clink.

Yield: 1 serving

Italian Aperol Spritz Recipe

Bright, bubbly Italian classic with bittersweet Aperol, crisp Prosecco, and orange—perfect refreshing aperitivo in minutes.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

Plenty of ice cubes (large cubes preferred)
3 oz (90 ml) chilled Prosecco (dry Brut style)
2 oz (60 ml) Aperol
1 oz (30 ml) chilled soda water or club soda
1 fresh orange slice, for garnish

Instructions

Start by selecting a beautiful large wine glass or stemmed balloon glass—this gives your spritz plenty of room to shine and allows the aromas to dance freely.
Fill the glass generously with ice cubes, almost to the top. This keeps everything super chilled and creates that signature frosty look Italians love.
Pour the chilled Prosecco first—watch it cascade over the ice, creating lively bubbles that set the foundation for your perfect spritz.
Gently add the Aperol next, letting its vibrant orange hue swirl beautifully through the Prosecco for an eye-catching gradient effect.
Top everything off with a splash of chilled soda water, which adds refreshing fizz and lightens the drink to the ideal balance.
Using a long bar spoon or the handle of a teaspoon, give the mixture just 2-3 gentle stirs from bottom to top to combine the flavors while preserving as many bubbles as possible.
Take your fresh orange slice and rub it gently around the rim of the glass to release those fragrant citrus oils— this little trick elevates the aroma dramatically.
Drop the orange slice right into the glass, giving it a light squeeze as it lands to release even more juicy flavor.
Pause for a moment to admire your creation—the vibrant orange color glowing against the ice is pure Italian sunshine in a glass.
Serve immediately with a smile, raise your glass, and say "Cin cin!" as you enjoy the first refreshing sip of this beloved Italian aperitivo.

Notes

Serve this Aperol Spritz during golden hour for the ultimate Italian experience. Always use chilled ingredients to minimize ice melt. If your Prosecco is very sweet, reduce Aperol slightly for balance. This cocktail is naturally gluten-free and low in calories compared to creamy cocktails.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 140Total Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 8mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 3gSugar 13gProtein 1g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Always chill your Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water in the fridge for at least an hour before mixing—this keeps the drink icy cold without diluting it as the ice melts slowly. Use a large wine glass or balloon glass for plenty of room for ice and aroma.

Follow the classic 3-2-1 ratio for authenticity, but gently stir after adding ingredients to preserve those precious bubbles. For maximum flavor, rub the orange slice around the rim before dropping it in.

Never shake this cocktail; it’s built directly in the glass. Pour Prosecco first, then Aperol, and top with soda to create beautiful color gradients. If making multiple drinks, prepare each one individually rather than in a big pitcher to keep the fizz lively.

Ingredients Notes

Aperol is the star here—an Italian aperitivo liqueur with a beautiful bright orange color and a unique bittersweet profile featuring notes of bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb, gentian root, and secret herbs. At 11% ABV, it’s lighter than many bitters, making it perfect for refreshing spritzes.

Prosecco D.O.C. brings the essential Italian sparkle; choose a dry Brut style for balance, as it provides crisp apple and pear notes without excessive sweetness. Soda water or club soda adds clean effervescence and lightens the drink—use plain unflavored sparkling water for the most authentic taste.

Fresh orange slices are non-negotiable; they release fragrant oils and natural sweetness when gently squeezed or rubbed on the glass. High-quality ice is important—large cubes or spheres melt slower and keep your spritz chilled longer without watering it down.

Variations and Substitutions

For a less bitter version, shift the ratio to 4 parts Prosecco, 1-2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda—this creates a lighter, more wine-forward spritz ideal for those new to Aperol. Swap Aperol for Campari if you prefer a bolder, more intense bitterness and deeper red hue, though it will change the classic flavor profile.

Use Cava or another dry sparkling wine instead of Prosecco for a Spanish twist, or try Moscato d’Asti for a sweeter, fruitier take. Add a splash of fresh orange juice for extra citrus brightness or muddle a few fresh berries at the bottom for a fruity variation.

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute Aperol with a bitter orange syrup or alcohol-free aperitivo and use sparkling grape juice or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. In winter, serve it warmer with a cinnamon stick or switch to a hot version with mulled elements, though it shines brightest chilled in summer.

Storage Options

Aperol Spritz is best enjoyed fresh right after mixing, as the bubbles from Prosecco and soda water fade quickly. You can pre-chill all ingredients and have glasses ready with ice for quick assembly.

If making a batch for a party, keep the Prosecco and soda separate until serving time, and pour individual servings over ice rather than storing the mixed drink.

Leftover opened Prosecco can be stored in the fridge with a stopper for 1-2 days, though it will lose some fizz. Aperol itself stores well at room temperature or in the fridge for months once opened. Do not refrigerate the finished cocktail, as it will go flat.