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This Aperol Spritz Cocktail recipe is the most perfect drink for summer. I’ve included variations of my favorite summertime cocktail to give more delicious options.
Every.single.summer for the past few summers, I’ve wanted to go to southern Italy. This urge only really happens in the summer, when photos of orange umbrellas, vangole and glistening shots of the ocean start popping up in my Instagram feed.
I immediately remember how much I loved The Bicycle Thief and 8 1/2 in college–none of which even take place in Southern Italy–but still…Italy! I remember this roasted plum cake that’s made with a delicious plum syrup spiked with balsamic vinegar and Italian pistachios.
I remember my love for aperol spritzes and how delicious they are when I’m sweating on a hot day.
What Is an Aperol Spritz
Let’s start with the basics: What is Aperol? Aperol is an Italian apertif. What is an apertif, you ask? It’s a type of liqueur you drink before dinner, while a digestif is something you drink after dinner. An Aperol Spritz is usually made up of sparkling water, Prosecco or another sparkling wine and, of course, Aperol.
Aperol Spritz Ingredients
- Aperol, of course.
- Sparkling water. I usually go with Mountain Valley or Pellegrino.
- Prosecco. Or another sparkling wine. I like to stick to prosecco ‘cuz it’s Italian.
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
I love making this cocktail at home because it couldn’t be more simple. Here are the steps to make it:
- Add about 2 to 3 ounces of Aperol to a glass.
- And then, add a handful of ice. You want this drink to be COLD.
- Top it with a splash of sparkling water. I usually add an additional 2 ounces.
- And then, end it with a splash of sparkling wine. I like to use Prosecco. Garnish with green olives, if you like.
That’s it! Super simple.
Variations on the Drink
Variations on this aperol spritz cocktail could not be more FUN!
I’m talking fun, people. Here’s some variations:
- Grapefruit Aperol spritz: fresh grapefruit juice, sparkling water and Aperol. Garnished with a grapefruit peel.
- Rosé Aperol spritz: Rosé, sparkling water and Aperol. Garnished with green olives. Trust me.
- IPA Aperol spritz: There’s IPA beer, Aperol and sparkling water. It may sound strange but it’s def not.
I love the tonic addition but if you’re into less sweet, go the sparkling water route.
What to Serve with Aperol Spritzes
I think they go with a lot of delicious foods but I generally serve them alongside dishes that have Italian or Mediterranean flavors. Here are some ideas:
- Lobster Cherry Tomato Pasta
- Baked Feta with Artichokes and Olives
- Tomato Confit with BurrataÂ
- Vidalia Onion Ravioli with Lobster
- Ramp Pasta
Aperol Spritz Recipe
Ingredients
Classic Aperol Spritz
- 2 ounces Aperol liqueur
- Ice
- 2 ounces sparkling water
- 3 ounces sparkling wine or Prosecco
Aperol Variations:
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 ounces sparkling water or tonic
- Grapefruit peel, as garnish
Rosé Aperol Spritz:
- Ice
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces rosé
- 2 ounces sparkling water
- Green olives, as garnish
IPA Aperol Spritz:
- Ice
- 1 to 2 ounces Aperol
- 4 ounces IPA beer, pilsner is good too!
- 2 ounces sparkling water
- Lime or lemon, as garnish
Instructions
To Make a Classic Aperol Spritz:
- Add all of the ingredients to a glass. Stir and serve.
To Make the Grapefruit Spritz:
- Add all of the ingredients to a glass. Stir and garnish with the grapefruit peel.
To Make the Rosé Aperol Spritz:
- Add the ice, aperol, rosé and sparkling water to a glass. Stir gently and garnish with green olives.
To Make the IPA Aperol Spritz:
- Add the ice, IPA, sparkling water to a glass. Stir gently and garnish with a wedge or slice of lime or lemon.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this Aperol Spritz Cocktail, let me know on Instagram!Â
Looking for more drink recipes? Here are some favorites:Â
Hello! Where can I buy fresh camomile flowers that are drink safe?
Hey there Adrianna, because of you i went out to buy aperol and ended up buying more than i needed (alcohol + soda water + wine + beer) 🙂 happy 4th of july! just want to say happy holidays and i loveeeeee your blog and your posts! love from singapore!
oh that’s amazing! haha. hope you enjoy! xoxo
That gold rimmed glass is gorgeous!
For a second there I got distracted by Amelia the corgis Instagram feed on your side bar. So cute. Amazing recipes. I may not find Aperol in my country but I can try substitute it with something else.
Aperol is a bit too bitter for my taste, so when I make a prosecco spritzer, I also use orange juice. You basically did the same thing with grapefruit juice, which is incredible! But the rose´?!!!! Extra incredible. I’ve got to get out my aperol and start playing! Thanks!
i am v basic but i could so go for some rose + aperol action (minus the olives cuz me and olives don’t get along). and grapefruit + aperol action. and ipa + aperol action. ok, shit, just give me a bottle of aperol already. and let’s book some flights to southern italy while we’re at it. carpe diem or something!
basic bitches, unite!
Thank you for this post! I lived abroad in Austria for two years – and the Aperol Spritz is a common drink at every bar there in Salzburg and Vienna. I love it, and it reminds me of vacation. I will have to try your version with the rose – thanks again for the lovely post!
it’s screams vacation but we all can’t be on vacation all the time so let’s just drink like we are. 🙂
Aperol spritzes are my jam! Literally, hot, humid, Italian sunshine in a glass. I seriously might just have to have this exact setup for my bridal shower. My fiancé proposed to me in Rome last summer, so Italy and spritzes will always be extra special. Plan for a summer wedding and honeymoon in Italy! Especially if you wanna visit Cinque Terre or the Amalfi coast. Asia is pretty much the same all year round.
You’re amazing mujer!
oh that’s sounds like suuuuch a good thing to serve at a bridal shower. gracias, chamita. xoxo