Aperol Spritz Recipe

Apr 16, 2024, Updated Apr 28, 2025

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This Aperol Spritz recipe is the most perfect drink for a warm day. Using only three simple ingredients, it’s so simple and refreshing. I’ve included variations of my favorite summertime cocktail to give more delicious options. Serve this with my Caprese Salad, Basque Cheesecake and Pasta al Limone for the perfect al fresco dinner.

What Is an Aperol Spritz
Ingredients You’ll Need for an Aperol Spritz
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
Variations for an Aperol Spritz Recipe
Recipe FAQs
What to Serve with Aperol Spritzes
Aperol Spritz Recipe Recipe

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, glistening shots of the ocean and I just dream of stumbling through the cobblestone streets of Amalfi coast. All I want in those moments is a big bowl of linguine con le vongole, cannelloni a bite of tiramisu and of course, an aperol spritz.

Let’s start with the basics:

What Is an Aperol Spritz

Let’s start with the basics: What is Aperol? Aperol is an Italian apertif. It’s as critical to Italian cuisine, as say, Pastina. 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. Limoncello is a famous digestif (you might like my Limoncello Tiramisu). An aperol spritz is a super simple cocktail of aperol, sparkling water and prosecco.

Ingredients You’ll Need for an Aperol Spritz

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 Prosecco to a glass.
And then, add a handful of ice. You want this drink to be COLD.
Pour in the Aperol. I usually add an additional 2 ounces.
And then, end it with a splash of sparkling water. I like to use San Pellegrino for an Italian vibe. Garnish with a slice of orange.

That’s it! Super simple.

Variations for an Aperol Spritz Recipe

Here’s some fun 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.
Apple: If you want a more autumnal version, you can add apple cider (natural apple juice), 2 ounces of Aperol and sparkling water. Garnish with slices of apple.

Recipe FAQs

What’s the best prosecco to use for an aperol spritz?

I would go with a mid-priced prosecco. No reason to go too expensive here since it’s acting as a mixer.

What snacks should I serve with an aperol spritz?

I love how Italians will serve crispy potato chips with an aperol spritz. So chic. See below!

What does aperol taste like?

Aperol has bitter and sweet notes. On its own the viscosity is a bit too thick for me.

What is another liqueuer I could use?

Other comparable liqueurs to aperol are campari

What other cocktails can I make with Aperol?

You can make a negroni, paper plane and a naked & famous.

What to Serve with Aperol Spritzes

Dinner