Aperol Spritz Cocktail

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 ½ 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:

1. Add about 2 to 3 ounces of Aperol to a glass.
2. And then, add a handful of ice. You want this drink to be COLD.
3. Top it with a splash of sparkling water. I usually add an additional 2 ounces.
4. 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 Burrata 
• Vidalia Onion Ravioli with Lobster
• Ramp Pasta

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe

Aperol Spritz Recipe

Author: Adrianna Adarme

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.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: aperol spritz cocktail, aperol spritz recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Serving Size: 1

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

Serving: 1g | Calories: 89kcal (4%) | Carbohydrates: 2g (1%) | Sugar: 7g (8%)

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Looking for more drink recipes? Here are some favorites: 

• Horchata
• Aguas Frescas
• Mint Iced Coffee
• Chicha Morada 
• Iced Matcha Latte
• Sweet Tea