Aperol Spritz is the ultimate summer cocktail - refreshing, sparkling, with a bitter twist - and oh, so pretty! Easy to make in just 1 minute - follow the golden ratio of 3-2-1 you will be a pro in no-time.
Why you will love this recipe
- It's quick - done in just 1 minute
- It's easy - just pour, and sip
- The recipe is easy to remember - the ratio 3-2-1 is really the whole recipe
- It's super refreshing and perfect to sip on a hot summer day
- It has the perfect balance between bitter and sweet
- The simple ratio makes it easy to make for a crowd - no matter how much you're making, just remember: 3-2-1
What you need to make it
Ingredient notes & substitutions
- Dry prosecco is the traditional choice for an authentic Aperol Spritz. It's usually a bit on the sweeter side, which pairs so nicely with the bitter Aperol. However, you can substitute it for cava, champagne or another type of sparkling wine - even a non-alcoholic version.
- Aperol can be switched for its cousin Campari for a less sweet cocktail that's also higher in alcohol
- Soda water can be substituted for any type of unflavored sparkling water.
How to make it
- Place ice cubes in a large wine glass
- Pour in 3 parts prosecco
- Pour in 2 parts Aperol
- Pour in 1 part soda water
- Garnish with a slice of orange and a pretty straw - and serve!
Tips & Tricks
- Add a watermelon wedge for an interesting & delicious twist
- Use a straw to avoid warming the drink with your hand
- Switch it up and find your own perfect ratio - maybe you prefer more prosecco, or more Aperol?
- Make it sweeter by using a sweeter prosecco, or a Moscato d'Asti or other semi-dry or sweet sparkling wine instead of prosecco
- Make it less sweet by using a dry cava or champagne instead of prosecco
- Make it less bitter by using less Aperol and more prosecco
- Add bitterness by rubbing the rim of the glass with an orange peel, and then squeezing it over the drink.
- Make it lower in alcohol by switching prosecco for a non-alcoholic sparkling wine - it's still delicious.
Recipe FAQ
Aperol is an Italian aperitif that starts out sweet and ends on a bitter note. It has a beautiful orange-red color and I would describe the taste as sweet oranges mixed with orange peel and a touch of grapefruit and herbs - the exact recipe, however, is a well-kept secret.
No, they're not. They have similar taste, but Aperol is sweeter, less bitter, and contains less alcohol.
If you follow the 3-2-1 ratio the alcohol content is about 10%. Aperol contains 11% alcohol and prosecco around 12%.
It's difficult to make an Aperol Spritz without any alcohol, since the main ingredient - Aperol - contains alcohol. However, you can make a delicious lower alcohol (~4%) version by switching Prosecco for a dry or semi-dry non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
More quick & easy summer drinks
Love quick & easy summer drinks like this 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz? Well it's your lucky day - here are five great options to make this season!
- Sugar-free Mojito Mocktail
- Blue Lagoon Mocktail
- Kissing on the Beach [Sex on the Beach Mocktail]
- Clean Cucumber Collins [non-alcoholic]
- Kentucky Mule [with alcohol]
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Recipe
3-2-1 Aperol Spritz
Print RateIngredients
- ice cubes
- 3 parts dry Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol*
- 1 parts Soda water
- 1 orange slice optional
- 1 straw optional
Instructions
- Place ice cubes in a large wine glass and pour over the Prosecco, followed by the Aperol and the Soda water. Decorate with a slice of orange and a straw. Serve immediately!
Video
Notes
Ingredient notes & substitutions
- Dry prosecco is the traditional choice for an authentic Aperol Spritz. It's usually a bit on the sweeter side, which pairs so nicely with the bitter Aperol. However, you can substitute it for cava, champagne or another type of sparkling wine - even a non-alcoholic version.
- Aperol can be switched for its cousin Campari for a less sweet cocktail that's also higher in alcohol
- Soda water can be substituted for any type of unflavored sparkling water.
Tips & tricks
- Add a watermelon wedge for an interesting & delicious twist
- Use a straw to avoid warming the drink with your hand
- Switch it up and find your own perfect ratio - maybe you prefer more prosecco, or more Aperol?
- Make it sweeter by using a sweeter prosecco, or a Moscato d'Asti or other semi-dry or sweet sparkling wine instead of prosecco
- Make it less sweet by using a dry cava or champagne instead of prosecco
- Make it less bitter by using less Aperol and more prosecco
- Add bitterness by rubbing the rim of the glass with an orange peel, and then squeezing it over the drink.
- Make it lower in alcohol by switching prosecco for a non-alcoholic sparkling wine - it's still delicious.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
Tara
Yum! I just love that color. Definitely the perfect cocktail for any time of year.
Cindy
So delicious,. My husband and I made this, this afternoon,. It was so refreshing!
Irina
Oh, a few ingredients result in such a gorgeous summer cocktail! I am making it for myself and my husband right now!
Andrea Metlika
Such a pretty color. Makes me think tropical and warm. Can't wait to try this.
Abigail Raines
That is one deliciously refreshing cocktail! Perfect for warm summer nights!