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Wine & ChampagneEasy

Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz became a global phenomenon in the 2010s, but this Venetian aperitivo tradition dates back decades. The three-ingredient build makes it one of the easiest cocktails to prepare, while its beautiful orange color and light, bittersweet flavor make it the ideal drink for golden hour. It is best enjoyed outdoors with good company.

Few cocktails capture the spirit of la dolce vita quite like the Aperol Spritz. This vibrant orange aperitivo has become the unofficial drink of summer, transforming patios and rooftops worldwide into little slices of Venice. With just three simple ingredients and a stunning sunset hue, the Aperol Spritz proves that sometimes the most beautiful things in life are also the simplest. Whether you're watching the sun dip below the horizon or toasting with friends at happy hour, this effervescent Italian classic delivers that perfect balance of bitter and sweet that makes you want to linger just a little longer.

2 min
6 oz
🥃Large wine glass
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Aperol Spritz cocktail served in a Large wine glass

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: Orange slice

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.

  2. Pour in the Aperol, followed by the prosecco.

  3. Add a splash of club soda and stir gently once to combine.

  4. Garnish with an orange slice. Serve immediately.

Flavor Profile

BitterSweetEffervescentRefreshing

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

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Mixing Glass

Mixing Glass

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Bar Spoon

Bar Spoon

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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

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💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use a large wine glass filled with plenty of ice to maintain the drink's refreshing temperature and proper dilution ratio

  • 2

    The classic Venetian ratio is 3-2-1: three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol, one part soda water for the perfect balance

  • 3

    Express the oils from a fresh orange peel over the drink before dropping it in – this adds essential citrus aromatics that elevate the experience

  • 4

    Serve immediately after building to preserve the prosecco's effervescence and prevent over-dilution

  • 5

    For best results, chill all ingredients beforehand and use a high-quality prosecco rather than generic sparkling wine

📜 History & Origin

The Aperol Spritz traces its bubbly roots to the Veneto region of Italy, where the tradition of the 'spritz' began in the 1800s during Austrian rule. Austrian soldiers found local Italian wines too strong and began diluting them with sparkling water – creating the first 'spritz' (from the German 'spritzen,' meaning to spray). Aperol itself was created in 1919 by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in Padua, crafted from a secret blend of herbs, roots, and bitter orange. The modern Aperol Spritz as we know it – with prosecco replacing plain sparkling water – gained popularity throughout the 20th century in northern Italy's wine bars and canal-side cafes. However, it wasn't until Gruppo Campari's aggressive international marketing campaign in the 2010s that the drink exploded globally, becoming synonymous with Italian aperitivo culture and summer socializing worldwide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Aperol Spritz taste like?

The Aperol Spritz has a bitter, sweet, effervescent, refreshing flavor profile. The Aperol Spritz became a global phenomenon in the 2010s, but this Venetian aperitivo tradition dates back decades. The three-ingredient build makes it one of the easiest cocktails to prepare, while its beautiful orange color and light, bittersweet flavor make it the ideal drink for golden hour. It is best enjoyed outdoors with good company.

What ingredients do I need for a Aperol Spritz?

A Aperol Spritz requires 3 ingredients: Aperol, Club Soda, Orange Peel.

How long does it take to make a Aperol Spritz?

A Aperol Spritz takes about 2 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Aperol Spritz?

A Aperol Spritz is traditionally served in a Large wine glass, garnished with Orange slice.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Aperol Spritz?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Aperol Spritz by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Aperol Spritz?

The Aperol Spritz traces its bubbly roots to the Veneto region of Italy, where the tradition of the 'spritz' began in the 1800s during Austrian rule. Austrian soldiers found local Italian wines too strong and began diluting them with sparkling water – creating the first 'spritz' (from the German 'spritzen,' meaning to spray). Aperol itself was created in 1919 by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in Padua, crafted from a secret blend of herbs, roots, and bitter orange. The modern Aperol Spritz as we know it – with prosecco replacing plain sparkling water – gained popularity throughout the 20th century in northern Italy's wine bars and canal-side cafes. However, it wasn't until Gruppo Campari's aggressive international marketing campaign in the 2010s that the drink exploded globally, becoming synonymous with Italian aperitivo culture and summer socializing worldwide.