Aperol Spritz
A vibrant Venetian aperitivo marrying bittersweet Aperol, crisp Prosecco, and a splash of soda for sunny, effervescent sipping.
9%
ABV
140
Calories
Wine
Glass
Flavor Profile
Flavor Journey
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Fill a large wine goblet to the brim with ice
Add chilled Prosecco
Pour in Aperol
Top with soda water and give one gentle stir
Garnish with a thick orange half-wheel
Glassware
Served over ice in a wine glass
Garnish
Thick slice tucked among the ice
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Chill all components—including glassware—for maximum refreshment
Use plenty of ice so the drink stays cold without overdilution
Express the orange slice over the drink before dropping it in
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Aperol Spritz.
Rosé Spritz
A modern classic that perfectly encapsulates the zeitgeist of 21st-century drinking culture. It represents the confluence of the meteoric rise of rosé wine and the enduring appeal of the Italian spritz, creating a versatile and endlessly adaptable cocktail.
Gin-Boosted Spritz
A modern classic cocktail that elevates the traditional Italian aperitivo into a more complex and botanically rich experience by introducing a measure of high-quality gin.
Campari Spritz
A quintessential Italian aperitivo that perfectly balances bitterness with effervescence. This sophisticated and refreshing cocktail, with its vibrant ruby-red hue and complex flavor profile, embodies the leisurely elegance of Italian cocktail culture and the aperitivo tradition.
Select Spritz
Venice’s native spritz—Select Aperitivo with prosecco and a splash of soda, finished with a single green olive.
Hugo
Alpine spritz—elderflower, mint, and lime with sparkling wine and a splash of soda.
History & Heritage
“The spritz tradition began in 19th‑century Veneto when Austro-Hungarian soldiers lightened local wine with water. Aperol was created in Padua in 1919, and by the 1950s the Barbieri brothers promoted the now-iconic 3-2-1 formula of Prosecco, Aperol, and soda. Global popularity exploded after Campari Group's 2003 acquisition and savvy marketing that turned the orange-hued drink into a symbol of Italian aperitivo culture and social media summer living.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Gin-Boosted Spritz
A modern classic cocktail that elevates the traditional Italian aperitivo into a more complex and botanically rich experience by introducing a measure of high-quality gin.
Aperol Lemonade Spritz
A sunny riff—Aperol lengthened with sparkling lemonade and a splash of soda over ice for easy refreshment.
Campari Spritz
A quintessential Italian aperitivo that perfectly balances bitterness with effervescence. This sophisticated and refreshing cocktail, with its vibrant ruby-red hue and complex flavor profile, embodies the leisurely elegance of Italian cocktail culture and the aperitivo tradition.