Oh my gosh, let me tell you about the first time I fell in love with an Aperol Spritz! It was during this magical summer evening in Venice – the golden hour light bouncing off the canals, a warm breeze, and this vibrant orange drink in my hand that tasted like sunshine and happiness. I’ve been obsessed ever since!
This isn’t just any cocktail – it’s the perfect summer cocktail. The Aperol Spritz is that beautiful balance of bubbly, bittersweet, and refreshing that makes you instantly feel like you’re on vacation. And the best part? You don’t need to be a mixologist to make one. With just three simple ingredients and about two minutes, you can transport yourself to that Italian piazza feeling anytime.
As someone who’s made hundreds (okay, maybe thousands) of these over the years for friends, family, and frankly just for myself on lazy afternoons, I can tell you – there’s something about that first sip of a properly made Aperol Spritz that just makes everything better. The way the bubbles tickle your nose, the bright citrus notes, that gorgeous sunset color… it’s pure summer in a glass.
Why You’ll Love This Aperol Spritz Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe
Trust me, once you try this Aperol Spritz, you’ll wonder how you ever survived summer without it. Here’s why it’s absolutely perfect:
- Takes literally 2 minutes to make – no fancy techniques or equipment needed
- That gorgeous orange color makes every sip feel like a celebration
- Light and refreshing at just about 150 calories per glass
- Only three main ingredients you can find anywhere
- Balanced flavor – not too sweet, not too bitter, just right
- Impresses guests without any stress – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- Makes any ordinary afternoon feel like an Italian getaway
Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s summer happiness in a glass!
Ingredients for the Perfect Aperol Spritz
Here’s the beautiful thing – you only need a handful of ingredients to make magic happen. But quality matters! These are the exact things I always keep stocked for impromptu spritz sessions:
- 3 oz Prosecco – Make sure it’s chilled! I pop mine in the fridge at least 2 hours before. A dry, Italian bubbly works best.
- 2 oz Aperol – That iconic orange bittersweet liqueur. Don’t substitute – this is the star!
- 1 oz soda water – Fresh, cold, and bubbly. Open a new bottle if yours has gone flat.
- Orange slice – For garnish. Use a thin slice with the peel on for that perfect citrus aroma.
- Ice cubes – Lots of them! The drink should stay frosty cold.
That’s it! Simple, right? But when these five things come together… wow. Just wow.
Equipment You’ll Need for Your Aperol Spritz
Here’s the great news – you don’t need any fancy bar tools to make this perfect summer cocktail! My must-haves are:
- A large wine glass – The classic balloon shape lets all those bubbles shine
- Bar spoon – For that gentle stir (I use my grandma’s old one!)
- Jigger – To measure precisely – eyeballing never works well with Aperol
Bonus if you have it: A citrus peeler for pretty orange twists. But honestly? A knife works just fine for slicing garnish too!
How to Make an Aperol Spritz Perfect Summer Cocktail
Okay, let’s make some magic happen! I’ve made this drink so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step carefully because those little details make all the difference between a good Aperol Spritz and an absolutely perfect one.
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
First things first – grab that beautiful wine glass and fill it to the brim with ice cubes. And I mean really pile them in there! You want that drink to stay icy cold from first sip to last.
Step 2: Build the Cocktail
Now the fun part! Pour in your chilled Prosecco first – that’s 3 ounces of bubbly goodness. Next comes 2 ounces of Aperol (measure it, don’t guess!). Top it off with about an ounce of soda water. Here’s my secret: stir it just once or twice with a long spoon – you want to mix without losing those precious bubbles!
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Slide that gorgeous orange slice onto the rim, give it one last admiring look (I always do!), and serve immediately while it’s frosty and effervescent. The first sip is pure summer joy!
Tips for the Best Aperol Spritz Perfect Summer Cocktail
After making countless Aperol Spritzes (yes, I might have a problem), I’ve picked up some pro tips that take this summer cocktail from good to absolutely perfect:
- Always use fresh soda water – flat soda water will ruin the magical bubbles
- If the bitterness of Aperol is too strong for you, start with 1.5 oz and work your way up
- Stir gently – you’re blending flavors, not making a milkshake!
- For extra chill, pop your glass in the freezer 10 minutes before making it
- Use the biggest ice cubes you can find – they melt slower and won’t water down your drink
Trust me, these little tricks make all the difference between an okay spritz and one that’ll have everyone asking for your secret!
Aperol Spritz Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, it’s fun to play around with different twists on the Aperol Spritz! Here are some of my favorite riffs that still keep that perfect summer vibe:
- Floral Spritz: Add a splash of elderflower liqueur (about ½ oz) for a fragrant, garden-party version
- Citrus Swap: Try grapefruit instead of orange – the tartness balances the Aperol beautifully
- Berry Bright: Muddle a few raspberries in the glass before building your drink
- Herbal Twist: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthy note
My advice? Start with the classic, then get creative once you’ve got the basics down. The possibilities are endless for your perfect summer sipper!
Serving Suggestions for Your Aperol Spritz
Oh, the places you’ll drink this beauty! My favorite way to serve an Aperol Spritz is on a sunny patio with good friends, but honestly, it makes any moment special. Pair it with light bites like bruschetta, olives, or prosciutto-wrapped melon – anything that won’t overpower that delicate bittersweet magic. Picnic blanket optional but highly recommended!
Aperol Spritz Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers – but keep in mind these are estimates since brands vary. My perfect Aperol Spritz comes in around 150 calories per serving, with about 5g of sugar (mostly from the Aperol). It’s naturally gluten-free and lower in alcohol than many cocktails, making it a lighter choice for summer sipping. Cheers to that! Lighter choices are always great in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aperol Spritz
I get asked these questions all the time when serving my Aperol Spritzes – here’s what you really want to know:
Can I use Campari instead of Aperol? While you can, it’s a totally different drink! Campari is much more bitter and less sweet. If you try it, start with just 1 oz and add more to taste. But honestly? For that perfect summer cocktail, stick with Aperol – its lighter bitterness is what makes the magic happen.
Is Aperol Spritz gluten-free? Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your Prosecco brand if you’re highly sensitive, but most are safe.
Can I make a big batch for a party? Absolutely! Multiply the recipe, mix everything except the soda water in a pitcher, then add soda to each glass right before serving to keep the bubbles lively.
What if I can’t find Prosecco? Any dry sparkling white wine works in a pinch, but try to get something Italian if possible. The crisp acidity balances the Aperol perfectly.
How do I know if my Aperol Spritz is made right? It should be that gorgeous sunset orange color, lightly effervescent, with a perfect balance of sweet and bitter. If it’s too sweet? More Aperol next time. Too bitter? A touch more Prosecco. You’ll find your perfect ratio!
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2-Minute Aperol Spritz Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe
- Total Time: 2 mins
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail perfect for summer. Its vibrant orange color and balanced bittersweet taste make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz soda water
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
- Pour Prosecco into the glass.
- Add Aperol.
- Top with soda water.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chilled Prosecco for best results.
- Adjust Aperol to taste if you prefer less bitterness.
- Serve in a large wine glass for proper presentation.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Aperol Spritz, summer cocktail, Italian drink, easy cocktail recipe