When you can’t make it to Italy but you still want a classic Italian cocktail in your hand, this easy Aperol spritz recipe is here to save the day! It’s made using a simple 3-2-1 ratio layered together right in the glass for near-immediate satisfaction.
As someone with Italian heritage, I take great pride in sharing recipes that celebrate Italy’s finest flavors. This refreshingly bitter-sweet drink pairs well alongside traditional Italian dishes like mozzarella marinated with herbs or more modern appetizers like a pizza-inspired baked burrata dip. It even works wonderfully with light snacks like parmesan popcorn!
why this Classic Spritz recipe works:
⚖️ perfect balance. Some recipes out there have too much Aperol, or too little prosecco. This recipe balances dry prosecco with the bittersweet bite of Aperol.
🏛️ classic cocktail. This is the original recipe for the famous spritz at the right ratio, making it a timeless drink that pairs perfectly with any season.
🙌🏻 easy method. As easy as 3-2-1, this refreshing cocktail can be made right in the glass, requiring no special equipment!
🛒 ingredients
See the recipe card for the exact quantities.
🍳 instructions
1: Add ice to your wine glass.
2: Pour 3 ounces of prosecco into the glass.
3: Add in 2 ounces of Aperol.
4: Top with a generous one ounce splash of soda water.
5: Garnish with a slice of orange gently placed into the glass.
6: Serve immediately.
💡tips & tricks for getting it right
🍽️ serving tips
The vibrant orange color is synonymous with summer, but it honestly works any time of year, whether you’re looking for an Italian cocktail to serve during winter holiday celebrations or springtime soirées!
- cocktail hour – serve your spritzes as a pre-dinner drink with other Italian dishes like crostini and marinated mozzarella or a more traditional charcuterie board. Want something lower key? Pair it with plain ole salty snacks like potato chips for the perfect nosh!
- during brunch – spritz cocktails are the best brunch beverages because they typically have a low alcohol content compared to other drinks. This makes them a great option for daytime meals like brunch and pool parties!
- just desserts – even though traditionally served during an Italian aperitivo hour, this is a great cocktail to serve with certain sweet foods like berry lemon bars that can stand up to the bittersweet taste of the drink.
ℹ️ troubleshooting tips
- right ratio – while it can be tempting to free-pour ingredients, it’s imperative to get the right balance of 3 parts prosecco to 2 parts Aperol to one part soda water. This “3-2-1 formula” will result in the perfect Aperol spritz every time!
- too bitter – if you aren’t quite a fan of the bitter flavor of Aperol, you can add in a half ounce to an ounce of simple syrup to sweeten the drink up even more. You can also add in a few drops of a saline solution for drinks, as the salt cuts bitterness.
♻️ substitutions & variations
Missing an ingredient? No problem. Check out these tried-and-true substitutions, or comment below with your question. I’m here to help you troubleshoot!
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- party sized – if you want to make Aperol spritzes for a crowd, check out this Aperol spritz pitcher recipe!
- use a flavored soda – if you want a seasonal flavored spritz, you can add flavored soda like a blood orange soda or grapefruit soda. You can also add in fresh juice like grapefruit juice or blood orange juice!
- stronger ABV – if you prefer a stronger cocktail, you can add up to a full ounce of plain or flavored vodka or botanical gin.
🧰 equipment needed
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Classic Aperol Spritz Cocktail (Easy 3-2-1 Recipe)
Wanna save this recipe for later? 📬
I’ll email this recipe post to you so you can have it for later!
Equipment
- 1 wine glass balloon style or large red wine glass
- 1 measuring beaker or jigger
- 1 cocktial stirring spoon optional
- 1 straw
Ingredients
- 3 ounces prosecco
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce sparkling water or soda water, unflavored
- ice cubes 1-inch in size
- orange for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to your wine glass.
- Pour 3 ounces of prosecco into the glass.
- Add in 2 ounces of Aperol.
- Top with a generous one ounce splash of soda water.
- Garnish with a slice of orange gently placed into the glass.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Troubleshooting Tips
- right ratio – while it can be tempting to free-pour ingredients, it’s imperative to get the right balance of 3 parts prosecco to 2 parts Aperol to one part soda water. This “3-2-1 formula” will result in the perfect Aperol spritz every time!
- too bitter – if you aren’t quite a fan of the bitter flavor of Aperol, you can add in a half ounce to an ounce of simple syrup to sweeten the drink up even more. You can also add in a few drops of a saline solution for drinks, as the salt cuts bitterness.
Substitutions & Variations
- use a flavored soda – if you want a seasonal flavored spritz, you can add flavored soda like a blood orange soda or grapefruit soda. You can also add in fresh juice like grapefruit juice or blood orange juice!
- stronger ABV – if you prefer a stronger cocktail, you can add up to a full ounce of vodka or gin.
Nutrition Information
The information provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition facts calculator and actual nutrition facts may vary.
🧯food safety & other information
Food safety is an important ingredient in any recipe for success! Here are some tips to keep you safe in the kitchen!
- Always enjoy alcohol responsibly, and never give alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age. For more information about responsible alcohol consumption, click here.
