Aperol Spritz Italian Cocktail Recipe
This classic Italian aperitif cocktail is the color of a sunset and capable of brightening any ordinary afternoon with its light and refreshing mix of sweet, crisp, and bitter.
Last September I went to Italy to cook for a Yoga retreat. (I know. Tough gig.) The fabulous yoga instructor who organized the whole thing kept ordering glasses of Aperol Spritz on the nights when we ventured out from our Tuscan Villa for afternoon drinks (SUCH a tough gig). It was the first time I'd heard of the cocktail and right away I was smitten.
Here's what's awesome about the Aperol Spritz:
- It's DELICIOUS.
- The combination of bubbly with a touch of bitter is super light and refreshing.
- It's a low alcohol cocktail, so you can happily sip away on a nice big glass of the stuff without overdoing it.
- It's perfectly acceptable - even encouraged - to drink this cocktail through a fun paper straw.
Your local liquor store doesn't stock Aperol? No worries. Just substitute Campari. Aperol isn't quite as bitter as Campari and is a bit more citrusy. So, just use a bit less and add an extra orange slice.
Aperol Spritz Cocktail (Spritz Veneziano)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
Description
This classic Italian aperitif cocktail is the color of a sunset and capable of brightening any ordinary afternoon with it's light and refreshing mix of sweet, crisp, and bitter.
Ingredients
- 4 oz chilled prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- Sparkling water
- A slice or two of orange
Instructions
- Add a few pieces of ice to a tumbler or wine glass. Pour in the Prosecco, then the aperol, and top it with as much, or as little, sparkling water as you like. Add a slice of orange and serve.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
Cymry says
Had this in Venice, Rome, and Florence♡♡♡
★★★★★
RebeccaBlackwell says
It should be illegal to go to Italy and not have at least one aperol spritz. 🙂
Kathy HArteister says
I spent a month in Tuscany with two of my BFF's, and immediately got hooked on Aperol Spritz Cocktails!! SO refreshing, and so much lighter than the hard liquor cocktails I was used to!! I've now continued the ritual after returning home to Minnesota!!!
RebeccaBlackwell says
They are the best, aren't they??? I'd never even heard of them before going to Italy, and now they are one of my favorite cocktails. The next time I make one, I'll raise my glass and think that there might be a woman in Minnesota drinking one too. 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment for me! xo
Javiee says
I just back from Venice Italy where I had this drink for first time, and I love it.
I had it with a sparkling wine and not Prosecco but it's still lovely.
Today I went for shopping to get all the ingredients 🙂
★★★★★
RebeccaBlackwell says
So glad you're going to make these at home! Although, I just gotta tell you... they're never as good as the are in Italy because, well, you're in Italy. 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment for me! Cheers!
Dawn says
I’m looking so forward to making this cocktail. Thanks for the recipe. Cheers!
RebeccaBlackwell says
It's one of my all-time favorite libations! I hope you enjoy it! Cheers! xo
MaryAnn Gomez says
Can t wait to try it ! I drink prosecco Never heard of Aperol but love orange flavor so will let you know if enjoyed!
Mario and Carla says
Me and my wife had it in Venice and we love it and we still have it in Wales with this love weather in our game garden.
★★★★★