How To Make The Perfect Aperol Spritz

Bring a taste of Italy home with this easy and refreshing Aperol Spritz recipe! Just three ingredients and a few tips for making this classic cocktail perfect every time.

Ok, well, the perfect Aperol Spritz is enjoyed while in Italy in my opinion. But, if that’s not in your cards today and you just want to sip on this popular cocktail, I got you!

First, let’s chat about what exactly an Aperol Spritz is.

An Aperol spritz cocktail is a light, refreshing cocktail that only takes three ingredients to make. It has a citrusy and slightly bitter flavor. It’s a great cocktail to serve before dinner, or at brunch. If you don’t like super sweet drinks, this is definitely one you should try, and it has a smaller alcohol content than other cocktails.

Why is the Aperol Spritz Popular

While the Aperol Spritz has been a beloved Italian tradition for over a century, its global explosion in popularity, especially in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, began in the early 2000s and skyrocketed in the 2010s.

Part of the Aperol Spritz’s charm is how it feels like summer in a glass. But it didn’t become a global favorite by accident. Back in the 2010s, the Campari Group (they own Aperol) kicked off a super smart marketing push. They teamed up with bars, restaurants, and events all over the world to make the Aperol Spritz the go-to drink for sunny days and stylish get-togethers. Think European flair, effortless vibes, and all-around good times.

And then, boom! Social media took it to the next level. That bright color? The giant wine glasses? The orange slice garnish? Total Instagram gold. Influencers and travelers started posting their Spritz moments from dreamy Italian cafés and swanky rooftop bars, and just like that, it became the drink of the summer (every summer).

My husband and I stayed at La Gemma when we were in Florence last and every outdoor patio bar in the area was always filled with kids (ok, maybe they weren’t kids, but they looked like them to us old peeps 😉 ) sipping their Aperol Spritz cocktails.

Another reason it’s stuck around? It’s light, refreshing, and super easy to sip, aka the perfect cocktail for brunch, happy hour, or any warm-weather hangout. As more people started reaching for lower-alcohol options, the Aperol Spritz totally fit the bill. It’s got flavor without being too strong, which makes it ideal when you’re in the mood for something chill but still a little fancy.

And because it’s so easy to make (just three ingredients!), bars and restaurants happily jumped on the trend. Fast forward to today, and the Aperol Spritz isn’t just a drink…it’s a vibe.

The Aperol spritz cocktail is easy to make with just three ingredients that you may already have in your liquor cabinet. To make one of these delicious cocktails you will need Aperol, sparkling wine, and club soda or unflavored sparkling water. We told you this was a simple cocktail. Just because it’s simple doesn’t mean that it skimps in the flavor department though. Aperol has a brilliant orange color and sweet citrus flavor with hints of vanilla and a slightly bitter undertone.  I used French Blue Cremant de Bordeaux Brut, it is like a thicker version of champagne, and it has a crisp citrus flavor. Club soda or unflavored sparkling water introduces more bubbles and a fizzy mouth feel that’s quite satisfying. 

Making an Aperol spritz takes less than a minute, and you’ll have a refreshing drink in your hands or those of your guests in no time. Simply fill your wine glass with ice until it is nearly full, and pour equal amounts of Aperol and sparking wine over the top of your ice. Fill the remainder of the glass with club soda or sparkling water and garnish with an orange slice. 

Tips for the Best Aperol Spritz Experience

To truly enjoy an Aperol Spritz, it’s all about the details. Here are a few tips to make your cocktail taste just like it does in Italy:

Use plenty of ice – A well-chilled Aperol Spritz enhances the crisp, refreshing flavors.
Pick the right bubbles – While traditional recipes call for Prosecco, using French Blue Crémant de Bordeaux Brut gives it a richer texture.
Garnish with fresh orange – A slice of orange not only adds to the aesthetic but also enhances the drink’s natural citrus notes.

Experiment with ratios – Prefer a slightly less bitter taste? Adjust the balance by adding a bit more sparkling water for a lighter sip.

Don’t you just love the color and flavors of this classic cocktail? Many refer to the color as that of an Italian sunset and it certainly is beautiful.

But again, if given the opportunity, be sure to try this one when you are in Italy 😉 Italy is one of my favorite places in the world!

Alright, let’s make some cocktails, shall we?!

Have you tried Aperol Spritz before? If not, are you going to? We definitely think that you should give this sunset in a glass cocktail a chance! 

Looking for another wine cocktail to try out?

Try a Negroni Sbagliato

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