Kitchen Recipe Collection
Italian Aperol Spritz
The undisputed king of the Italian Aperitivo. A bright orange, bittersweet, highly refreshing cocktail made with Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water.
- Prep
- 3 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 3 min
- Servings
- 1
- Difficulty
- easy
- Cuisine
- italian
Ingredients
Scaled for 1 serving
- Aperol
- Prosecco (chilled)
- soda water (or sparkling water, chilled)
- large ice cubes
- orange slice (for garnish)
Equipment
- Large wine glass or balloon glass
- Jigger for measuring
- Bar spoon
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Glass
Take a large, balloon-style wine glass.
- 2
Add Ice
Fill the glass completely to the brim with large, solid ice cubes. Do not skimp on ice; more ice keeps the drink colder and prevents dilution.
- 3
The 3-2-1 Rule
The official IBA recipe uses the ratio: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water.
- 4
Add Prosecco
Pour 3 oz (90ml) of chilled Prosecco over the ice.
- 5
Add Aperol
Pour 2 oz (60ml) of Aperol into the glass.
- 6
Add Soda
Top with 1 oz (30ml) of unflavored soda water or highly carbonated sparkling water.
- 7
Stir
Using a bar spoon or long stirrer, gently pull the ice up from the bottom once or twice to integrate the ingredients without killing the bubbles.
- 8
Garnish Prep
Cut a half-slice or a wheel of a fresh, washed orange.
- 9
Add Garnish
Slide the orange slice down into the drink, wedging it slightly between the ice and the glass.
- 10
Serve
Serve immediately, typically accompanied by potato chips, olives, or small bites (cicchetti).
Cooking Tips
- Always pour the Prosecco first, then the Aperol. The heavier Aperol will sink, mixing the drink naturally.
- Use a Brut (dry) Prosecco to balance the sweetness of the Aperol.
Variations
- Campari Spritz: Substitute Campari for Aperol for a much more bitter, red version.
Chef's Notes & Storage
- The traditional pre-dinner drink intended to 'open the stomach' before a meal.
Nutrition Estimate
180 calories · 0g protein · 18g carbs · 0g fat · 0g fiber per serving
