Aperol Spritz: The Classic Recipe and Variations

With its vibrant orange color, refreshing bubbles, and perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, the Aperol Spritz has become a happy hour favorite. It's the ultimate symbol of the Italian dolce vita!

Here's how to make an Aperol Spritz, the iconic Italian cocktail made with Aperol, prosecco, and sparkling water that instantly transports you to a sunny terrace in Italy.

And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make at home!

Aperol Spritz, the Iconic Cocktail of Veneto

Originally from Italy, the Aperol Spritz is especially popular in Venice and throughout the Veneto region.

Garnished with an orange slice and sometimes a green olive, it's often enjoyed with cicchetti, small Venetian bites similar to Spanish tapas. Think olives, mini sandwiches, and other tasty snacks.

I first discovered this cocktail during a trip to Venice in 2010. It was on my list of Italian specialties to try, so I ordered one at the very first terrace where we stopped for a break between sightseeing.

Love at first sip! A little bitterness, some bubbles, just the right amount of sweetness… The perfect combination.

The Aperol Spritz is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif, but there's no reason you can't keep sipping it throughout the evening!

What is Aperol?

Aperol is an Italian aperitif known for its vibrant orange color, made from a blend of herbs, botanicals, and roots.

Its exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but we do know it contains ingredients such as gentian and bitter orange.

Once harder to find in Quebec, Aperol is now widely available. You'll find it on many cocktail menus and can easily pick up a bottle at the SAQ.

What Does Aperol Taste Like?

With an alcohol content of 11%, Aperol is relatively light for an aperitif. To me, it strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness.

You'll notice hints of orange zest, subtle woody notes, and a pleasant herbal bitterness on the finish.

What's the Difference Between Aperol and Campari?

Both produced by the Campari Group, Aperol and Campari are sometimes confused with one another. However, there are several key differences.

The first and most obvious is their color. Campari is bright red, while Aperol is orange.

When it comes to taste, Campari is more bitter, less sweet, and has more pronounced herbal and medicinal notes. It also has a higher alcohol content than Aperol.

Campari is commonly used in cocktails such as the Negroni, Americano, and Campari Soda.

Aperol Spritz Recipe: Getting the Proportions Right

The classic Aperol Spritz recipe follows an easy-to-remember formula, known as the 3-2-1 ratio:

• 3 parts prosecco
• 2 parts Aperol
• 1 part sparkling water

Simply pour the ingredients into a large glass filled with ice, stir gently, and garnish with an orange slice.

Of course, you can always adjust the proportions to suit your taste!

Personally, I prefer a stronger Aperol flavor, so I like to make a 50/50 version:

• 50% Prosecco
• 50% Aperol
• A splash of soda water

This is the version I make most often at home.

How to Make an Aperol Spritz Without Prosecco

No prosecco on hand? There are several ways to make a cocktail with Aperol without having to open a bottle of prosecco.

With Another Sparkling Wine

You can easily replace prosecco with cava, crémant, or another dry sparkling wine. The result will be very similar to the original Aperol Spritz.

With Tonic Water

This is one of my favorite variations, especially when I only want to make a single drink.

Simply mix Aperol with tonic water over ice, then garnish with an orange slice.

The result is refreshing, with a slightly more pronounced bitterness. Think of it as a gin and tonic, but with Aperol instead of gin. If you prefer a less bitter drink, you can also add a splash of sparkling water.

With Sparkling Water

For a lighter version, you can simply mix Aperol with sparkling water. The cocktail will be lower in alcohol and less sweet than the classic version, while still retaining Aperol's signature orange flavors and pleasant bitterness.

How to Make the Perfect Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is incredibly easy to make, but a few small details can make all the difference.

First, use well-chilled prosecco, preferably brut, to keep the cocktail from being too sweet.

Serve it in a large wine glass filled with ice. Pour in the prosecco, add the Aperol, and top with sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

And most importantly, don't skimp on the ice! It helps keep your cocktail nice and cold for longer.

What to Garnish an Aperol Spritz With

The classic garnish for an Aperol Spritz is an orange slice, but feel free to mix things up!

Here are a few ideas to customize your cocktail:

• Orange or lemon slices
• A green olive on a cocktail pick, just like in Venice
• A sprig of rosemary
• A few fresh basil or mint leaves
• Fresh berries

A Quebec Twist on the Aperol Spritz

You don't have to stick to Aperol to make a Spritz. There are now several locally made bitter aperitifs from Quebec that make great alternatives.

These include Amermelade, a Quebec-made bitter aperitif that's quite similar to Aperol, as well as Les Îles and Noroi Aperitivo.

How to Set Up a Spritz Bar for Entertaining?

The Aperol Spritz is also a great cocktail for entertaining. It's easy to make, and guests can prepare their own drinks just the way they like them.

To set up a Spritz bar, have a few bottles of prosecco and Aperol, sparkling water, plenty of ice, and large wine glasses ready.

Next, arrange a variety of garnishes in small bowls: orange and lemon slices, green olives, fresh berries, rosemary, and mint leaves.
For an extra touch, you can even make decorative ice cubes with pieces of citrus fruit or fresh herbs.
Then, simply let everyone create their own Spritz to suit their taste!
Cheers!

For an extra touch, you can even make decorative ice cubes with pieces of citrus fruit or fresh herbs.

Then, simply let everyone create their own Spritz to suit their taste!

Cheers!