Blood Orange Muddled Aperol Spritz
A vibrant twist on the classic spritz, featuring the bright flavor of blood orange and fresh basil for a refreshing pre-dinner sip. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes brings together Aperol, Prosecco, Soda water for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1.5 oz Prosecco
- 0.5 oz Soda water
- 1, segmented (remove pith) Blood orange
- 4 leaves Fresh basil
- 1 tsp Sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a chilled wine glass, place the blood orange segments, fresh basil leaves, and sugar. Muddle gently for 30 seconds until the orange is softened and the sugar dissolves, releasing a fragrant citrus aroma.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz Aperol and 1.5 oz Prosecco, then fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Step 3: Stir gently for 10 seconds until the drink is well-chilled and flavors meld, then top with 0.5 oz soda water and stir once more to integrate the carbonation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Blood Orange Muddled Aperol Spritz take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Blood Orange Muddled Aperol Spritz?
Refrigerate any leftover blood orange muddled aperol spritz in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Blood Orange Muddled Aperol Spritz?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Blood Orange Muddled Aperol Spritz for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Blood Orange Muddled Aperol Spritz?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & beverages like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So simple yet elevated the classic spritz. Made it for my book club and everyone raved about the blood orange finish.
- ★★★★★
The blood orange muddling added such a vibrant, fresh twist. My family kept asking for seconds during our Sunday brunch.
- ★★★★★
This Blood Orange Muddled Aperol Spritz was a hit at my summer garden party! The citrus brightness balanced perfectly with the Aperol's bitterness.
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