Classic Italian Aperol Spritz Cocktail
A refreshing, bittersweet Italian cocktail with a vibrant orange hue, combining Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water for a balanced aperitif. This italian-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 120 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
- 3 oz Aperol
- 2 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Soda water
- 1 slice Orange slice
- as needed Ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes until nearly full to chill the glass thoroughly.
- Step 2: Pour 3 oz of Aperol over the ice, allowing the bright orange color to settle.
- Step 3: Add 2 oz of chilled Prosecco gently to maintain bubbles, followed by 1 oz of soda water to lighten the drink.
- Step 4: Stir gently once to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 fresh orange slice on the rim for a citrus aroma and visual appeal.
- Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy the bittersweet, effervescent taste of this classic Italian aperitif.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Italian Aperol Spritz Cocktail 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 Classic Italian Aperol Spritz Cocktail?
Refrigerate any leftover classic italian aperol spritz cocktail 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 Classic Italian Aperol Spritz Cocktail?
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 Classic Italian Aperol Spritz Cocktail 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 Classic Italian Aperol Spritz Cocktail?
Italian 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.