Vodka and Aperol Spritz with Grapefruit
A modern twist on the classic spritz, mixing smooth vodka with Aperol and fresh grapefruit for a balanced, bittersweet cocktail. This italian-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 6 minutes pairs Prosecco, Aperol, Vodka for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Soda water
- 0.5 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 cup Ice cubes
- 1 twist Grapefruit twist
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a large wine glass with 1 cup of ice cubes to chill the glass and keep the drink cold.
- Step 2: Pour 1 oz of Aperol and 1 oz of vodka over the ice, followed by 0.5 oz of fresh grapefruit juice for a citrus kick.
- Step 3: Add 3 oz of chilled Prosecco gently to preserve the bubbles, then stir lightly once to blend the flavors.
- Step 4: Top with 1 oz of soda water to add a refreshing sparkle.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 grapefruit twist by expressing the oils over the cocktail and placing it on the rim.
- Step 6: Serve immediately to enjoy the bittersweet and bright flavor profile.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka and Aperol Spritz with Grapefruit take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Vodka and Aperol Spritz with Grapefruit?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep prosecco from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka and Aperol Spritz with Grapefruit?
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 Vodka and Aperol Spritz with Grapefruit 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 Vodka and Aperol Spritz with Grapefruit?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is the best spritz I've ever made.
- ★★★★★
My family loved it, especially the kids.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for summer parties! The grapefruit adds a nice twist.