Vodka and Aperol Spritz with Grapefruit

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Italian cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a large wine glass with 1 cup of ice cubes to chill the glass and keep the drink cold.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 oz of chilled Prosecco gently to preserve the bubbles, then stir lightly once to blend the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Top with 1 oz of soda water to add a refreshing sparkle.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 grapefruit twist by expressing the oils over the cocktail and placing it on the rim.
  6. 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.

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