How to Make a DAMN GOOD Aperol Spritz

December 8, 2022 Melissa "Mel" Drake

How to Make a DAMN GOOD Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is so good, it'll make you forget all about that Mimosa!

When it comes to brunch cocktails, the Aperol Spritz cocktail is easily one of my favorite drinks to order or whip up at home. It's just the right mix of bubbly- thanks to the Prosecco, a little bit fruity- thanks to the Aperol, and most importantly - it's incredibly easy to make. The result is a beautiful bright orange hue that looks great in photos (because we all know that's what truly matters) and it tastes DAMN GOOD!

Can’t get enough cocktail recipes? I've got you covered. Try my Kir Royale and take my Crash Course in Wine Terms: No Sommelier Needed too!

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Ingredients: What's in a Classic Aperol Spritz Cocktail

The Aperol Spritz is one of the easiest classic cocktails to make. In a short 5 minutes, you and your friends can be enjoying Aperol Spritz cocktails on a patio. All you need are only 3 ingredients that I'll list for you below.

Here's what you'll need to make this Aperol Spritz recipe:

Aperol - the orange-flavored aperitif is the star of this classic cocktail
Prosecco or Sparkling Wine - the bubbles
Club Soda Water - the splash of fizz to balance and lighten everything up
Fresh Orange Slice - the garnish, because we are fancy AF!

What is Aperol?

Aperol is a unique aperitif from Italy that you may or may not be familiar with. It is a blend of herbs and roots with a high concentration of orange peel. The result is a beautifully red-orange, slightly herbal liqueur with a unique bittersweet orange flavor.

How to Adjust Your Aperol Spritz Recipe

Truth be told, making the perfect Aperol Spritz is a more of matter of personal preference rather than an exact science. Some people like a lot of Aperol in their cocktails, and some want a spritz that is more prosecco or sparkling wine than anything else. The key is to experiment until you find the perfect ratio for you. Here are a few tips to help you create your own perfect refreshing drink recipe:

For a Less Bitter Aperol Spritz

If you find the Aperol a little on the bitter side for your taste, either reduce the Aperol or try adding an additional splash of soda water, club soda, or sparkling water to your spritz. This will help to tone down the bitterness and make the drink a bit more refreshing.

For a Sweeter Aperol Spritz

If you want a sweeter Aperol Spritz, try adding a bit of simple syrup (homemade or store-bought) or a splash or two of a sweeter white wine like Moscato d'Asti to the mix. This will help to bring out the sweetness making the cocktail a bit more dessert-like.

For a Less Boozy Aperol Spritz

If you want to turn down a bit, there are a few things you can do to lower the alcohol content in this cocktail. 1. Reduce the amount of Aperol in the recipe. 2. Use a prosecco or sparkling wine that is lower in alcohol volume. 3. Add a bit more club soda or soda water to the mix. 4. Serve the Aperol Spritz over lots and lots of ice cubes. The idea is to help to dilute the drink as the ice melts.

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Tools You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Here are a few essential tools you’ll need to make this beautifully classic Aperol Spritz

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A large wine glass or two. This 4 piece wine goblet glass set is quintessential and they are dishwasher safe too! If you're in the mood for something more sophisticated, serve your drink in these crystal Amaro spritz glasses. They hold an orange slice with a beauty that cannot be beaten.

You'll need a 2-sided Jigger to achieve the perfect prosecco to Aperol ratio. This one has a 2-ounce side and a 1-ounce side which is perfect for this recipe.
Trade in your everyday flatware spoon with this proper bar spoon to stir your Aperol Spritz.
If you're serving your spritz with Prosecco or champagne that comes with a cork, you'll need a good corkscrew to pop it open. I prefer this good ole' manual version but this rechargeable electronic corkscrew will get the job done with a little more ease.
For the ultimate in fancy, chill your bottle of Prosecco in this gorgeous marble chiller bucket.

Thank You

The Aperol Spritz may seem like a complicated drink to make but as you see, it really is so super simple. With just three ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can be sipping on this refreshing classic cocktail. Whether you’re hosting brunch for friends or relaxing on the patio in the summer sun, an Aperol Spritz is always a good choice.

Have you made this DAMN GOOD Aperol Spritz? Share your photos with me on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #DAMNGOODcocktails and tagging me @ThisIsMelDrake so I can see how yours turned out!

Please let me know how you liked the recipe in the comments section below, and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.

Cheers!

-XOXO (as always)

Mel D.

Photography by Melissa "Mel" Drake