Aperol Spritz Recipe

Bright, bubbly, and effortlessly stylish — the Aperol Spritz cocktail is Italy’s most iconic aperitivo.
With its vibrant orange hue and perfectly balanced bittersweet flavor, it’s the drink that defines relaxation, sunshine, and la dolce vita.

Refreshing and elegant, the Aperol Spritz is more than just a cocktail — it’s a state of mind.

🇮🇹 Origin and History

The Aperol Spritz was born in Northern Italy in the early 1900s, when Austrian soldiers in the Veneto region diluted local wines with a splash of soda — “spritzing” them to make them lighter.

In 1919, brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri created Aperol, a bittersweet orange liqueur made with herbs and roots.
By the 1950s, Italians began mixing it with Prosecco and soda water, and the modern Aperol Spritz was born.

Today, it’s the ultimate symbol of the Italian aperitivo lifestyle — casual, chic, and irresistibly social.

🍹 Ingredients and Characteristics

The Aperol Spritz cocktail is sparkling, slightly bitter, and beautifully balanced — the perfect pre-dinner refreshment.

Classic Ingredients (3–2–1 ratio):

90 ml Prosecco (3 parts)
60 ml Aperol (2 parts)
30 ml Soda water (1 part)
Ice cubes
Orange slice for garnish

Flavor profile:
Bittersweet, citrusy, and lightly herbal, with crisp bubbles and a smooth finish.
It’s refreshing, eye-catching, and wonderfully sessionable.

🧊 How to Make the Perfect Aperol Spritz

Step-by-step method:

Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
Pour Prosecco first, then Aperol.
Add a splash of soda water.
Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with an orange slice.

🌟 Pro Tip:

Always pour the Prosecco before the Aperol — it helps keep the bubbles intact and prevents the drink from becoming too sweet.
Use chilled ingredients for maximum sparkle and refreshment.

🍊 Variations and Pairings

The Aperol Spritz is versatile and easy to adapt:

🍓 Strawberry Spritz: Add fresh strawberry purée for a fruity twist.
🍋 Limoncello Spritz: Swap Aperol for limoncello for a sweeter, citrusy version.
🍾 Rosé Spritz: Use sparkling rosé instead of Prosecco for a floral touch.
🌿 Herbal Spritz: Add basil or rosemary for extra aroma.

Perfect food pairings:

Prosciutto and melon 🍈
Caprese salad 🍅🧀
Bruschetta or crostini 🍞
Olives and Italian antipasti 🫒

Its bittersweet freshness pairs perfectly with salty, savory, and Mediterranean flavors.

✨ The Aperitivo Lifestyle

The Aperol Spritz isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual.
It’s the golden hour cocktail that brings people together for laughter, conversation, and good company.

Served at sunset with light snacks (cicchetti), it represents the Italian art of slowing down and savoring life — one sip at a time.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Colorful, sparkling, and full of charm, the Aperol Spritz is a timeless celebration of summer and friendship.
Whether on a terrace in Venice or a rooftop by the sea, it’s always the perfect choice for golden moments.

Raise your glass and embrace the joy of la dolce vita with the Aperol Spritz Recipe — bright, bubbly, and beautifully Italian.

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