This Aperol Spritz is one of my favorite cocktails to make when the weather gets warm. The classic version is bubbly, citrusy, and pleasantly bittersweet, while the strawberry version adds fresh berries and basil. It always feels like summer in a glass.
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Why This Recipe Works
I love this Aperol Spritz because it gives me two easy, refreshing cocktails that are perfect for summer sipping.
- Two Ways to Enjoy It: Keep it classic with orange and soda water, or add fresh strawberries and basil for a fruity version. I love having both options depending on my mood.
- Perfectly Bubbly: Prosecco keeps every glass crisp, light, and fizzy. If you love sparkling cocktails too, my Citrus Rosemary Spritz is another refreshing favorite.
- Balanced Flavor: Aperol brings just the right mix of bittersweet citrus flavor, while Prosecco softens the bitterness. Neither version is overly sweet, so every sip stays bright and refreshing.
- Easy to Customize: I can add more Prosecco for less bitterness or swap soda water for blood orange soda when I want extra sweetness. My Pomegranate Tangerine Bellini is another easy Prosecco cocktail when I’m craving something fruity.
- Made for Summer: Served over plenty of ice, these spritzes are cool and refreshing on a hot day. I especially love them for brunch, poolside drinks, or alongside a charcuterie board.
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Ingredients
- Prosecco – The bubbly base of both spritzes adds a crisp, light finish that balances the bittersweet Aperol. You can use a dry Champagne instead.
- Aperol Aperitivo – This Italian aperitif gives the cocktails their signature bright orange color and bittersweet citrus flavor.
- Strawberries – Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and fruity flavor to the strawberry spritz. Smash some with the basil and save a few slices for serving.
- Fresh Basil – Muddled basil adds a fresh, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries and Aperol.
- Soda Water – A splash of plain soda water lightens the classic Aperol Spritz and adds extra fizz. For a sweeter drink, try blood orange soda instead.
- Orange Slices – A classic garnish that complements the citrus notes in Aperol and adds fresh orange aroma to each glass.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Build the Spritz: Fill each glass with ice, pour in 2 ounces of Aperol, and top with Prosecco and a splash of soda water. For the strawberry version, muddle a strawberry with fresh basil in the bottom of the glass before adding the ice.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the classic Aperol Spritz with an orange slice. For the strawberry version, add sliced strawberries and fresh basil, then serve immediately.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Less Bitter: I like to use a little less Aperol and add more Prosecco when I want a softer, less bitter drink. You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
- Sweeter Spritz: I swap the plain soda water for blood orange soda when I want the classic version a little sweeter. You can also add extra Prosecco to balance the Aperol.
- Lower Alcohol: I use more soda water and less Aperol and Prosecco for a lighter cocktail. You can use orange soda instead if you prefer a sweeter sip.
- Fruit Options: I love muddled strawberries and basil for a fresh summer version, but you can also try raspberries, peaches, or blackberries. Keep the fruit pieces small so they’re easy to muddle.
What to Serve with Aperol Spritz
Appetizers & Snacks
- An Aperol Spritz is made for sipping before a meal, so we love serving it with savory appetizers like Holiday Charcuterie Board or Puff Pastry Brie Bites. The cured meats, cheeses, olives, and salty bites pair especially well with the bittersweet orange flavor of the classic spritz.
For a lighter appetizer spread, serve it with Smoked Fish Dip or Salmon Mousse and plenty of crackers or toasted bread. The creamy, savory flavors are a delicious contrast to the crisp, bubbly cocktail.
Brunch
- Both versions of this Aperol Spritz are perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch. Pair them with Sweet Crepes filled with fresh berries or put together a Lox and Bagel Board for a savory brunch that works especially well with the classic Aperol Spritz.
- You can also serve a pitcher alongside Oven Baked French Toast for an easy summer brunch. The fresh strawberries and basil in the Strawberry Aperol Spritz pair especially well with fruit-forward breakfast dishes.
FAQs
A good starting point is 3 parts Prosecco to 2 parts Aperol, followed by a splash of soda water for the classic version. This keeps the drink bubbly while balancing Aperol’s bittersweet flavor.
I recommend a dry Prosecco so the cocktail doesn’t become too sweet. Dry Champagne is also a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand.
Yes. Simply use a little less Aperol and increase the amount of Prosecco to soften the bitterness while keeping the cocktail crisp and bubbly.
Try replacing the plain soda water with blood orange soda. You can also use slightly less Aperol and add a little more Prosecco to balance the drink.
Gently muddling them helps release the juice from the strawberries and the aroma from the basil. Avoid crushing the basil too aggressively, since that can give the cocktail a more bitter, grassy taste.
A mixed Aperol Spritz is best enjoyed immediately because the Prosecco and soda water will lose their bubbles in the fridge. You can refrigerate the strawberry, basil, and Aperol mixture in a covered container until you’re ready to serve, then add fresh Prosecco and ice.
More Drink Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Grapefruit Vodka Tonic Cocktail – The tang and freshness of these Grapefruit Vodka Tonic’s are perfect for summer parties. Whip them up in no time using just 3 ingredients.
- Cranberry Fizz Cocktail – Make your holiday toast even more special with this Cranberry Fizz Cocktail & Brie Bites that are the perfect holiday party combo of sweet and tart.
- Blackberry Mint Cocktail – Blackberry Mint Cocktail are refreshing, crisp, tart and sweet. The perfect holiday pairing with Blackberry Goat Cheese Mini Toasts.
- Fall Sangria Recipe – This Fall Sangria recipe is my favorite drink to mix up for cozy get-togethers and autumn dinners. It’s fruity, festive, and spiced just right with cider and maple. I always make it ahead so the flavors can really shine.
If you try this Aperol Spritz recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Aperol Spritz (Two Ways)
Ingredients
Strawberry Aperol Spritz
- 1 bottle Prosecco, or dry champagne
- 8 oz Aperol Aperitivo
- 8 basil leaves
- 6 strawberries, 4 smashed and 2 sliced
- ice
Classic Aperol Spritz
- 1 bottle Prosecco, or dry champagne
- 8 oz Aperol Aperitivo
- 1 can soda, plain with no flavor
- 4 slices orange
- ice
Instructions
Strawberry Aperol Spritz
- In 4 glasses, add 1 strawberry and 2 basil leaves in each glass, using the back of a wooden spoon, gently mash together.
- Add ice in each glass. Pour 2 oz Aperol in each glass.
- Top each glass with Prosecco, sliced strawberries and a straw. Enjoy on a hot summer day.
Classic Aperol Spritz
- Add ice in each glass. Pour 2 oz Aperol in each glass.
- Top each glass with Prosecco, splash with soda water. Add a slice of orange and enjoy on a hot summer day.
Notes
- Keep everything cold. Chill the Prosecco and Aperol before mixing so the ice melts more slowly and the spritz stays crisp.
- Use plenty of ice. Fill each glass generously to keep the cocktail cold without quickly diluting it.
- Follow the 3-to-2 ratio. Three parts Prosecco to two parts Aperol gives the spritz a balanced bittersweet flavor.
- Choose a dry Prosecco. A dry sparkling wine keeps the Aperol Spritz refreshing instead of overly sweet.
- Muddle gently. Lightly press the strawberries and basil just enough to release their juices and aroma without bruising the basil too much.
- Add bubbles last. Pour in the Prosecco and soda water just before serving to preserve as much carbonation as possible.
- Adjust the bitterness. Use a little less Aperol and more Prosecco if you prefer a softer, less bitter drink.
- Make it sweeter. Swap plain soda water for blood orange soda when you want extra sweetness and citrus flavor.
- Prep the strawberry version ahead. Combine the muddled strawberries, basil, and Aperol in a pitcher and refrigerate, then add ice and Prosecco when serving.
- Serve right away. Once the Prosecco and soda water are added, enjoy the spritz promptly while it’s cold and fizzy.
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