This summer, I’ve been re-living some of my Italian holiday memories by making a simple 1950’s-inspired Italian cocktail at home called an Aperol Spritz, which is made with Aperol, Italian prosecco and a dash of soda water.
A classic Aperol Spritz made with the 3-2-1 method!
If you’ve ever visited Italy, particularly Venice or the North of Italy, then you might have tried a version of the classic Italian ‘Spritz’ cocktail – traditionally made with Aperol or Campari, white wine and soda water. I’ve certainly sampled my fair share of these, most recently, at Attilio Beach at Milano Marittima near Rimini, close to where my sister lives. In her region of Italy, my sister tells me the Aperol Spritz is considered an aperitif and a ritual. It is also often taken as an aperitivi usually with complimentary nibbles, or stuzzichini. During one sunny afternoon, we had a huge Italian pasta feast, with plenty of fresh sea food and lots of Aperol cocktails!
Given it’s simplicity as a cocktail, the Aperol Spritz makes the perfect summer cooler and it’s a great welcome drink to serve when entertaining. All you have to do is remember the 3,2,1 formula – 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda – mixed with plenty of ice and a few slices of fresh orange.
Start with a big glass, with plenty of ice and some orange slices
Tasting Notes
I’m a big fan of Aperol (11% ABV) and Campari (23% ABV), both of which are described as ‘bitters,’ with Campari being slight more bitter in flavour than Aperol. Aperol is made from a secret infusion of citrus orange, rhubarb, herbs and roots and has a bright orange/red colour.
Click here for more Aperol cocktails.
You can also watch the official Aperol Spritz ‘perfect serve’ video which shows you how to make one, too.
If you are feeling particularly brave – add a shot of vodka for my ‘extra kick’ version!
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
Prep
Total
Yield 1 Spritz
An Aperol Spritz is a typical early evening drink in Italy made with Aperol, Italian Prosecco and a dash of soda water. All you have to do is remember the 3,2,1 formula – 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda – mixed with plenty of ice and a few slices of fresh orange.
Ingredients
- 75ml Prosecco
- 50ml Aperol
- 25ml soda
- Plenty of ice
- 2 slices of fresh orange
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice. Add the prosecco, aperol and a dash of soda.
- Stir and add the orange. Serve immediately.
Courses Drink
Cuisine Italian
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 glass
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 120 | ||
% Daily Value |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Holiday snap!
Our Aperol Spritz by the beach in Rimini
Disclosure: I’m joining in with the official 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz challenge and received the ingredients and glasses at home to make my own cocktails.
Share your Aperol Spritz cocktail on social media @aperolspritzuk (Instagram) or on the AperolSpritz Facebook page #ItStartsNow
denada laurenc says
waw, nice recipe.I hope I can make it today with the recipe you gave :))) Thankyou
miss messy says
This look delicious! I love your photos, just fantastic. you’re making me want to be on a small italian island by the beach!
Shu says
Perfect! Had to click on this to find out the recipe because it’s one of my favourite summer drinks! Beautiful photos as always Ren. x
Sally - My Custard Pie says
I love the bitterness of the flavours of both Campari and Aperol. Very glad to see a resurgence. I’m brave enough…. 🙂
Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.) says
One of my favourite summer drinks (along with rosé, of course!). Lovely pics!
Jen says
I’ve never tried Aperol or Campari and feel like I’m missing out, sounds like something I need to try this summer!