5 Indulgent Aperol Spritz 3-2-1 Recipes for Everybody

It was a pleasant summer evening filled with delicious food and laughter. I was at a friend’s garden party, surrounded by the soft buzz of conversation and the aroma of flowers. That’s when I first tried the Aperol spritz cocktail. Someone offered me Aperol spritz, a vivid orange liquid reflecting the final rays of the setting sun and I still remember immediately being drawn to its refreshing bittersweet flavor.

Inspired by that unforgettable evening, I set out to recreate the delicious and refreshing classic Aperol spritz using a conventional 3-2-1 recipe. Whether I made it for an exclusive dinner party or casual afternoon gatherings – the perfect Aperol spritz never failed to impress. Experimenting with various liquors and ingredients – I discovered delicious variations of this classic Italian cocktail. Also, do try this Adios MF drink recipe – another beautiful and delicious cocktail to add to the party drinks list.

Introduction to Aperol Spritz

Perfect for warm weather and social gatherings, the Aperol Spritz offers a delightful balance of flavors. The roots of the famous Italian aperitif Aperol spritz date back to the early 20th century. Aperol itself was created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, Italy, and was introduced at the Padua International Fair. The name “Aperol” is derived from the French word for aperitif, “apéro,” reflecting its intended use as a pre-dinner drink to stimulate the appetite.

Despite this, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the Aperol Spritz as we know it took shape. The Venetians popularized the combination of Aperol with Italian sparkling wine Prosecco and soda water, creating a light, refreshing beverage that became an essential part of cocktails cuisine later on. The drink’s popularity soared, and by the early 21st century, the Aperol Spritz had gained international acclaim, celebrated for its vibrant color, delightful taste, and effortless preparation.

#2 Tropical Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe

This recipe is a tropical twist on the classic way to make an Aperol spritz. The bittersweet flavors of Aperol are complemented by the exotic sweet taste of pineapple juice and the light effervescence of coconut water in this vibrant cocktail. This recipe uses a slice of pineapple instead of the fresh orange slice to create a pleasant tropical vibe of beachside get-togethers.

Serving: 1 / Prep time: 5 mins

Ingredients

• 3 ounces (90 mL) of Prosecco
• 2 ounces (60 mL) of Aperol
• 1 ounce (30 mL) of pineapple juice
• Splash of coconut water
• Pineapple slice and mint sprig for garnish

Preparation Instructions

Gather all the Aperol spritz ingredients required for this recipe and follow these steps one by one:

Add the Aperol:

• Pour in 2 ounces (60 mL) of Aperol in a large wine glass. Aperol adds bitter flavors and a vibrant hue to this summer cocktail, offering its signature citrus and herbal notes.

Add the Prosecco:

• Next, carefully add 3 ounces (90 mL) of Prosecco or any other dry sparkling wine you have at home. Pour it slowly to create a light and bubbly foundation for your drink.

Add Pineapple Juice and Coconut Water:

• Pour in 1 ounce (30 mL) of pineapple juice. Then add a splash of coconut water. This subtle touch adds a layer of smoothness and a hint of exotic flavor to this perfect cocktail.

Mix the Drink:

• Gently stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients evenly. Take care not to stir too vigorously, as you want to retain the carbonation from the Prosecco.

Garnish:

• Add a slice of fresh pineapple and a sprig of mint to make an Aperol spritz with the perfect tropical vibe.

#3 Winter Aperol Spritz Recipe

Make an Aperol spritz this Christmas season that will impress your guests. The Winter Aperol Spritz recipe is a cozy and charming spin on the classic Aperol spritz recipe. Allowing you to enjoy the warmth of cranberry juice and the festive aroma of rosemary.

Serving: 1 / Prep time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 3 ounces (90 mL) of Aperol
• 3 ounces (90 mL) of Prosecco
• 1 ounce (30 mL) of cranberry juice
• 2 ounces (60 mL) of club soda (cranberry Spindrift can also be used)
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 orange wedge
• 1 orange zest twist

Preparation Instructions

Prepare Your Glass

• Pour 3 ounces (90 mL) of Aperol into the wine glass. Add 3 ounces (90 mL) of Prosecco next. Pour it slowly to preserve its delicate bubbles and add delightful effervescence to the drink.
• Then pour 1 ounce (30 mL) of cranberry juice in it. This addition brings a tart sweetness and a beautiful ruby hue to your Aperol Spritz.
• Pour in 2 ounces (60 mL) of club soda to add a light, fizzy finish to the cocktail. Instead of regular club soda, you can use cranberry Spindrift for an additional hint of cranberry flavor.

Final Touches & Garnish

• Squeeze a wedge of orange into the drink to release its juices, then drop the wedge into the glass.
• Add an orange zest twist for an extra burst of citrus aroma and a touch of elegance.
• Pop in a sprig of rosemary to add a festive touch. The rosemary looks beautiful and infuses the drink with a subtle, aromatic hint that complements the other flavors.

#4 Strawberry Aperol Spritz Recipe

Another one of the Aperol spritz variations is the strawberry addition to the Aperol spritz cocktail. Make an Aperol spritz with fresh strawberries to beat the heat on a hot summer day. Perfect for sunny afternoons and outdoor gatherings, this recipe requires an infusion period of 3 days.

Serving: 2 / Infusion time: 3 days / Prep time: 5 mins

Ingredients

To Prepare Strawberry Infused Aperol

• 8 ounces (240 mL) of Fresh and Ripe Strawberries
• 20 ounces (600 mL) of Aperol

Ingredients of Spritz

• Ice
• 6 ounces (180 mL) of Prosecco
• 4 ounces (120 mL) of Strawberry Infused Aperol
• 2 ounces (60 mL) of Club Soda

For Garnish

• 2 Orange Slices
• 3 Halved Strawberries

Preparation Instructions

Make Strawberry-Infused Aperol

• Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries.
• Remove and discard the stems then cut the strawberries in half.

Infuse the Aperol:

• Place the halved strawberries into the bottom of a large jar, ensuring the jar is spacious enough to hold both the strawberries and the Aperol. Pour the Aperol over the strawberries, saving the original bottle and lid for later use. Seal the jar with a lid and store it in the refrigerator.
• Allow the mixture to infuse for at least 3 days, up to a maximum of 5 days, shaking the jar once or twice daily.

Strain the Infused Aperol:

• After the infusion period, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer.
• Transfer the infused Aperol back into the original bottle using a funnel. To do this efficiently, place the funnel in the Aperol bottle and hold the strainer over the funnel, allowing the infused Aperol to flow directly into the bottle.
• Refrigerate any leftover infused Aperol for future use.

To Prepare the Cocktail

• For individual cocktails, assemble each one directly in the glass. Fill a balloon or wine glass with cubed ice.

Add the Ingredients:

• Fill a wine glass with cubed ice and pour in the Prosecco first followed by the strawberry-infused Aperol. Then pour club soda in the glass.

Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish each cocktail with an orange slice and fresh strawberries. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Strawberry-Infused Aperol Spritz.

#5 Blood Orange Aperol Spritz Recipe

Alongside the basic Aperol spritz ingredients (prosecco Aperol and soda) add freshly squeezed blood orange juice to the cocktail shaker to make this bold, zesty and beautiful drink. Perfect for both sophisticated soirées and casual get-togethers, this spritz offers a refreshing and visually stunning twist on a classic Aperol spritz.

Serving: 1 / Prep time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 2 ounces (60 mL) of blood orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
• 3 ounces (90 mL) of Aperol
• 4 ounces (120 mL) of prosecco
• 1 ounce (30 mL) of club soda or Italian blood orange soda
• Crushed or crumbled ice
• Slices of blood orange for garnishing

Preparation Instructions

Prepare Your Glass:

• Choose a large wine glass or a cocktail glass. Pour 2 ounces (60 mL) of freshly squeezed blood orange juice into the glass. This juice provides a rich, tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Pour in the Aperol and Prosecco:

• Add 3 ounces (90 mL) of Aperol and slowly pour in 4 ounces (120 mL) of Prosecco. You will achieve a crisp, bubbly foundation for your drink.

Stir the Mixture:

• Give the drink a quick, gentle stir to combine the blood orange juice, Aperol, and Prosecco. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as you want to retain the bubbles from the Prosecco.

Top with Club Soda or Blood Orange Soda:

• Finish your cocktail by adding 1 ounce (30 mL) of club soda or Italian blood orange soda. This adds a refreshing fizz and enhances the blood orange flavor.

Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish your Blood Orange Aperol Spritz with a slice of blood orange. This not only adds a beautiful touch but also enhances the citrus aroma with each sip.
• Serve the cocktail immediately to enjoy its refreshing and vibrant flavors at their best.

Tips To Enhance Aperol Spritz Recipe Variations

Reduce the bitterness by altering Aperol spritz ratio. Add less Aperol and more Prosecco. This will balance the flavors, making the classic Aperol spritz more approachable for those who prefer a milder taste.

You can lower the alcohol content and create a lighter drink by reducing the amount of Aperol and Prosecco, and increasing the amount of soda water or sparkling water. This adjustment makes for a refreshing, low-alcohol alternative – you can sip throughout the day.

Try different Spritz recipes with and without Aperol for a unique twist. For example, swap Aperol for other bitters or liqueurs such as Campari, Lillet, or elderflower liqueur to discover new flavor profiles and your favorite drink in spritz.

Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own signature Spritz. Add fresh herbs, fruits, or flavored sodas to enhance the drink.

Experiment with different ratios of ingredients to find your perfect Aperol Spritz. Start with the classic 3-2-1 recipe and adjust to your taste. Maybe you prefer a 4-1-1 for more Prosecco, or a 3-1-2 for a lighter touch.

Serve Aperol Spritzes as an apéritif in a wine glass before a meal to stimulate the appetite. The light, bitter flavor of the Aperol Spritz is perfect for preparing the palate for the main course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Spritz Different from a Cocktail?

Yes, a Spritz is a type of cocktail, but it has distinct characteristics that set it apart from other cocktails. The term “Spritz” typically refers to a style of cocktail that is light, refreshing, and effervescent, usually made with a combination of sparkling and bubbly wine (like Prosecco), a bitter liqueur (such as Aperol), and soda water. This combination gives the Spritz its signature fizzy and slightly bitter taste, making it an ideal apéritif. While all Spritzes are cocktails, not all cocktails are Spritzes, as cocktails consist of a wide range of mixed drinks with varying ingredients and flavors.

What are the Best Garnishing Options Beyond Orange Slice?

There are several excellent garnishing options for an Aperol Spritz beyond the classic garnish of orange slice. Adding lemon or grapefruit can enhance your drink with a citrus twist. Fresh herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary sprigs provide a refreshing and aromatic touch. Or choose fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries instead of the orange slice to add a burst of color and subtle sweetness. Another great alternative to an orange slice can be a thin cucumber slice – it will add a crisp flavor and a sophisticated look.

How Many Calories Are in an Aperol Spritz?

An Aperol Spritz typically contains around 150-170 calories per 6-ounce or 170 mL serving. The nutrition calories breakdown of a standard Aperol Spritz (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water) reveals that it contains 10-12 grams carbohydrates, 10-12 grams sugar and 11% Alcohol. If you wish to avoid artificial sweeteners like aspartame; do check out this list of 20 Best (Diet) Sodas Without Aspartame.

Can I Use Different Types of Prosecco or Substitutes?

You can use different types of Prosecco or substitutes to create a unique twist on your Aperol Spritz. Using different types of Prosecco, such as Dry Prosecco (Brut), which is the most commonly used and provides a crisp, refreshing taste that complements the bitterness of Aperol. Prosecco Rosé, offering a delicate, fruity flavor and a beautiful pink hue, can add a visual and taste twist to your drink. If you want to experiment with substitutes, Cava, a dry sparkling wine that makes an excellent alternative to Prosecco.

Conclusion

To sum up, all these five indulgent Aperol Spritz recipes mentioned in this post are amazing and worth trying. Meanwhile, the classic Aperol spritz that started it all deserves appreciation. Aperol Spritz is truly a simple and refreshing Italian cocktail that’s perfect for any aperitivo hour. A classic blend of Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water, makes it a timeless favorite.

But here’s the fun part: the beauty of the Aperol Spritz lies in its versatility. So, don’t be afraid to try different variations and find your perfect blend. Whether you’re into a citrusy twist, a berry infusion, or a tropical flair, there’s a Spritz recipe for everyone. I’d love to hear how your experiments turn out, so please rate and review recipe you try from these variations of the classic Italian cocktail.