How to Make a Classic Aperol Spritz 3-2-1 Recipe

This Aperol Spritz 3-2-1 recipe is the easiest cocktail you’ll ever make, thanks to a simple formula. This 3-2-1 ratio will give you the perfect Aperol spritz and transport you to aperitivo hour in Northern Italy with just three simple ingredients. If you’ve never tried a classic Aperol spritz before, it has a nice, unique, bittersweet taste from the Aperol. Follow along with my recipe below for the best tips for making and enjoying this classic Aperol Spritz recipe. 

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Aperol Spritzes are my favorite drink to enjoy on a hot summer day. It’s a great option any time of year, but especially enjoyed outdoors on a sunny afternoon. I love how refreshing this beautiful drink is – and I LOVE the bright orange hue.

This 3-2-1 formula is the best ratio for a classic Aperol spritz, a refreshingly bitter-sweet drink. For this summer cocktail, you’ll use simple ingredients like prosecco (sparkling Italian wine), Aperol (Italian apéritif), and soda water.

It doesn’t get much easier than that! This cocktail was the signature drink at our wedding in 2022 and makes a great welcome drink for any gathering. I love to serve this classic Italian cocktail is with a salty snack. My favorites are french fries, potato chips, or green olives!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – With its simple 3-2-1 ratio of Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water, this Aperol Spritz recipe takes the guesswork out of mixology. You can eyeball the ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up for impromptu gatherings or relaxing evenings at home. Think this is easy? Then try my Hugo Spritz recipe!
• Perfect for day drinking – Crisp, light, and bursting with citrusy flavors, the Aperol Spritz is the ultimate daytime cocktail. Whether you’re lounging on a sunny patio or picnicking in the park, this refreshing aperol spritz cocktail is perfect for any occasion.
• Versatile and customizable – One of the greatest charms of the Aperol Spritz 3-2-1 is its versatility. Adjust the ratios of Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water to customize the sweetness and strength of your drink. Get creative with garnishes like fresh berries or fragrant herbs to craft a personalized spritz that suits any occasion.

Ingredients

• Prosecco – This Italian sparkling wine brings effervescence and elegance to the Aperol Spritz, with its delicate bubbles and crisp, fruity flavors. It perfectly balances the bitter sweetness of the Aperol, creating a drink that’s both refreshing and balanced. 
• Aperol – Aperol, with its vibrant orange hue and complex blend of bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and herbs, is the star of the show in the Aperol Spritz. Its unique flavor adds oomph to the cocktail, while its low alcohol content makes it ideal for leisurely sipping on sunny afternoons. Aperol is an Italian aperitif. 
• Soda water – A splash of soda water adds a refreshing fizz and lightness to the cocktail, balancing out the sweetness of the Aperol and the acidity of the Prosecco. Make sure your soda water is chilled! 
• Orange slice – A slice of orange is a classic garnish for an Aperol spritz – don’t forget it! 

Substitutions

• Prosecco substitution – If you prefer a different bubbly wine or don’t have Prosecco on hand, you can use Champagne, Cava, or any other dry sparkling wine as a substitute.
• Aperol alternatives – If you’re looking for a different flavor profile or have dietary restrictions, you can try substituting Aperol with other similar liqueurs. Try Campari (for a stronger, more bitter flavor), Cappelletti (slightly sweeter and less bitter), or a non-alcoholic Aperitivo like Sanbittèr.
• Soda water variations – Instead of soda water, you can use sparkling water or, tonic water for a slightly bitter and citrusy twist. You can even try even ginger ale for a hint of sweetness and spice. Topo Chico would also be nice.
• Fruit additions – Experiment with different fruits to garnish your Aperol Spritz. Try slices of grapefruit, blood orange, or pineapple. Or, add muddled berries like strawberries or blackberries to infuse extra flavor into the drink.
• Bitter elements – To enhance the bitterness of the cocktail, add a dash of aromatic bitters or a few drops of citrus bitters.
• Sweeteners – If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a splash of simple syrup, honey syrup, or agave nectar to balance out the bitterness of the Aperol.

Recipe Variations

As a self-proclaimed Spritz fanatic, I have a few different Spritz recipes (with and without Aperol) that you should try, like…

• Summer Rosé Aperol Spritz
• Italian Aperol Spritz Pitcher
• St-Germain Spritz
• Aperol Margarita
• Cranberry Aperol Spritzer

How to Make This Cocktail

Step 1: Fill a wine glass or large balloon glass with ice cubes.

Step 2: Add 2 ounces (or 2 parts) of Aperol to the glass.

Step 3: Pour in 3 ounces (or 3 parts) of Prosecco.

Step 4: Top the drink with 1 ounce (or 1 part) of soda water. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

Garnish with a fresh orange slice. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Aperol Spritz!

Tips and Notes

• Chill your ingredients –  For the best results, make sure your Prosecco and soda water are well chilled before making the cocktail. This ensures that your Aperol Spritz is refreshing and cold from the first sip to the last.
• Use quality ingredients – Since the Aperol Spritz is a simple cocktail with few ingredients, using high-quality Prosecco and Aperol can make a significant difference in taste. 
• Experiment with garnishes – While a fresh orange slice is classic, get creative with your garnishes. Try adding additional citrus twists, fresh berries, or herb sprigs to customize the cocktail to your liking and elevate its visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

• Italian aperitivo hour – Embrace the Italian tradition of aperitivo hour by serving Aperol Spritz alongside an array of small bites and appetizers. Think olives, bruschetta, cheese and charcuterie platters, and marinated vegetables to create a festive and convivial atmosphere.
• DIY Aperol spritz bar – Set up a DIY Aperol Spritz bar at your next party or gathering to let guests customize their drinks to their liking. Provide bottles of Aperol, Prosecco, soda water, and various garnishes such as citrus slices, berries, and herbs. It’s a fun and interactive way for guests to mix and mingle while creating their perfect cocktail.
• Italian dinner party – Serve this cocktail as part of an Italian dinner party. Serve some other fun Italian specialties like Cacio e Pepe Risotto, Trofie al Pesto, or Carbonara. Don’t forget to make my Italian Lemon and Ricotta Cake for dessert!
• Make a pitcher – Use my large format recipe to serve up Aperol Spritzes for a crowd! 

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag @seasonedandsalted on Instagram and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!