Aperol Spritz Recipe (Easy 3-2-1 Ratio)
This Aperol Spritz Recipe 3-2-1 is a refreshing Italian cocktail made with just three ingredients: Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water. With its bright orange color, bittersweet citrus flavor, and plenty of bubbles, this classic Aperol Spritz is ready in just 3 minutes!
Popular throughout Italy, this refreshing Aperol Spritz cocktail is perfect for aperitivo hour, weekend brunch, or summer get-togethers.
I love making this easy cocktail for summer get-togethers, happy hour, or relaxing on the patio. The best part is the simple 3-2-1 ratio, so you don’t have to remember a complicated recipe.
For more refreshing cocktails, try my Aperol Negroni, Blackberry Mojito, or Strawberry Moscow Mule!
What Is the 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz Ratio?
The classic Aperol Spritz 3-2-1 ratio is 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water.
For one cocktail, that means:
| Ingredient | Ounces | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|
| Prosecco | 3 oz | 90 ml |
| Aperol | 2 oz | 60 ml |
| Soda water | 1 oz | 30 ml |
For one cocktail, pour 3 ounces of Prosecco, 2 ounces of Aperol, and 1 ounce of soda water over ice in a large wine glass. Stir gently, garnish with a fresh slice of orange, and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 ingredients. All you need: Prosecco, Aperol, soda water, ice, and an orange slice.
- Ready in 3 minutes. No cocktail shaker or fancy equipment required.
- Easy to remember. The 3-2-1 ratio makes measuring simple.
- Refreshing and bubbly. A delicious balance of bittersweet orange, sparkling wine, and soda.
- Perfect for entertaining. Make individual cocktails or scale the recipe for a crowd.
Aperol Spritz Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this classic Italian spritz cocktail.
- Aperol: This bright orange Italian aperitif was created in Padua, Italy, in 1919. It has a distinctive bittersweet flavor with notes of orange, herbs, and rhubarb. Aperol gives this classic cocktail its signature color and flavor.
- Prosecco: A sparkling Italian wine that adds bubbles and a light, fruity flavor. I recommend using a dry Brut Prosecco to balance the sweetness of the Aperol.
- Soda water: Adds extra fizz and lightens the cocktail. Club soda, plain seltzer, or sparkling mineral water all work well. Don’t use flavored sparkling water, as it will change the taste of the drink.
- Orange slice: A fresh orange slice is the classic garnish. It adds a lovely citrus aroma and makes the drink look just as good as it tastes.
- Ice cubes: Use plenty of ice to keep the cocktail cold without needing to shake it.
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and complete instructions.
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
This easy Aperol Spritz cocktail comes together right in your glass in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Add ice. Fill a large wine glass or tumbler with ice cubes.
Step 2: Pour the Prosecco. Add 3 ounces of chilled Prosecco.
Step 3: Add Aperol and soda. Pour in 2 ounces of Aperol, followed by 1 ounce of soda water.
Step 4: Stir and garnish. Give the cocktail a gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing too many bubbles. Garnish with a fresh orange slice and serve immediately. That’s it! A refreshing Aperol Spritz with the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and bubbly.
Best Prosecco for Aperol Spritz
A dry Prosecco is my favorite choice for this cocktail because it balances the bittersweet flavor of Aperol without making the drink too sweet.
Here’s how different sparkling wines compare:
- Brut Prosecco: My first choice. It’s crisp and dry, with just enough fruitiness to balance the Aperol.
- Extra Dry Prosecco: Despite its name, it’s slightly sweeter than Brut. A good option if you prefer a sweeter spritz.
- Prosecco Superiore: A premium Prosecco that works well if you want to use a special bottle.
- Cava: A Spanish sparkling wine that tends to have a crisp, dry flavor.
- Champagne: Also works, although it’s usually more expensive and can have a different flavor profile.
You don’t need an expensive bottle to make a delicious Aperol Spritz. A good-quality Brut Prosecco works nicely.
How to Make a Batch of Aperol Spritz for a Party
Making Aperol Spritz cocktails for a crowd is easy because the 3-2-1 ratio scales perfectly.
Use these measurements for 10 or 20 servings:
| Ingredient | 10 servings | 20 servings |
|---|---|---|
| Prosecco | 30 oz (3¾ cups) | 60 oz (7½ cups) |
| Aperol | 20 oz (2½ cups) | 40 oz (5 cups) |
| Soda water | 10 oz (1¼ cups) | 20 oz (2½ cups) |
| Orange slices | 10 | 20 |
To make a pitcher:
- Chill the Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water ahead of time.
- Just before serving, pour the Aperol and Prosecco into a large pitcher.
- Add the soda water and stir gently.
- Pour into individual glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh orange slice.
My tip: Keep the Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Don’t add ice to the pitcher, as it will melt and dilute the cocktail. Instead, fill individual glasses with ice, then pour the freshly mixed spritz over the top. Add a slice of orange to each glass just before serving.
If you’re hosting a party, you can measure the Aperol ahead of time, but wait until just before serving to add the Prosecco and soda water so the cocktails stay bubbly.
Aperol Spritz Variations
Want to change things up? Here are a few easy ways to customize your spritz.
- Campari Spritz: Replace the Aperol with Campari for a stronger, more bitter cocktail.
- Grapefruit Aperol Spritz: Add a splash of fresh grapefruit juice for extra citrus flavor.
- Sparkling Wine Spritz: Swap the Prosecco for Cava or Champagne.
- Mint Aperol Spritz: Add a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal twist.
- Nonalcoholic Spritz: Use alcohol-free sparkling wine and a nonalcoholic bitter orange aperitif in the same 3-2-1 ratio.
Aperol Spritz vs. Campari Spritz
Both cocktails use sparkling wine and soda water, but the main difference is the Italian aperitif.
| Aperol Spritz | Campari Spritz | |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Bright orange | Deep red |
| Flavor | Lightly bitter, citrusy, slightly sweet | More intensely bitter and herbal |
| Alcohol | Aperol is typically 11% ABV | Campari is generally higher in alcohol |
| Best for | A lighter bittersweet cocktail | Those who prefer a stronger bitter flavor |
If you’re new to Italian spritz cocktails, I recommend starting with Aperol. Its sweeter orange flavor is usually more approachable than Campari.
Expert Tips for the Best Aperol Spritz
- Chill your ingredients. Cold Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water help keep the cocktail refreshing.
- Use plenty of ice. A full glass of ice keeps your spritz cold longer.
- Measure carefully. I like using a jigger to keep the 3-2-1 proportions consistent.
- Stir gently. A quick stir is all you need. Too much stirring can flatten the bubbles.
- Use fresh orange. The orange slice adds a fresh citrus aroma that complements the Aperol.
- Serve immediately. Aperol Spritz tastes best while it’s cold and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aperol has a bittersweet orange flavor with herbal notes and a slightly bitter finish. When mixed with Prosecco and soda water, it becomes lighter, bubbly, and refreshing.
For one Aperol Spritz using the 3-2-1 ratio, use 3 ounces of Prosecco, 2 ounces of Aperol, and 1 ounce of soda water.
You can measure and chill the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them just before serving. Prosecco and soda water lose their bubbles if mixed too early.
A large wine glass is the traditional choice because it provides plenty of room for ice, the cocktail, and an orange slice. A large tumbler also works.
Yes! You can substitute another dry sparkling wine, such as Cava or Champagne. Still white wine can be used, but the cocktail won’t have the same bubbly texture.
An Aperol Spritz is generally lighter than many spirit-forward cocktails because it combines Aperol and sparkling wine with soda water. However, it still contains alcohol, and its strength depends on the Prosecco and Aperol used.
Yes, but tonic water adds extra bitterness and sweetness. Club soda or plain sparkling water is a closer substitute for the original recipe.
An Aperol Spritz is made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water and has a bittersweet orange flavor. A Hugo Spritz typically combines Prosecco, elderflower syrup or liqueur, soda water, fresh mint, and lime for a lighter, floral flavor.
What to Serve With Aperol Spritz
This classic Italian aperitif pairs perfectly with salty appetizers and light snacks.
- Olives: Their salty flavor complements the bittersweet Aperol.
- Cheese and charcuterie: Serve with your favorite cheeses, cured meats, and crackers. Baked Brie with Honey is another delicious option.
- Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and toasted bread make a delicious pairing.
More Easy
Cocktail Recipes
If you tried this Aperol Spritz Recipe 3-2-1, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and star rating below. Thank you! 🙂
Aperol Spritz Recipe (Easy 3-2-1 Ratio)
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Prosecco (chilled)
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce soda water (or club soda)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- fresh orange slice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add ice. Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
- Add Prosecco. Pour 3 ounces of chilled Prosecco over the ice.
- Add Aperol and soda. Pour in 2 ounces of Aperol, followed by 1 ounce of soda water.
- Stir and serve. Stir gently to combine, garnish with a fresh orange slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- The 3-2-1 ratio: Use 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water.
- Best Prosecco: Choose Brut Prosecco for a crisp, less sweet cocktail.
- Keep it cold: Chill all ingredients before preparing.
- Don’t over-stir: Stir gently to preserve the bubbles.
- For a crowd: Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings. Add the soda water just before serving.
- Campari variation: Substitute Campari for Aperol for a more bitter cocktail.
- Garnish: A fresh orange slice is the classic finishing touch.
