How To Make The Perfect Aperol Spritz Recipe 3-2-1

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Discover how easy it is to make this Aperol Spritz Recipe 3-2-1! This thirst-quenching cocktail combines Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water for a vibrant burst of flavors. Embrace the zesty orange hues, feel the refreshing fizz, and let the Aperol Spritz transport you to an Italian paradise with each sip!

Aperol spritz in two glasses filled with ice and garnished with an orange wedge.

As a cocktail enthusiast, I always look for delicious and easy-to-make drinks. One of my absolute favorites is the Aperol Spritz. This iconic Italian cocktail is perfect for any occasion, and with the simple 3-2-1 recipe, it’s easier than ever to make at home.

Its bright orange hue and refreshing flavor bring sophistication to any gathering. Its relatively low alcohol content makes it the perfect aperitif to savor before a meal. Ice and a slice of orange complete the presentation and further enhance the flavors.

The Aperol Spritz is not too sweet, not too sour, and not too bitter – just the right mix of flavors makes it an excellent aperitif or a refreshing drink to sip on a hot summer day. Its bright color and light taste make it the perfect drink to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, whether relaxing at home or hanging out with friends.

For another summer cocktail, be sure to try my Aperol Negroni, Blackberry Mojito, or Strawberry Moscow Mule!

🍷 What Is 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz?

Aperol is an Italian aperitif that was created in 1919 in Padua, Northern Italy, by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri.

People were looking for a pre-dinner cocktail that wasn’t too strong, so this refreshing cocktail was created. The original recipe for Aperol Spritz used equal parts Prosecco and Aperol with a splash of soda.

In this recipe, the “3-2-1” refers to the perfect Aperol Spritz ratio of 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water.

This beautiful drink is then garnished with a slice of orange or a green olive.

❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe

It’s easy to make: This cocktail recipe is incredibly simple and only requires three ingredients – Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water – in a 3:2:1 ratio. You can whip it up quickly and easily without complicated steps or equipment.
It’s refreshing: The Aperol Spritz is the perfect summer drink, with its light and refreshing taste. The Prosecco adds bubbles and sweetness, while the Aperol provides a slightly bitter and citrusy flavor that balances everything out.
It’s versatile: While the classic Aperol Spritz recipe uses Prosecco, you can experiment with different types of sparkling wine or even substitute the soda water for another mixer.
It’s low-alcohol: Aperol has an alcohol content of 11% by volume, which is relatively lower than spirits like vodka or whiskey. When combined with Prosecco and soda water, the overall alcohol content of the drink is diluted further. This makes it a great option if you’re looking for something lighter or want to enjoy a few drinks without getting too tipsy. 😉
It’s perfect for entertaining: The Aperol Spritz is a great cocktail to serve at parties or gatherings because it’s so easy to make and everyone loves it. Plus, its bright orange color looks festive and fun!

🍊 Ingredient Notes + Substitutions

Only a few simple ingredients are needed to make this easy recipe.

Ingredients for Aperol Spritz on a wooden table.

Aperol. Aperol is a traditional Italian apéritif with a bright orange color and a slightly bitter, citrusy flavor. It’s made with a blend of herbs and spices, including bitter orange, gentian root, rhubarb, and cinchona. It can be found at your local liquor store in the liqueur section. Aperol can be substituted with Campari, which has a similar flavor profile but is more bitter.
Prosecco: Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine with a light and fruity flavor. Choose a good quality wine that’s not too sweet. I recommend using a dry Prosecco, as it pairs well with Aperol. Prosecco can be substituted with other sparkling wines such as Champagne or Cava.
Soda Water: Soda water is used to dilute the Aperol and Prosecco and add some fizz to the drink. Substitute soda water with sparkling mineral water, tonic water, or club soda.
Orange Slice: An orange slice is used as a garnish for Aperol Spritz in North America, adding a pop of color and a bit of sweetness to the drink. However, for a classic Italian Aperol Spritz, they garnish with green olives. You can also use other citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit or skip the garnish altogether.

See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.

🍷 How To Make Aperol Spritz Recipe 3 2 1

Chill all of your ingredients before making your spritz. This will ensure that your drink is cold and refreshing.

Use a large wine glass or tumbler to assemble your spritz. First, add a generous handful of ice to your glass. Next, pour 3 ounces Prosecco into the glass.

Ice cubes in a tumbler glass with half an orange on the side.

Prosecco being poured into the glass with ice cubes.

Next, pour 2 ounces Aperol and 1 ounce of soda water into the glass.

Aperol being poured into the glass with Prosecco and ice cubes.

Soda water being poured into the glass with the Aperol and Prosecco.

Give the drink a gentle stir to combine all of the ingredients. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the drink to become flat.

Last but not least, garnish your spritz with a slice of orange. This will add a pop of color and a hint of citrus flavor to your drink. And that’s it!

Enjoy your Aperol Spritz responsibly and savor the taste of Italy with every sip!

Two glasses of Aperol Spritz garnished with an orange wheel.

🍋 Variations

Fruity Twist: Add a splash of grapefruit juice or lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Bitter Lovers: If you enjoy a more bitter flavor, swap Aperol with Campari to make a Campari Spritz.
Sparkling Wine Swap: Experiment with different types of sparkling wine like Champagne, Prosecco Superiore, or Cava.
Mint Infusion: Add fresh mint for an aromatic twist.

🎉 How do I make a batch of Aperol Spritz for a party?

To make a large batch of Aperol Spritz for a party, multiply the 3-2-1 ratio according to the desired servings. For example, to serve ten people, you would need:

30 parts Prosecco (3-3/4 cups)
20 parts Aperol (2-1/2 cups)
10 parts soda water (1-1/4 cups)

Add all the ingredients into a large pitcher or punch bowl and stir gently. Serve over ice and garnish each glass with a slice of orange.

I recommend serving immediately as the fizz will disappear if left in the fridge.

💭 Expert Tips

Ensure you start off with chilled Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. I even like to put my wine glass in the freezer to chill for a few minutes first. That way, everything is cold, and the ice won’t melt as quickly.
When pouring the sparkling wine and Aperol, I measure my proportions carefully using a jigger. This ensures that my spritz comes out consistent every time.
Give the drink a gentle stir to mix the ingredients together. Be careful not to over-stir, or you could lose some of the bubbles in the soda water.
Garnish the drink with a slice of orange.
Enjoy responsibly!

❓ Recipe FAQs

What is the 3-2-1 ratio in the Aperol Spritz recipe?

The 3-2-1 ratio refers to the proportion of ingredients in the Aperol Spritz cocktail. This ratio makes it easy to remember and scale the recipe. It consists of 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda water.

Should I use a specific type of glass?

I suggest using a wine glass or large tumbler to serve your Aperol Spritz. This gives ample room for the cocktail, ice, and garnish.

What kind of garnish works best with an Aperol Spritz?

A slice of fresh orange is the most common and recommended garnish for an Aperol Spritz. The citrus adds a pop of color and complements the drink’s flavors.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Aperol Spritz?

Yes, there is a non-alcoholic version of the Aperol Spritz. You can use non-alcoholic sparkling wine and substitute the Aperol with a non-alcoholic aperitif.

Should the wine glass be chilled before making the Aperol Spritz?

I recommend to chill the wine glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the Aperol Spritz to keep the drink cold.

Can I use white wine instead of Prosecco?

While Prosecco is the traditional choice for the Aperol Spritz, you can substitute it with any dry white wine.

Two glasses of Aperol Spritz filled with ice on a wooden table.

🧀 Serving Suggestions

The Aperol Spritz, being low in alcohol, is perfect for happy hour. I love pairing it with:

Olives: These salty, savory, and slightly bitter treats complement the herbal flavors of the Aperol Spritz.
Cheese and charcuterie: A well-curated selection of cheeses, like Baked Brie with Honey and cured meats, adds richness to the light and bright cocktail.
Bruschetta: The acidity and freshness of the tomato topping work wonders with the apéritif’s fruity and citrus notes.

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