Memorize This Easy Aperol Spritz Recipe

Aperol Spritz is a breezy aperitif that is great to drink throughout the year. This is a drink that looks fancy but is nearly effortless to make. The spritz goes well as a drink before having breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I love this beverage so much that it was one of the signature drinks at our wedding!

I first came across the Aperol Spritz during brunch at Foreign Cinema in San Francisco back in 2014. Before then, the mimosa was my go-to choice for pairing drinks with brunch. The waitress happily suggested I try an Aperol Spritz, and it was pretty much love at first sip. Since then, I have made sure to have a glass every now and then. Okay, to be honest, I drink it very often!

What is an Aperitif?

An aperitif is typically a bitter or dry beverage you consume before having a big meal. Its purpose is to stimulate your appetite as you drink it. The spritz has been synonymous with summer as a rejuvenating cocktail for the hot weather. But let me tell you, the Aperol Spritz is a year-round drink!

If you travel to Europe, especially in Italy, where spritzes were first created, you will see them available on menus in every restaurant. Not only that, but they are readily available for you any time of the year. As an aperitif, this drink is nearly as typical as wine in Italy. So help yourself to some even when it's winter. But if you still want to opt for a hot drink, check out this recipe for hot buttered rum.

It is All About Ratios

If we get technical here, every region in Italy has its particular spritz ratio and recipe. I have seen it served with lemons, orange slices, and green olives. But because I am assuming you are here to learn how to make Aperol Spritz at home, there is a simple method to remember.

The main thing to remember is the 3-2-1 pattern. Check out the ratio breakdown below:

3 parts Prosecco

2 parts Aperol

1 part sparkling water

... and that's it! That is all you need to make a delicious spritz that goes well for all meals of the day!

Tips for Making a Refreshing Aperol Spritz

To make an effective and convincing homemade spritz consider these simple tips:

Tip #1 Select The Right Prosecco

Use dry Prosecco. Adding more sugar to this drink will overpower the signature bitter taste of Aperol, so read the label carefully and select a 'brut' (or dry) Prosecco.

Tip #2 Only Go Neutral

Do not use flavored sparkling water! I know we are deep in the flavored sparkling water (hello, LaCroix) days, but again, this drink is delicately balanced, and any extra flavors will overtake its authentic taste. Go for unflavored sparkling or club soda.

Tip #3 Garnish Thoughtfully

Garnish with something that will complement Aperol. To make it more fruity, go ahead and add in an orange slice. Orange will highlight the burnt orange notes in Aperol and create a deeper taste. Since Aperol is also herbal, go ahead and use herbs as garnishes. I love using mint or a sprig of rosemary sometimes. Just don't overdo it!