How to Make an Aperol Spritz: Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe

The Aperol Spritz requires no special bartending tools since it’s built in the glass. A perfect Aperol Spritz is a simple 3-2-1 ratio: three parts prosecco to two parts Aperol and one splash of club soda. To make an Aperol Spritz cocktail, you need:

• Aperol: Aperol is an Italian apéritif made with rhubarb that is bright orange in color and citrusy-sweet in flavor. Aperol is similar to another Italian bitter digestif, Campari, but Aperol is sweeter and less alcoholic. For a less sweet Spritz, use only enough Aperol to color the drink.
• Sparkling wine: Dry prosecco is traditional, but work with what you’ve got. Cava and Brut will work as substitute; some bars in Italy simply use white wine. Learn about prosecco in our overview here.
• Club soda: A splash of soda water finishes off the cocktail, keeps the alcohol content down, and provides some extra bubbles.
• Garnishes: Under the porticos of Padua, the Aperol Spritz is garnished with an orange slice, while a green olive is more common for a Spritz served along the canals of Venice.
• Ice: Use large ice cubes, not crushed ice.