Aperol Spritz Recipe
The bold, orange spritz taking over the world — plus my twist on the classic recipe.
Known in Italy as Spritz Veneziano, or simply Spritz, the Aperol Spritz has become a firm favourite far beyond its Italian roots. Here in the UK, it’s almost impossible to enjoy a rare sunny day without spotting the iconic bright-orange cocktail in someone’s hand. For me, it’s been a go-to drink for years — easy to make, bright, and effortlessly summery.
A classic Aperol Spritz is made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. But for my version, I like to add a little twist — a subtle tweak that gives it a slightly more bitter edge. Keep reading to find out how I do it.
What is Aperol?
If you’re not familiar, Aperol is an Italian aperitif with a vivid reddish-orange hue. At 11% ABV, it’s lighter than most spirits, making it ideal for spritzes. The flavour is bittersweet, with a delicate infusion of oranges, herbs, and roots, giving it that signature balance of citrus and gentle bitterness.
Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe
A classic Aperol Spritz follows the 3-2-1 rule – but we’re skipping the rules today. Here’s my twist that gives it a slightly bitter, perfectly balanced edge.
Ingredients
- 75ml Prosecco
- 50ml Aperol
- 50ml Tonic water (I use Fever Tree tonic)
- Orange
- Ice
Method
Fill a glass halfway with ice. Add Aperol and the prosecco, then top up with the tonic water. Stir the drink lightly, just enough to mix the Aperol in properly. Finish with a slice of orange.
Serves: 1 person
I love an Aperol spritz – they remind me so much of summer and being on holiday!
They definitely have a Summer holiday vibe to them! 🙂 x
Love the color of this, and the hints of bittersweet is has. I bet that orange gives a nice contrast in the flavors!
The bittersweet taste is delicious! x
I’m one of them people that think it’s too bitter hahah determined to try and get into though because Aerpol always looks so tasty!
Well I guess this recipe isn’t for you haha! You could always try the usual recipe (with soda water) and then add a squeeze of orange juice into it for extra sweetness 🙂 x
I never heard of these before I came to Italy, but they are absolutely amazing! I agree with you that they can be too sweet, but still delicious!
Sometimes it’s nice to have something sweet but I do love my version with the tonic! Thanks for reading 🙂 x
Looks like a great cocktail to try, I’m in. Thanks for sharing,
It’s a great recipe! Thanks for reading x
Oooh! I love Spritz! I am a big fan of fizzy drinks and this is one of them! I like the mix – especially with prosecco, hehe. You can really get creative with making cocktails! Thanks for sharing your recipe 🙂
Nancy ♥
Spritz’s are the best! You can’t go wrong with a bit of prosecco haha x
Never had this before but after reading this post, I’m so craving a drink. I need to make this right now! 😀
You should definitely try it next time you get the chance! It’s such a lovely Spring/Summer drink x
Love this! Aperol spritz is definitely one of my favourites too xx
It’s such a great drink for Spring/Summer! Always makes me feel like I’m on holiday 🙂 x
This post made seriously crave a cocktail, especially in the sun. Lovely photos!
It’s the perfect “afternoon in the sun” drink! x
I would love try it. It look tasty. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
I’ve honestly never heard of Aperol before! This sounds like a delicious cocktail Faye x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Ooh you have to try it! It’s such a great drink x
I’m not that keen on a regular Aperol Spritz but I’d be keen to give your version a go. Sometimes the slightest little change can totally transform a drink x
Sophie
I’ve actually never tried an Aperol Spritz! I’m a G&t girl so will probably like this a lot!
Ooh you have to try it! If it’s the bitterness of a G&T that you like then I’m sure you’ll like my version of an Aperol Spritz too 🙂 x
I’m not the biggest Prosecco lover but Aperol might just make me enjoy it. Will have to try some when the bars in town reopen!x
I definitely think the orange flavour of the Aperol is the strongest flavour in the spritz so you might enjoy it! x
I love an Aperol Spritz! Yours looks so refreshing and has made me want one! Two years ago this week I was in Italy drinking a lot of these so I might have to make one to remember that holiday haha
They’re definitely a favourite drink of mine! I love the added bitterness from the tonic in this recipe. An aperol will definitely help bring Italy to your home haha x
This looks delish! Will definitely be giving this a try next Friday!
L x
It’s dreamy! I hope you enjoy it 🙂 x
I’ve had an aperol spritz at restaurants but never made it myself. I plan on trying this recipe!
I love the extra bitterness of my recipe – I hope you enjoy it 🙂 x
I’m not familiar with this cocktail, but it does sound really good. I like sipping a light drink on a lovely spring/summer afternoon. I’d love to try this one. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
It’s such a lovely drink – definitely idea for a sunny afternoon. I hope you enjoy it! x
This sounds very refreshing! I will have to try out this recipe next time it is sunny in the UK!
It’s lovely and refreshing! I hope you enjoy it 🙂 x
I also feel the traditional drink is too sweet and I love tonic! I’ll definitely give this a try. Thanks for sharing!
Sometimes I’m really in the mood for the classic version but my go-to will always be my bitter tonic twist. I hope you enjoy trying it out! 🙂 x