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Aperol Spritz – Prosecco Recipe

Aperol Spritz – Prosecco Recipe

By What’s Baking

Refreshingly bittersweet with vibrant orange notes, this effervescent Italian aperitivo balances crisp Prosecco with Aperol's complex herbal profile.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
3 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
An elegant wine glass filled with the signature coral-orange Aperol Spritz, capturing the drink's vivid sunset hue under soft afternoon light. Ice cubes glisten as they catch the light, with bubbles actively rising through the translucent liquid. A plump orange slice perches on the rim, while a green olive nestles at the bottom. Condensation beads on the outside of the glass, suggesting refreshing coldness. The scene is set against a terracotta-colored Italian restaurant backdrop, with dappled sunshine creating the perfect Mediterranean ambiance for this quintessential Italian aperitivo.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">90ml Prosecco (chilled)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml Aperol</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml soda water (chilled)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange slice for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Green olive for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large wine glass or balloon glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Fill a large wine glass or balloon glass with plenty of ice cubes – don't be shy here, as sufficient ice keeps the drink properly chilled and prevents dilution from happening too quickly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Pour 60ml of Aperol over the ice. The bitter-orange liqueur will settle at the bottom, creating the foundation of your cocktail's flavor profile and distinctive coral color.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add 90ml of chilled Prosecco slowly by pouring it over the back of a bar spoon to preserve the bubbles. This technique minimizes agitation and keeps your cocktail properly effervescent.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Top with 30ml of chilled soda water to add lightness and dilute the bitterness slightly while enhancing the fizz. The proper ratio of 3:2:1 (Prosecco:Aperol:Soda) is crucial for authentic flavor balance.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gently stir once or twice with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients while maintaining carbonation. Over-stirring will cause the drink to lose its effervescence too quickly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Garnish with a slice of orange, placing it into the drink so it infuses citrus oils. If desired, add a green olive on a cocktail pick for the traditional Italian presentation that adds a subtle savory note.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve immediately while the drink is still perfectly chilled and bubbling. The Aperol Spritz is meant to be enjoyed leisurely as an aperitivo, ideally in good company before a meal.</li></ol>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Is Aperol Spritz always served with an olive, and what's its purpose?

While the orange slice is essential, the olive is traditional but optional. It provides a subtle savoury contrast to the drink's bittersweet profile, creating complexity. Northern Italian regions particularly favour this addition. If used, select a good quality green olive without stuffing.

What type of Prosecco works best for creating the perfect spritz?

A dry (Brut) Prosecco DOC or DOCG is ideal as it balances Aperol's sweetness without adding additional sugar. Avoid using expensive Prosecco as subtle notes will be masked by Aperol's flavour. Ensure it's well-chilled and opened just before mixing to maintain maximum effervescence.

Can I prepare a large batch of this aperitivo for parties?

While possible, pre-batching isn't recommended as the cocktail loses its signature effervescence quickly. For parties, pre-chill ingredients and pre-slice garnishes, then mix individual drinks or small batches just before serving. Maintain the 3:2:1 ratio by scaling up proportionally.

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