Professional photograph of a Aperol Spritz cocktail with garnish in elegant bar setting

Cocktail

Aperol Spritz

L'Aperol Spritz è un cocktail rinfrescante e vivace, perfetto per l'aperitivo. Composto da Aperol, prosecco e un tocco di soda, viene servito con ghiaccio e una fetta d'arancia, offrendo un equilibrio perfetto tra dolcezza e amarezza. È un simbolo della cultura italiana e invita a momenti di convivialità e relax.

  • amaro
  • agrumato
  • fruttato
  • effervescente
Willow
By WillowSeasonal & Winter Cocktails ExpertPublished Reviewed
Prep Time
3 min
Glass
Wine Glass
Difficulty
Easy
ABV
9%
Yields
1 serving
Jump to Recipe
Saved!

Il Aperol Spritz è un classico cocktail, pronto in 3 minuti. Il risultato: sapori amaro and agrumato che valgono ogni minuto di preparazione. Costantemente tra le ricerche più popolari per "aperitivo".

Key Takeaways

What you’ll learn

  • The classic Aperol Spritz follows a simple 3-2-1 ratio: 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water — the official Aperol-endorsed formula.
  • Building order matters: add ice first, then prosecco, then Aperol, then a gentle splash of soda water to preserve carbonation.
  • Use a large wine glass filled generously with ice for the authentic Italian serve — small glasses warm the drink and collapse the bubbles.
  • Extra Dry prosecco (slightly sweeter than Brut) works better for balanced sweetness against Aperol's bitterness.
  • The most common mistake is over-diluting with soda water; a single splash is all that's needed.

Ingredients

Serves
1 serving
Glass
Wine Glass
Prep
3 min
  • 100 mlAperol
  • 150 mlProsecco
  • TopSoda Water

Method

Preparation

  1. 01

    Metti un paio di cubetti di ghiaccio in 2 bicchieri e aggiungi 50 ml di Aperol in ciascuno. Dividi il prosecco tra i bicchieri e poi completa con soda, se ti piace.

Origin

History & Origins

Few cocktails capture the essence of la dolce vita quite like the Aperol Spritz. This vibrant orange drink has become synonymous with leisurely afternoons, sunny patios, and the timeless Italian tradition of aperitivo. What started as a Venetian staple has conquered brunch menus, rooftop bars, and backyard gatherings worldwide, earning its place as one of the most recognizable cocktails of the 21st century.

The spritz tradition itself is rooted in 19th-century northern Italy, when Austrian soldiers occupying the Veneto region would dilute local wines with water (spritzen in German) to match the lighter style they were accustomed to at home. Over time this evolved into the modern spritz format — sparkling wine with a bitter liqueur — that became a fixture of Venetian bar culture. Aperol, a bittersweet orange liqueur first produced by the Barbieri brothers in Padua in 1919, became the dominant choice for spritzes in the Veneto, and the combination was formalized as the Aperol Spritz in the latter half of the 20th century.

Aperol, a bittersweet orange liqueur first produced by the Barbieri brothers in Padua in 1919, became the dominant choice for spritzes in the Veneto, and the combination was formalized as the Aperol Spritz in the latter half of the 20th century.

The drink remained largely regional until a concerted marketing campaign by Campari Group (which acquired Aperol in 2003) pushed it onto international menus in the 2000s and 2010s. Its appeal is simple: at just 9–11% ABV, it's the perfect pre-dinner drink that stimulates the appetite without overwhelming the drinker. The bitter-sweet balance, vivid sunset-orange color, and ease of preparation made it go viral well before social media had a word for it.

Bartender’s Insight

Pro Tips

Mantieni il rapporto 3-2-1: 3 parti prosecco, 2 parti Aperol, 1 parte acqua di soda per il giusto equilibrio e integrazione dell'amarezza

From Willow

  • Usa un cubetto di ghiaccio extra-large o un pezzo di ghiaccio che si scioglie lentamente per prevenire la diluizione e mantenere il sapore delicato previsto dell'aperitivo

  • Servi in un bicchiere di vino piuttosto che in un bicchiere da cocktail per enfatizzare la sua natura adiacente al vino, aperitivo e incoraggiare i sorsi tranquilli

At the Table

Perfect Pairings

Prosciutto stagionato e melone
Insalata caprese con basilico
Olive marinate e mandorle
Leggeri antipasti di frutti di mare

Beyond the Classic

Variations

Negroni Sbagliato

Scambia Aperol con Campari per un'esperienza più alcolica e amara che inverte il profilo del drink

Campari Spritz

Usa Campari al posto di Aperol per un'amarezza più profonda, più erboristica e maggiore influenza di vermouth

Prosecco Citrus Spritz

Aggiungi succo di limone fresco o pompelmo per creare note di agrumi più luminose mantenendo la struttura dello spritz

Watch

See it in action

Questions

Frequently Asked

Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe | Hero Cocktails | Hero Cocktails