Date Published: September 25, 2025, Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by I Like Wine

How to make the perfect Aperol Spritz (Best Wines to Pair)

Date Published: September 25, 2025, Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by I Like Wine

Few cocktails capture the spirit of celebration quite like the Aperol Spritz. With its bright orange colour, refreshing bubbles, and bittersweet taste, it’s the ultimate Italian cocktail. Whether you’ve enjoyed one in Venice or you’re discovering this drink for the first time, learning the classic Aperol Spritz recipe is simple, and it pairs beautifully with food and wine.

At I Like Wine, we specialise in imported Italian wines and spirits, helping Australians enjoy authentic flavours from Europe’s best regions. Our team carefully selects each product for its quality and provenance, so you can shop with confidence, knowing your Aperol experience is the genuine article.

Ready to create your own perfect spritz? Shop our Aperol Collection today or contact I Like Wine for expert recommendations.

The classic Aperol spritz recipe

The timeless 3-2-1 ratio is the secret to a perfect drink that has remained unchanged for generations:

3 parts sparkling wine (Prosecco)
2 parts Aperol
1 part soda water

Simply fill a large wine glass with ice, pour in the Prosecco, add Aperol, top with soda water, and finish with a slice of orange for garnish. The result? A golden-orange cocktail with a bittersweet flavour, low alcohol content, and an unmistakable orange colour that makes it one of the most loved alcoholic drinks worldwide.

This simple spritz recipe balances crisp sparkling wine, Aperol’s herbal bitter flavours, and refreshing sparkling water, creating a bright orange aperitivo that looks as good as it tastes.

Choosing the right wines

While Prosecco is the traditional choice, not all sparkling wines are created equal. A dry (Brut) Prosecco balances Aperol’s sweetness, keeping the cocktail crisp. Look for DOC or DOCG on the label for guaranteed quality. The general formula many Italians use is 2 parts Prosecco, 1 part Aperol, and 1 part soda water, a trusted way to create balance in every glass.

If you can’t find Prosecco, experiment with other sparkling wines, but avoid overly sweet varieties that overpower Aperol’s bittersweet taste. For red wine lovers, Italian classics like Barolo showcase how wine can elevate every occasion.

Aperol spritz and food pairings

In Italy, the Aperol Spritz isn’t just a drink, it’s part of the aperitivo ritual. Served before dinner, it’s meant to stimulate the appetite. The light alcohol content makes it ideal for pairing with appetisers and sharing with friends.

Perfect food pairings include:

Fresh mozzarella or burrata with crusty bread
Olives, cured meats, or a caprese salad
Sweet fruit, like strawberries and grapes, to balance the bittersweet taste

These pairings highlight how this perfect drink can open a meal without overwhelming the palate.

Aperol products you can enjoy at home

If you’re ready to bring aperitivo hour home, explore our Aperol range:

Aperol Spritz Ready-to-Serve Bottles (24 x 175ml) — the quickest way to enjoy Italy’s favourite cocktail.
Aperol Spritz Gift Pack (Aperol 700ml + Riccadonna Prosecco 750ml) — the perfect gift for cocktail lovers.
Aperol Aperitivo (Padova, Italy) — the original bottle, ready to mix with your favourite Prosecco.

Tips for perfecting your spritz

Every Aperol Spritz is personal, and minor adjustments can make it just right:

Make it less bitter: Use more Prosecco and less Aperol to soften the bitter flavours.
Make it lighter: Add extra part soda water or sparkling water to lower the alcohol content and enhance freshness.
Add garnish variety: While a slice of orange is classic, consider using grapefruit or lemon for a fun twist.

These tweaks ensure your classic Aperol Spritz always suits the occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or relaxing in the sun.