Easy Aperol Spritz Recipe for Home

An Aperol Spritz is one of the easiest cocktails to make at home. You only need Aperol, sparkling wine, soda water, ice and an orange garnish to create a bright, refreshing drink that suits warm afternoons, casual dinners and relaxed entertaining.

The classic version is light, bittersweet and citrus-led. It is usually served in a large wine glass over plenty of ice, making it simple to prepare without any complicated cocktail tools.

Planning a spritz at home? Browse the Aperol collection at I Like Wine to shop Aperol bottles, spritz packs and cocktail-ready options online.

Two Aperol Spritz cocktails with orange garnish and ice

What is an Aperol Spritz?

An Aperol Spritz is an Italian-style aperitif cocktail made with Aperol, sparkling wine, soda water and orange. It is known for its bright orange colour, refreshing bubbles and bittersweet citrus flavour.

Aperol gives the drink its signature orange and herbal character, while sparkling wine adds freshness and lift. Soda water lightens the drink, making it easy to sip before dinner, with snacks or during casual celebrations.

Aperol Spritz ingredients

To make an Aperol Spritz at home, you usually need:

  • Aperol
  • Sparkling wine or Prosecco-style sparkling wine
  • Soda water
  • Ice
  • Fresh orange slice or orange peel

For the easiest option, choose an Aperol bottle and a sparkling wine that you enjoy drinking on its own. A crisp, refreshing sparkling wine is usually a safe choice because it balances the sweetness and bitterness of Aperol.

Browse Sparkling Wines if you need bubbles to go with your Aperol.

Classic Aperol Spritz ratio

A simple Aperol Spritz ratio is:

  • 3 parts sparkling wine
  • 2 parts Aperol
  • 1 part soda water

This ratio keeps the drink refreshing, balanced and easy to adjust. If you prefer a lighter spritz, add a little more soda. If you prefer a stronger Aperol flavour, use a little more Aperol and less soda.

You do not need to be too exact. The aim is to create a drink that tastes bright, fresh and balanced.

How to make an Aperol Spritz

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
  2. Pour in sparkling wine.
  3. Add Aperol.
  4. Top with soda water.
  5. Gently stir once or twice.
  6. Garnish with an orange slice.

Pouring the sparkling wine first can help the drink mix more gently and keep the bubbles lively. Serve straight away while the drink is cold and fresh.

Best sparkling wine for Aperol Spritz

The best sparkling wine for an Aperol Spritz is usually crisp, fresh and not too heavy. Prosecco-style sparkling wine is a popular choice because it is light, bright and easy to mix.

You can also use other sparkling wines if they have enough freshness to balance Aperol’s bittersweet flavour. Avoid anything too rich or overly sweet, as the drink can become heavy.

If you are making Aperol Spritz for guests, choose a sparkling wine that feels easy-drinking and refreshing. It does not need to be the most expensive bottle, but it should still taste clean and enjoyable.

Aperol Spritz variations

Once you know the classic version, you can adjust the drink to suit your taste.

Lighter Aperol Spritz

Use a little more soda water and slightly less Aperol. This keeps the drink bright and refreshing without making it too strong.

Extra citrus Aperol Spritz

Add extra orange peel or a small squeeze of fresh orange for a more citrus-led drink.

Lower sweetness Aperol Spritz

Use a drier sparkling wine and avoid adding any extra fruit juice or sweet mixers.

Party jug Aperol Spritz

For a group, build the drink in a jug with plenty of ice, then pour into glasses and garnish with orange slices. Keep the soda water until the end so the bubbles stay fresh.

What to serve with Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz works well with simple, salty and snack-friendly food. It can suit:

  • Olives
  • Cheese
  • Cured meats
  • Crisps or savoury snacks
  • Seafood bites
  • Bruschetta
  • Light grazing boards

Aperol Spritz served with caprese salad on an outdoor table

The bubbles and bittersweet flavour help refresh the palate, making it a good pre-dinner drink for relaxed entertaining.

Shop Aperol for Your Spritz

A good Aperol Spritz starts with the right bottle and bubbles. Shop Aperol online at I Like Wine and pair it with sparkling wine for an easy cocktail setup at home.

Shop Aperol online in Australia

You can buy Aperol online from I Like Wine, with delivery available across Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.

Whether you are making a classic Aperol Spritz, choosing a gift pack or planning drinks for friends, the Aperol collection makes it easy to find the right bottle or spritz-ready option.

Explore the Aperol collection or browse Sparkling Wines to complete your spritz ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in an Aperol Spritz?

An Aperol Spritz is usually made with Aperol, sparkling wine, soda water, ice and an orange garnish.

What is the Aperol Spritz ratio?

A common Aperol Spritz ratio is 3 parts sparkling wine, 2 parts Aperol and 1 part soda water. You can adjust the ratio depending on how light or strong you want the drink to taste.

Can I use sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?

Yes. Prosecco-style sparkling wine is popular, but you can use another crisp and refreshing sparkling wine if it balances well with Aperol.

What does Aperol Spritz taste like?

An Aperol Spritz tastes light, refreshing, citrusy and bittersweet. It has orange and herbal notes, with bubbles from the sparkling wine and soda water.

Can I buy Aperol online from I Like Wine?

Yes. You can buy Aperol online from I Like Wine, with delivery available across Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.

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