Unveil the essence of Italian sunshine with the Aperol Spritz –
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
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If You Sit at a Café in Italy Long Enough…
Spend an afternoon wandering through Venice, Milan or Florence and you’ll start to notice something.
As the afternoon rolls into evening, tables begin filling with bright orange drinks served in oversized wine glasses. Friends gather, small plates of olives and cured meats appear, conversations slow down and nobody seems to be in a hurry.
More often than not, that drink is an Aperol Spritz.
It isn’t ordered because it’s the strongest cocktail on the menu. In fact, it’s one of the lighter options you’ll find.
It’s ordered because it’s refreshing, social and perfectly suited to the Italian tradition of aperitivo—taking time to unwind with a drink and a few small bites before dinner.
That’s what makes the Aperol Spritz so much more than another trendy cocktail.
It’s an experience.
What Is an Aperol Spritz?
The Aperol Spritz is one of the easiest cocktails you’ll ever make.
Just three ingredients create one of the world’s most recognisable drinks:
- Aperol
- Prosecco
- Soda water
The bitterness from Aperol is softened by the gentle sweetness of Prosecco, while soda water adds a crisp, refreshing finish.
It’s bright, lightly citrusy and incredibly easy to drink without feeling heavy.
If you’re just starting your cocktail journey, this is one of the first drinks I’d recommend learning because it teaches balance without requiring any complicated techniques.
New to Italian aperitifs? Before making this recipe, it’s worth understanding the different styles of bitters and aperitifs.
Aperol Spritz at a Glance
| Cocktail Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 2 minutes |
| Total Time | 2 minutes |
| Serves | 1 |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Glassware | Large wine glass |
| Method | Build |
Ingredients
- 60 ml Aperol
- 90 ml chilled Prosecco
- Splash of soda water
- Plenty of ice
Garnish
- Fresh orange slice
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
Unlike many cocktails, there’s no shaker required.
Simply fill a large wine glass with fresh ice before pouring in the Aperol.
Add the chilled Prosecco, followed by a splash of soda water.
Give everything one gentle stir before garnishing with a fresh orange slice.
That’s it.
Simple drinks rely on quality ingredients, so make sure your Prosecco is well chilled before pouring.
Behind the Bar with KAD
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is treating an Aperol Spritz like every other cocktail.
It isn’t.
You don’t shake it.
You don’t over-stir it.
You don’t need complicated garnishes.
The beauty of the drink is its simplicity.
The only thing I really pay attention to is temperature.
Cold Aperol.
Cold Prosecco.
Cold soda.
Plenty of fresh ice.
If every ingredient starts cold, the drink stays crisp right through to the last sip.
The Secret Is the 3:2:1 Ratio
Most bartenders don’t even need a recipe for an Aperol Spritz.
They simply remember one number:
3 : 2 : 1
- 3 parts Prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part soda water
It’s an easy ratio to remember whether you’re making one drink or a whole jug.
Want it slightly stronger?
Add a touch more Aperol.
Prefer something lighter?
Increase the soda water instead.
The structure stays exactly the same.
Which Prosecco Should You Buy?
The sparkling wine has a bigger influence on the finished cocktail than many people realise.
Look for a dry Prosecco labelled DOC if possible.
A sweeter sparkling wine can make the drink feel overly sugary, while a crisp Prosecco keeps the bitterness nicely balanced.
Aperol vs Campari
Although they look similar, they create completely different cocktails.
Aperol
- Sweeter
- Lower alcohol
- Orange
- Rhubarb
- Gentler bitterness
Campari
- Richer
- More bitter
- Herbal
- Higher alcohol
If you replace Aperol with Campari, you’ve moved much closer to drinks like the Negroni.
Want to explore the difference? Read our comparison of Aperol vs Campari or try our Classic Negroni Recipe next.
Easy Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try changing just one ingredient.
Rosé Spritz
Replace the Prosecco with sparkling rosé.
Venetian Spritz
Swap Aperol for Select Aperitivo.
Citrus Spritz
Add fresh grapefruit juice.
Australian Spritz
Use Australian sparkling wine and garnish with finger lime.
Low Alcohol Spritz
Reduce the Aperol slightly and increase the soda water.
Alcohol-Free Spritz
Use Lyre’s Italian Spritz with alcohol-free sparkling wine.
Hosting Tip
The Aperol Spritz is one of the easiest cocktails to serve at a party.
Mix the Aperol and Prosecco together in a large jug ahead of time and keep it refrigerated.
When guests arrive, simply pour over ice, add soda water and garnish with fresh orange.
No shaking.
No measuring every single drink.
Just easy entertaining.
If you’re hosting outdoors, prepare bowls of orange slices and plenty of ice so guests can help themselves.
What to Serve with an Aperol Spritz
Because it was designed for aperitivo hour, salty food is your best friend.
Serve it alongside:
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- Parmesan
- Marinated olives
- Salted almonds
- Bruschetta
- Smoked salmon
- Grilled prawns
- Burrata with tomato
- Arancini
If you’re putting together an entertaining platter, our guide to building the perfect charcuterie board pairs beautifully with this cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Aperol Spritz flat?
Your sparkling wine or soda water wasn’t cold enough, or you stirred the drink too aggressively.
Can I make a jug?
Absolutely.
Simply keep the classic 3:2:1 ratio and add the soda water just before serving.
What glass should I use?
A large wine or balloon glass gives the drink plenty of room for ice and helps concentrate the citrus aromas.
How strong is an Aperol Spritz?
A classic Aperol Spritz contains approximately 1.4 Australian standard drinks, depending on the Prosecco used.
Final Thoughts
The Aperol Spritz reminds us that great cocktails don’t have to be complicated.
Three ingredients.
One simple ratio.
No special equipment.
Yet somehow it has become one of the most recognisable drinks in the world.
Whether you’re recreating aperitivo hour at home, hosting friends on a warm afternoon or simply looking for an easy cocktail to master, the Aperol Spritz deserves a permanent place in your repertoire.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation.
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here