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. Over the past few years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me looking for fresh inspiration or a complete beginner eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the blog below, 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 offer 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 favourite 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.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Sunset Ember Spritz Recipe
Few cocktails capture the feeling of a warm Australian summer evening quite like the Sunset Ember Spritz. Bright, sparkling and glowing with rich sunset orange tones, this refreshing cocktail combines bittersweet Aperol, vibrant blood orange, tropical passionfruit and crisp prosecco into one seriously elegant drink.
The first sip opens with refreshing citrus and gentle bubbles before the passionfruit softens the bitter edge of Aperol, creating a cocktail that feels sophisticated without becoming heavy. It is light enough for daytime entertaining but still carries enough depth to feel elevated during evening drinks with friends.
This is the kind of cocktail that instantly transforms a gathering. Whether you are entertaining outdoors, hosting a long brunch, celebrating with friends or simply winding down after work, the Sunset Ember Spritz delivers the perfect balance of refreshing flavour and visual impact.
The deep orange glow catches the light beautifully and the dehydrated orange garnish creates a premium cocktail bar appearance without requiring advanced bartending skills.
If you love refreshing sparkling cocktails, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your home cocktail rotation.
Before we start mixing, make sure you have your cocktail kit ready to go. A proper shaker, jigger and strainer will make the process smoother and help you create a better balanced drink. If you are still building your home bar, we recommend the Barillio cocktail kit here. Now let’s shake up something great.
What Is A Sunset Ember Spritz?
The Sunset Ember Spritz is a modern tropical inspired variation of the traditional Italian spritz.
Classic spritz cocktails typically follow a simple formula:
- Aperitif
- Sparkling wine
- Soda water
This recipe builds on that structure by introducing blood orange juice and passionfruit syrup for greater flavour complexity and a richer colour profile.
The result is a cocktail that feels:
- Bright and citrusy
- Lightly tropical
- Crisp and sparkling
- Smoothly bittersweet
- Extremely refreshing
Unlike heavier cocktails that rely on cream, excessive sugar or high alcohol content, the Sunset Ember Spritz keeps everything balanced and approachable.
That balance is exactly why spritz cocktails continue dominating cocktail menus around the world.
Why Spritz Cocktails Have Become So Popular
Spritz cocktails have exploded in popularity over the past few years and it is easy to understand why.
They offer:
- Lower alcohol content
- Refreshing flavour
- Easy preparation
- Beautiful presentation
- Social drinking appeal
They are approachable for casual drinkers while still feeling stylish enough for cocktail enthusiasts.
In Australia especially, spritz cocktails suit our entertaining culture perfectly. Warm weather, outdoor dining and long afternoons naturally pair with sparkling citrus drinks served over plenty of ice.
The Sunset Ember Spritz takes that familiar spritz formula and adds a richer fruit profile that feels modern, vibrant and incredibly easy to drink.
Why Aperol Works So Well In This Cocktail
Aperol has become one of the most recognisable aperitif liqueurs in the world and for good reason.
Its flavour profile includes:
- Bitter orange
- Rhubarb
- Herbal botanicals
- Gentle sweetness
This combination creates complexity without overwhelming the palate.
In the Sunset Ember Spritz, Aperol acts as the foundation that ties everything together.
Aperol Adds Balance
Without Aperol’s bitterness, the blood orange and passionfruit could easily become too sweet.
The bittersweet edge keeps the cocktail crisp and refreshing.
Aperol Enhances Citrus Flavours
Blood orange naturally complements Aperol’s bitter orange notes.
The two ingredients blend together beautifully to create a richer citrus experience than standard orange juice.
Aperol Creates The Signature Colour
The deep orange and ember tones are what make this cocktail visually unforgettable.
Combined with blood orange juice, Aperol creates a glowing sunset appearance that looks incredible in natural light.
Sunset Ember Spritz Ingredients
45 ml Aperol
Provides bittersweet citrus and herbal complexity.
60 ml Prosecco
Adds crisp sparkling freshness and elegant bubbles.
30 ml Blood Orange Juice
Creates vibrant citrus flavour and rich sunset colour.
15 ml Passionfruit Syrup
Introduces smooth tropical sweetness.
Garnish
Dehydrated orange slice
The Best Prosecco For A Spritz Cocktail
Choosing the right prosecco can completely change the balance of your cocktail.
For the Sunset Ember Spritz, a dry sparkling wine works best because it prevents the drink from becoming overly sugary.
Some excellent options include:
Brown Brothers Prosecco
Fresh, approachable and ideal for entertaining.
Mionetto Prosecco
A classic Italian option that pairs beautifully with Aperol.
Zonzo Estate Prosecco
Elegant bubbles with bright citrus character.
Chandon Brut
A slightly more premium sparkling option for celebrations.
If you regularly make sparkling cocktails at home, investing in quality prosecco glasses can also elevate the overall presentation. A wide stemmed glass helps showcase the bubbles while keeping the drink colder for longer.
You can also explore our guide to Essential Glassware Sets for a Home Bar to build the perfect cocktail setup.
How To Make A Sunset Ember Spritz
Step 1: Fill Your Glass With Ice
Fill a large wine glass generously with fresh ice.
Spritz cocktails always perform better with plenty of ice because it maintains temperature and preserves carbonation.
Step 2: Add Aperol
Pour the Aperol directly over the ice.
This forms the bittersweet base of the cocktail.
Step 3: Add Blood Orange Juice
Pour in the fresh blood orange juice.
Fresh juice provides far brighter flavour and richer colour than bottled alternatives.
Step 4: Add Passionfruit Syrup
Add the passionfruit syrup and gently stir.
This creates a smooth tropical layer throughout the cocktail.
Step 5: Top With Prosecco
Slowly pour prosecco into the glass.
Pouring gently helps preserve carbonation and keeps the drink lively.
Step 6: Garnish And Serve
Finish with a dehydrated orange slice.
Serve immediately while cold and sparkling.
Why Blood Orange Makes This Cocktail Special
Blood orange delivers a more luxurious flavour profile compared to regular orange juice.
It offers:
- Deeper sweetness
- Softer acidity
- Slight berry notes
- Richer citrus depth
This creates a spritz that feels more refined and layered.
The darker orange colour also enhances the glowing sunset appearance that inspired the cocktail’s name.
If you can source fresh blood oranges during Australian citrus season, the flavour difference is absolutely worth it.
The Role Of Passionfruit In The Sunset Ember Spritz
Passionfruit syrup transforms this cocktail from a traditional spritz into something more tropical and modern.
It introduces:
- Smooth sweetness
- Fragrant tropical aroma
- Additional fruit depth
- Balanced texture
Importantly, the passionfruit softens Aperol’s bitterness without completely masking it.
That balance is what keeps the drink refreshing rather than sugary.
If you enjoy tropical inspired cocktails, you may also love experimenting with mango, pineapple or guava variations using the same spritz structure.
Tips For The Perfect Sunset Ember Spritz
Use Fresh Juice Whenever Possible
Fresh blood orange juice creates brighter flavour and stronger colour.
Keep Ingredients Chilled
Cold prosecco and cold juice help maintain carbonation and improve texture.
Use Plenty Of Ice
A warm spritz loses freshness quickly.
Large amounts of ice are essential.
Stir Gently
Aggressive stirring will flatten the prosecco.
Pour Prosecco Last
Adding sparkling wine last preserves the bubbles and improves presentation.
The Best Glassware For A Spritz
Presentation matters when serving spritz cocktails.
The ideal options include:
- Large wine glasses
- Balloon glasses
- Stemmed spritz glasses
Wide glasses allow:
- Better aroma release
- More room for ice
- Better garnish presentation
- Improved visual impact
A beautiful glass instantly makes homemade cocktails feel more premium.
If you are building your home bar setup, quality glassware is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Food Pairings For The Sunset Ember Spritz
One of the best things about this cocktail is how versatile it becomes with food.
The bright citrus and sparkling finish pair beautifully with:
- Antipasto platters
- Prosciutto
- Grilled prawns
- Bruschetta
- Fresh seafood
- Summer salads
- Light pasta dishes
- Charcuterie boards
The slight bitterness from Aperol also works particularly well before dinner as an aperitif.
It stimulates the palate without becoming too heavy before a meal.
Perfect Occasions For This Cocktail
The Sunset Ember Spritz works brilliantly for:
- Summer entertaining
- Garden parties
- Engagement celebrations
- Brunches
- Poolside drinks
- Girls nights
- Outdoor dinners
- Wedding events
Its bright colour and refreshing flavour make it highly crowd friendly.
It is also an excellent cocktail for entertaining because it can easily be scaled into larger batches for parties.
Creative Variations
Sunset Ember Royale
Replace prosecco with champagne for a richer, more luxurious finish.
Tropical Ember Spritz
Add a splash of pineapple juice for extra tropical flavour.
Frozen Sunset Spritz
Blend the ingredients with crushed ice for a frozen summer cocktail variation.
Non Alcoholic Sunset Spritz
Use alcohol free sparkling wine and a non alcoholic orange aperitif alternative.
This version still delivers the same glowing sunset presentation.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Using Sweet Sparkling Wine
Overly sweet prosecco can overpower the balance of the cocktail.
Not Using Enough Ice
Spritz cocktails should always be served very cold.
Flat Prosecco
Fresh carbonation is essential for a quality spritz.
Over Pouring Passionfruit Syrup
Too much syrup can mask the refreshing bitterness that makes the cocktail balanced.
Why The Sunset Ember Spritz Is Perfect For Home Bartenders
Some cocktails require advanced techniques, expensive spirits or specialised equipment.
The Sunset Ember Spritz is different.
It delivers:
- Premium appearance
- Complex flavour
- Easy preparation
- Fast assembly
- Crowd pleasing balance
Even beginner home bartenders can create a cocktail that feels restaurant quality.
This makes it ideal for anyone building confidence behind the bar at home.
Final Thoughts
The Sunset Ember Spritz is everything a modern summer cocktail should be.
It is:
- Refreshing
- Visually stunning
- Easy to make
- Perfectly balanced
- Social and approachable
The combination of Aperol, blood orange and passionfruit creates a drink that feels both elegant and playful at the same time.
Whether you are hosting friends, planning your next brunch menu or simply looking for a beautiful cocktail to enjoy at sunset, this recipe delivers a premium drinking experience with minimal effort.
Once you make it for the first time, do not be surprised if it becomes one of your most requested cocktails all summer long.
Final Thoughts On The Sunset Ember Spritz
The Sunset Ember Spritz is bright, refreshing and visually stunning from the very first pour.
The bittersweet Aperol, rich blood orange and tropical passionfruit create a layered cocktail that feels sophisticated while remaining incredibly easy to drink. Finished with sparkling prosecco and a dramatic dehydrated orange garnish, this cocktail delivers serious summer energy in every glass.
Whether you are entertaining guests or simply enjoying a relaxed evening at home, the Sunset Ember Spritz is the kind of cocktail that instantly elevates the moment.
For more creative cocktail recipes, entertaining inspiration and home bartending tips, visit Shake, Sip, Serve.
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.