Craving a bubbly cocktail that tastes like summer? This guide will show you how to make the Italian Aperol Spritz cocktail at home using the classic 3-2-1 recipe, a sweeter twist with Moscato d’Asti, and Aperol Spritz variations without Prosecco.
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Whether you're a total beginner or a cocktail fan looking for something new, this easy-to-follow Italian Aperol Spritz recipe has you covered. Measurements are included in ml and cups/tablespoons so anyone can follow along!
For more delicious cocktails don't miss this Italian Negroni with the simplest recipe, these 5 easy Ouzo Cocktails ideal for cool summer nights and the Best Spanish red sangria (without brandy).
What Is Aperol?
Aperol is a bright orange Italian aperitif known for its bittersweet citrus flavor. Made with bitter orange, rhubarb, and herbs, it's light (11% ABV), zesty, and incredibly refreshing. The best way to use a bottle of Aperol is to turn it into a refreshing Aperol Spritz cocktail.
The Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe 3-2-1
This is the most popular Aperol Spritz recipe: 3-2-1 as published on Aperol.com:
Ingredients:
- 90 ml (3 parts) Prosecco
- 60 ml (2 parts) Aperol
- 30 ml (1 part) soda water
- Ice cubes
- 1 slice of orange for garnish
Instructions:
- Twist a strip of orange peel inside a large wine glass to release its oils, then rub it around the inside of the glass.
- Pour in the Prosecco, then the Aperol, and top with soda water. Stir gently.
- Add ice cubes last to keep the drink fizzy.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
✏️ The best glass for Aperol Spritz is a wine glass with a wide stem or a balloon glass.
Why?
It allows perfect mixing and enhances the aroma of the cocktail. In addition, the stem allows you to hold the glass in your hand without warming the cocktail.
Without Soda:
I always order my Aperol Spritz without soda. This may goes against Aperol's classic recipe, but I find that soda dilutes the taste. If you want to try it this way, follow the classic recipe but omit the soda. You can thank me later!
Aperol Spritz without Prosecco
If you don't have or don't like Prosecco, there are some interesting variations you can try.
Just replace the Prosecco with the same amount of one of the following:
Another sparkling wine
Spanish Cava is a dry sparkling wine from Spain, and it's a fantastic substitute for Prosecco. It tastes close to the original, often more affordable! Champagne can also be used, or Moscato D' Asti for a richer, more sweet version.
Tonic Water (No Wine at All!)
If you’re looking for an Aperol Spritz without Prosecco and without sparkling wine, try tonic water. It brings its own subtle bitterness and bubbles, perfect for a lighter, low-alcohol option.
👉 Add a squeeze of fresh orange if you want a more citrusy punch.
✏️ Last time I was in Italy I fell in love with Chinotto, Italy's favorite soda. If you have a bottle, you can also use that instead!
Sprite
Sprite can replace both the Prosecco and the soda water. If you want something bubbly, sweet, and easygoing, Aperol Spritz with Sprite is fruity, fizzy, and easy to love, especially for beginners or anyone who prefers a cocktail that’s not too bitter.
Sweet Aperol Spritz
✨ This is my personal favorite! The floral notes of Moscato D'Asti and the orange bitterness of Aperol are a perfect match! If you like things on the sweeter side, you'll love making this drink with this sweet Italian sparkling wine.
This Aperol Spritz sweet variation is ideal for brunches, summer afternoons, or anyone who prefers a fruitier drink.
Ingredients:
- 90 ml (3 parts) Moscato D'Asti.
- 60 ml (2 parts) Aperol
- Ice cubes
- 1 slice of orange for garnish
The instructions are the same as the 3-2-1 recipe.
👨🍳 Expert Tips
The bartender from the Greek cafe It's a Village in Kipseli, Athens was kind enough to share the most important tips to make the best Aperol Spritz cocktail at home:
✅ Use a large wine or balloon glass: More room for ice and bubbles = better aroma and flavor.
✅ Chill all ingredients before mixing to avoid watering down your cocktail.
✅ Don’t use flat Prosecco: An already opened bottle loses its sparkle fast.
✅ Orange peel matters: Rub it inside the glass for maximum flavor.
✅ The secret for more bubbles: Pour the liquids first, then add the ice at the end. If you do it the other way around, you’ll give the sparkling drink a thermal shock and increase the surface area for carbon dioxide to escape, both of which result in fewer bubbles!
🎥Recipe Video
📖 Recipe
Aperol Spritz Recipe Guide: Classic 3-2-1 + easy variations!
Ingredients
For the classic recipe 3-2-1
- 6 tablespoons (90 ml) Prosecco (3 parts)
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) Aperol (2 parts)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soda water (1 part)
- 6 ice cubes
- 1 Orange slice and orange peel
Aperol Spritz without Prosecco:
- 90 ml (90 ml) sparkling white wine or Tonic or Sprite (3 parts)
- 60 ml (60 ml) Aperol (2 parts)
- 6 Ice cubes
- 1 orange slice and orange peel .
Sweet Aperol Spritz recipe:
- 90 ml (90 ml) Moscato D' Asti (3 parts)
- 60 ml (60 ml) Aperol (2 parts)
- 6 Ice cubes
- 1 orange slice and orange peel.
Instructions
- Twist the orange peel inside the glass in order to release its essential oils.
- Pour the Prosecco, the Aperol, and the soda water in the glass and stir very gently.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and garnish with an orange slice.
Notes
More Refreshing Drinks:
Nutrition
FAQ
A bottle of Aperol has 11% alcohol content just like most Prosecco.
Since Aperol spritz is mainly made from these ingredients with the addition of some soda and ice, the alcohol content is even less than 11%.
That's why it's safe to say that this is a low-alcohol cocktail.
Though both are orange-hued bitter liqueurs, they're not the same:
Aperol: lighter, sweeter, less bitter, and lower in alcohol (11% ABV)
Campari: bolder, more bitter, and stronger (about 22% ABV)
If you don’t have Aperol, you can substitute Campari to make a Campari Spritz (also known as a Spritz Veneziano) — just note it’ll taste more intense and bitter.
In Italy, an aperitivo is the drink you have before a meal. The word is derived from the Latin "aperire" which means “to open”, meaning to stilmulate your appetite before dinner.
The experience of aperitivo is part of the Italian tradition and according to goaheadtours.com the aperitivo hour is between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. During this time the Italians have the chance to unwind nd socialize before dinner while sipping refreshing drinks.
Aperol spritz is ideal as a late afternoon drink on a warm summer day but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying it at a later hour after dinner or even serve it with brunch.
Yes — many people actually prefer it this way. Soda water dilutes the flavor, so if you want a bolder taste, skip it or just use a tiny splash. You can also use sparkling water, seltzer, or even Sprite or tonic water for a fun twist.
The best Aperol substitute when making this popular cocktail is Campari.
Campari has similar flavors and it's just as easy to find in a liquor store as Aperol. In this case your cocktail will probably be a Campari Spritz or a Spritz Veneziano (though Spritz Veneziano has equal parts Prosecco, Campari and soda water).
Similar Spritz recipes
- The Venetian Spritz, incorporating bitter liqueur Select, Aperol, Campari or Cynar (recipe from stevethebartender.com.au)
- The Lambrusco Spritz, incorporating Amaro and Lambrusco wine (recipe from giadzy.com)
- The La Quebrada Spritz, incorporating mezcal and grapefruit juice (recipe from punchdrink.com)
The Aperol Spritz cocktail is one of the easiest and most flexible drinks you can make. Whether you go classic with the Aperol Spritz recipe 3-2-1, create a sweeter version with Moscato d’Asti, or get creative without Prosecco, there’s a Spritz for every palate.
If you enjoyed this Aperol Spritz Recipe, please leave me a comment below and a star rating. I love hearing from you!
Akhila @ Pepper Delight says
I hope it is okay to say that I never heard of this drink before, lol..But it sounds really refreshing!!
Thanks for sharing..!
Makos says
Then you should definitely try it the first chance you get! 🙂
Maria V. says
The most refreshing drink. Everyone loved it
Makos says
Thank you Maria 🙂
Julia says
The Aperol Spritz with the Moschato D’Asti was amazing! Thanks for sharing this recipe
Makos says
Thank you!
George says
The variation with the Moscato D' Asti has become our favorite one.
Thanks!!!
Makos says
Hi George, yes I have to admit that it's delicious!
Mary says
Hey Makos, the variations are very interesting! I have made it with Campari too and it was very nice. Wish you a good day
Makos says
That's great Mary, have a wonderful day!
Eleni says
Hi Makos!
I always found Aperol Spritz a bit too bitter for my taste, but making it with Moscato was a total revelation! So much more enjoyable. Thanks so much for all your helpful tips!
Makos says
So happy to hear that Eleni!