Martha Stewart Aperol Spritz

Martha Stewart Aperol Spritz turns Prosecco, Aperol and chilled soda water into a light, bubbly bittersweet orange cocktail over ice in just 5 minutes. This easy three-ingredient Italian aperitivo drink fits summer patio parties, bridal showers, Sunday brunch and happy hour with friends.

Fill the glass with plenty of ice before anything else goes in, because it keeps every pour cold and slows the dilution. Skip it and the spritz turns warm and watery after a few sips.

Martha keeps the ratio simple, with more Prosecco than Aperol and soda water to top the glass, so the bitter orange flavor stays gentle. She also leaves out any syrups or extras, which lets the drink taste like the classic Italian aperitivo.

Martha Stewart Aperol Spritz

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Course: BeverageCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

160

kcal

Bitter orange Aperol and dry Prosecco layer over ice, then chilled soda water lifts everything into a crisp, light fizz. A fresh orange slice finishes the glass with a little citrus aroma.

Ingredients

• Ice
  

• 3 ounces Prosecco
  

• 2 ounces Aperol
  

• Soda water, chilled
  

• Orange slice, for garnish
  

Directions

• Fill the glass: Fill an old-fashioned glass or a balloon glass with ice. The more ice you use, the colder the spritz stays.
• Add the Prosecco: Pour 3 ounces Prosecco over the ice. Pouring it first keeps the bubbles lively.
• Pour the Aperol: Add 2 ounces Aperol to the glass. It settles into the Prosecco and turns the whole drink a bright orange.
• Top with soda: Fill the glass the rest of the way with chilled soda water. Then give it one gentle stir so the layers blend without losing the fizz.
• Garnish and serve: Tuck an orange slice into the glass. Serve right away while it's cold and bubbly.

Tools for this recipe

• OXO steel double jigger, Tvmania silicone ice cube trays with lids, set of 2. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I use something else instead of Prosecco?

Any dry sparkling wine works, such as cava or a dry sparkling rosé. Pick one that isn't sweet, because Aperol already brings plenty of sweetness.

Can I make Aperol spritzes ahead of time for a party?

Don't mix the full drink early, since the bubbles go flat quickly. Instead, keep the Prosecco, Aperol and soda water well chilled and build each glass over ice as guests arrive.

How do I make a lighter or non-alcoholic version?

For a lighter drink, use less Prosecco and add more soda water. For no alcohol at all, swap the Prosecco for sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, and use a non-alcoholic bitter orange aperitif in place of the Aperol.

What glass should I serve an Aperol spritz in?

An old-fashioned glass or a large balloon glass both work well. Either one has room for lots of ice and the orange slice.

What's the most common mistake with an Aperol spritz?

Using too little ice is the big one, because the drink warms up fast and tastes flat. Stirring too hard is the other, since it knocks the bubbles out of the Prosecco.