Skip to content

Classic Aperol Spritz

The quintessential Venetian aperitivo. Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water combine for a refreshing, bittersweet sunset drink.

This is the 3-2-1 formula that made the spritz famous: 90 ml Prosecco, 60 ml Aperol and a splash of soda, poured in that order over plenty of ice. The choice that matters is the Prosecco, which should be cold and freshly opened, because the drink's lightness depends on its bubbles. A slice of orange finishes it.

Prep
3 min
Serves
1
Difficulty
Easy

Classic Aperol Spritz

Prep 3 min · Serves 1 · Difficulty Easy

Method

  1. Fill a large wine glass (balloon glass) generously with ice.

  2. Pour the Prosecco first.

  3. Add the Aperol in a circular motion.

  4. Finish with a splash of soda water.

  5. Garnish with an orange slice.

Veneto

The spritz began in the Veneto under Habsburg rule, when Austrian soldiers asked for a spray of water in the local wine; Aperol, created in Padua in 1919 by Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, only became widely popular after the Second World War. In Venice it is the drink of the aperitivo hour, ordered at the bacaro alongside cicchetti.

The Veneto guide

A letter from Italy, once a month.

The places, tables and makers we found worth your time. One email, no noise.

One letter a month. Unsubscribe at any time. We never share your address.

Help us get it right

What is it about?