The simple Prosecco cocktail known as the Aperol Spritz is an Italian classic. And it blends two of my favorite things: sparkling wine and simplicity.

When to serve this low alcohol cocktail

I like serving this version of an Aperol Spritz on a Friday afternoon. They go down easy any time of year but seem especially fitting as an end to the work week in spring and summer. This simple Aperol Prosecco cocktail is crisp and refreshing and feels like a throwback from a more carefree time.

Best of all, at about 11% alcohol by volume, it’s one of the lowest alcohol cocktails you could possibly make–so save room for a second round.

The history of this Italian cocktail

And I’m not joking around when I say that this is a simple Prosecco cocktail! The drink requires only three ingredients, including the lovely, Italian spirit Aperol.

According to Wikipedia, this Venetian cocktail was invented in 1919. However, it didn’t really catch on until the 1950’s. And although the Italians have embraced this drink as a wise choice for an aperitivo, or pre-dinner drink, for nearly 70 years, it only recently became a North American sensation.

If you’re not familiar with Aperol, this is a spirit I recommend getting to know. Especially since it is becoming increasingly popular. It is a brilliantly hued spirit, as orange as the sun at dawn. Aperol is made with the flavors of orange, rhubarb and a secret blend of edible flowers and herbs that gives it a distinctive flavor. Overtly sweet with mellow, bitter undertones, it’s easy to see why the Italians favor it as an appetite stimulant.

Aperol Spritz

Print Recipe

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A simple, Prosecco cocktail designed to "stimulate appetite," this is an easy pre-dinner drink. 

Course aperitif, cocktails

Cuisine Italian

Dish Type Cocktail

Seasonal Easter, Father's Day, Labor Day, Mother's Day, spring, summer

Ingredient Aperol, Prosecco

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 1

Ingredients

• 3 Parts Prosecco
• 2 Parts Aperol
• 1 Splash of Soda

Instructions

• Pour the Prosecco, Aperol and a dash of soda into an ice-filled wine glass using a stirring motion.
• Garnish with a slice of orange.

Ready to try more Aperol cocktails? Check out this recipe for A Hare Above the Rest, a whimsical Aperol and Gin-based cocktail.

Photo of bartender making an Aperol Spritz by Gabriella Clare Marino

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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs and her work in the field of aphrodisiac food history and health science is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiacs and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac foods to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.

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