Picture this: Amidst the rustic charm of a quaint Italian lakeside village, as the sun began its descent, casting a warm amber glow over the serene waters, I found myself perched on a wooden bench, my feet barely skimming the water’s edge.. In my hand – a chilled glass of Aperol Vodka Spritz, its vibrant color echoing the fiery streaks of the sunset with the famous bittersweet Italian liqueur. 

Each sip, a dance of bubbles, bittersweet notes, and fiery bright orange color of that Italian cocktail, a perfect accompaniment to this moment of pure Italian enchantment – a sip of Italy’s timeless romance.

This is one of the many reasons I brought back one of the best cocktail recipes from my recent Italy travels, as it never disappoints, no matter what occasion or mood – your taste buds will thank you!

What You Need To Make Aperol Spritzes

This cocktail is not only a favorite because of its taste but also because it has such few ingredients for it:

• 2 oz (60ml) Aperol
• 1 oz (30ml) Vodka
• 3 oz (90ml) Prosecco or any sparkling wine
• Splash of club soda (optional)
• Orange peel and a sprig of mint for garnish

That’s it! 

Here’s what tools you need:

• Large wine glass or large goblet 
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Bar spoon or stirrer
• Knife and cutting board

Don’t have Vodka, Aperol, or Prosecco? No worries, here are some alternatives!

Aperitif Alternatives:

• Campari – This will create a more bitter drink than Aperol.
• Cappelletti – Another Italian aperitivo with a similar bitter-sweet profile.

Vodka Alternatives:

• Gin – Provides an herbal and botanical twist.
• White Rum – Adds a slightly sweeter and more tropical note.
• Tequila Blanco – Gives a crisp, agave undertone.

Sparkling Wine Alternatives:

• Cava – A Spanish sparkling wine that’s dry and has fine bubbles.
• Champagne – Offers a richer and more complex flavor.
• Sparkling Rosé – Adds a fruity and slightly tart dimension.

How to Make Aperol Vodka Spritz Cocktail

Ready to make this deliciousness?

Step 1: Fill a wine glass or a large cocktail glass with ice cubes to chill.

Step 2: Pour the Aperol, that bright-red bittersweet liqueur, into the chilled cocktail glass.

Step 3: Add vodka and give a gentle stir to mix.

Step 4: Top with Prosecco or your chosen sparkling wine.

Step 5: Add a splash of club soda if you prefer a lighter spritz. 

An alternative soda water for a more unique flavor:

• Tonic Water
• Lemon or Citrus Soda
• Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer

Tip: Consider adding fresh orange juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, or lemon juice to get a more refreshing drink.

Step 6: Gently stir the cocktail for a little bit more to combine all elements while maintaining the fizz.

Step 7: Garnish with a fresh slice of orange and a sprig of mint.

Here are some alternative garnishes: 

• Lemon or Grapefruit Slice
• Fresh Berries like strawberries or raspberries
• Thyme sprig
• Edible flowers – for that extra touch

Serve immediately and watch the sunset hues of the cocktail brighten your glass and your day.

Expert Tips for Aperol Cocktail Recipe

Here are some tips for you to make this Italian Apéritif even better:

• Use large, clear ice cubes if possible – they melt slower, preventing the drink from getting watered down too quickly.
• Experiment with ratios as you can achieve a stronger alcohol hit if you increase the vodka ratio, or have a lighter drink by increasing the soda amount
• Chill all ingredients before making the drink to get the freshest drink from the first sip
• If you’re using a cocktail shaker, make sure to not shake hard

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions? We’ve got the answers for the best ways to prepare this refreshing cocktail!

How does the taste of Aperol Vodka Spritz differ from the classic Aperol Spritz?

The addition of vodka to the Aperol Vodka Spritz gives the cocktail a stronger alcoholic content and a slightly bolder flavor, while still retaining the bitter-sweet characteristics of the original Aperol Spritz.

Can I use other spirits instead of vodka in an Aperol Spritz?

Yes! While vodka provides a neutral kick, other spirits like gin or white rum can be used to add different flavor profiles to your spritz.

What foods pair well with Aperol Vodka Spritz?

Light appetizers, olives, cured meats, cheeses, and seafood dishes pair wonderfully with the refreshing nature of an Aperol Vodka Spritz.

Anna Dykeman

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Ingredients

  

• 2 oz 60ml Aperol
• 1 oz 30ml Vodka
• 3 oz 90ml Prosecco or any sparkling wine
• Splash of club soda optional
• Orange peel and a sprig of mint for garnish

Instructions

 

• Fill a wine glass or a large cocktail glass with ice cubes to chill.
• Pour the Aperol, that bright-red bittersweet liqueur, into the chilled cocktail glass.
• Add vodka and give a gentle stir to mix.
• Top with Prosecco or your chosen sparkling wine.
• Add a splash of club soda if you prefer a lighter spritz.
• Gently stir the cocktail for a little bit more to combine all elements while maintaining the fizz.
• Garnish with a fresh slice of orange and a sprig of mint.

Tip: Consider adding fresh orange juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, or lemon juice to get a more refreshing drink

Here are some alternative garnishes:

• Lemon or Grapefruit Slice
• Fresh Berries like strawberries or raspberries
• Thyme sprig

Edible flowers – for that extra touch.