How to Make the Perfect Aperol Spritz
By Matthew Martinez, Founder, CEO & Managing Broker, Diamond Real Estate Group. California DRE #01869679.
The classic Aperol spritz is three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol and a splash of soda water, poured over plenty of ice in a wine glass and finished with an orange slice. In ounces, that is 3 ounces Prosecco, 2 ounces Aperol and about 1 ounce soda. Pour the Prosecco first, then the Aperol, then the soda, and stir once.
That 3-2-1 ratio is the one Aperol publishes as its official recipe. It is bittersweet, bright orange, and lower in alcohol than a spirit-forward cocktail, which is why it works so well for long afternoons outside.
A little history
Aperol was created in 1919 by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, according to the brand. It is an Italian aperitivo, a drink meant to sharpen the appetite before a meal, with a recipe of herbs and roots and a distinct citrus and bitter taste. Mixed with sparkling wine and soda, it became the spritz, now one of the most familiar aperitivo drinks on any patio or bar menu.
Ingredients (one drink)
- 3 ounces (90 ml) Prosecco, well chilled
- 2 ounces (60 ml) Aperol
- 1 ounce (30 ml) soda water, chilled
- Large ice cubes
- 1 orange slice or half-wheel
Glass: a large stemmed wine glass or balloon glass.
How to make it
- Chill everything. Keep the Prosecco and soda in the fridge. Warm bubbles go flat fast.
- Fill the glass with ice. Fill it nearly to the top. More ice means slower melting and a less watery drink.
- Pour the Prosecco. Tilt the glass slightly to keep the bubbles.
- Add the Aperol. It is heavier than the wine and will sink and mix on its own.
- Top with soda. A short splash is enough.
- Stir once, gently. One turn with a bar spoon. Stirring hard knocks out the bubbles.
- Garnish. Tuck an orange slice into the glass and serve right away.
Tips for a better spritz
- Use dry sparkling wine. A brut Prosecco keeps the drink from tasting syrupy. Labels marked “extra dry” are actually a little sweeter than brut.
- Try a local swap. A dry California sparkling wine from Sonoma or Napa works well in place of Prosecco. It is not traditional, but it is good.
- Do not skip the soda. It lifts the aroma and keeps the drink light.
- Measure the first one. Free-pouring tends to add too much Aperol. Once you know how it looks in your glass, you can eyeball it.
Making spritzes for a crowd
Do not batch Prosecco in a pitcher; it goes flat. Instead, set up a spritz station:
- A bucket of ice and a stack of wine glasses.
- Two or three bottles of Prosecco on ice. A standard 750 ml bottle makes about eight spritzes.
- One 750 ml bottle of Aperol makes about 12 drinks.
- Soda water and a bowl of orange slices.
- A small card with the 3-2-1 ratio so guests can pour their own.
Variations
- Less sweet: use 3 parts Prosecco, 1 1/2 parts Aperol, and a full ounce of soda.
- Low alcohol: replace half the Prosecco with soda water.
- Grapefruit: garnish with grapefruit instead of orange for a sharper edge.
- Other bitters: swap Aperol for another Italian bitter aperitivo for a darker, more bitter drink.
What to serve with it
Spritzes are made for snacks: olives, salted almonds, potato chips, cured meats, and small bites of cheese. For something more substantial, serve them with a panzanella salad made with peak-season tomatoes. Later in the evening, guests who want something stronger might like an espresso martini or a Bee’s Knees.
Hosting in wine country
Much of the year in Sonoma and Napa is warm, dry and suited to entertaining outdoors, which is part of why so many buyers here look for patios, shade and outdoor kitchens. If a backyard for long evenings is on your list, see our guide to pool homes and entertaining backyards in Sonoma or our look at living in Sonoma year-round.
Questions people ask
What is the ratio for an Aperol spritz?
3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water. For one drink, that is 3 ounces, 2 ounces and 1 ounce.
Do you put Aperol or Prosecco in first?
Aperol’s official recipe adds the Prosecco first, then the Aperol, then the soda. The Aperol sinks and mixes with a single stir.
Can I use Champagne instead of Prosecco?
Yes. Any dry sparkling wine works. Champagne and many California sparkling wines are drier and yeastier than Prosecco, so the drink will taste a little less fruity.
How strong is an Aperol spritz?
It is lighter than most cocktails, since Aperol is a low-proof aperitivo and the drink is topped with wine and soda. It still contains alcohol, so drink responsibly and never drive after drinking.
If you are picturing a home with space to host friends on warm evenings, we can help you find it. Browse homes for sale in Sonoma or reach out to us.
Sources & notes
Last reviewed October 2026 by Matthew Martinez.
