Aperol Spritz Is the Ultimate Fizzy + Flavorful Summertime Sip — Easy Recipe for a Crowd

An aperol spritz is sure to become your next summer cocktail favorite — and for good reason. Each sip offers a taste of citrusy sweet and slightly bitter flavors with plenty of effervescence. This drink is so tasty and refreshing that it’s worth serving up a batch at your next gathering. Plus, we share the surprise garnish that will add a tempting touch of saltiness to the cocktail. (Hint: It's a staple in dirty martinis.) Keep reading for the scoop on this drink and our easy recipe to make them for a crowd.

What is aperol spritz?

Aperol spritz is a wine-based sparkling cocktail made with ingredients like aperol (an orange liqueur ), bitters and prosecco. Brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri invented this Italian cocktail in 1919 as an “apéritif”, or pre-meal alcoholic drink, and it’s gained worldwide popularity in recent years.

Related: Orange Aperol Sippers Recipe Is Extra Citrusy and Sweet for Summertime

The popularity of aperol spritz

For many cocktail lovers, this sip checks the boxes for being an appetizing and thirst-quenching option. “Aperol is obviously the trailblazer within aperitifs , and its popularity clearly spikes in the summertime,” Tom Gatehouse , senior trend strategist at Insights Lab by Egg Soldiers, says. “It’s light, refreshing and flavorful, with bittersweet apéritifs perfect for an al fresco afternoon or early evening pre-meal kickstarter.” While you can find aperol spritz on any drink menu, making it at home is just as easy!

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Our simple aperol spritz recipe

Below, you’ll find a classic aperol spritz recipe from our very own First for Women mixologists. It requires just 15 minutes of prep and will wow your guests. We’ve even included a yummy variation for Aperol Cosmopolitans if you want to give this classic cocktail a twist. Cheers!

Citrusy Aperol Spritz

A splash of orange liqueur adds just the right amount of zing to this sparkler that’s perfect for brunch — or anytime.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups ice cubes
• 1 cup Aperol
• ¾ cup Grand Marnier
• 1 (750 ml) bottle prosecco, chilled
• 6 dashes bitters
• 1¼ cups club soda
• Orange slices (optional)

Directions:

• Active: 15 mins
• Total time: 45 mins
• Yield: 6 servings

1. Chill 6 wine glasses about 30 minutes. Divide ice cubes evenly among glasses.
2. Divide Aperol, then Grand Marnier evenly among glasses. Tilt one glass and carefully pour in prosecco, being careful not to overflow; repeat with remaining glasses.
3. Add dash of bitters to each glass. Gently stir to combine. Top off with club soda. If desired, garnish with orange slices.
   
   Easy variation: Make them Aperol Cosmopolitans. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add ½ cup vodka, ¼ cup Aperol and 2 Tbs. lime juice. Cover; shake until chilled, 30 seconds. Strain into 2 glasses. If desired, repeat to make more.

A surprise ‘dirty’ garnish for aperol spritz

This drink is usually garnished with an orange slice as a nod to its citrus taste. But, you can’t go wrong with putting olives in the cocktail too. It may sound like an odd combo, but this jarred staple adds a salty flavor that complements the drink’s sweetness and bitterness. Also, its soft and buttery texture is nice to enjoy between sips. Simply place one or two pitted olives, such as Castelvetrano olives , on a toothpick and garnish for a “dirty” finish to your delicious drink.

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