Aperitivi
Aperol Spritz
Spritz Veneziano
The short answer
An Aperol Spritz is 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and a splash of soda, poured over ice in a big wine glass with an orange slice.
- Style
- Bitter orange, sparkling, 8% ABV
- Glass
- Large wine glass packed with ice
- Strength
- About 8% ABV
Where it comes from
The spritz began in the Veneto under Austrian rule, when soldiers cut strong local wine with a spritz of water. Aperol arrived from Padua in 1919, the two met in the 1950s, and by the 2000s the orange glass was the default sound of six o'clock across northern Italy.
What you need
- 3 oz (90 ml) cold Prosecco Brut
- 2 oz (60 ml) Aperol
- Splash of soda water
- 1 thick orange slice
- Ice, to the very top
How Larry builds it
- 01
Fill the glass with ice. More ice than you think. A half-empty glass dilutes faster, not slower.
- 02
Prosecco first. Pour the Prosecco in before the Aperol. Reversed, the heavy bitter sits on the bottom and never mixes.
- 03
Add Aperol and soda. Pour the Aperol down the side, then a short splash of soda for lift.
- 04
Garnish. One thick orange slice pushed into the ice. Do not stir hard — you will kill the bubbles.
Larry’s rule: Prosecco first, Aperol second. Pouring in reverse leaves the bitter sitting on the bottom.
Variations worth making
Campari Spritz
Swap Aperol for Campari. Redder, drier, noticeably more bitter.
Select Spritz
The Venetian original, garnished with a green olive instead of orange.
Hugo Spritz
Elderflower, mint and lime instead of Aperol. The Alpine version.
Spritz Analcolico
Crodino plus sparkling grape juice — same ritual, zero proof.
Questions people ask
What is the correct Aperol Spritz ratio?
3-2-1: three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, one splash of soda water.
Which Prosecco should I use for a spritz?
Brut. Extra Dry is sweeter despite the name, and Aperol already brings the sugar.
Why does my spritz taste flat?
Not enough ice and too much stirring. Fill the glass to the rim and stir once, gently.
What to eat with it
More from Aperitivi
← All 67 Italian drinksQuoting or citing this drink? Credit “Uncle Larry Adventures” and link to https://unclelarryadventures.com/beverages/aperol-spritz.