Bright, bittersweet, and lightly effervescent, the Aperol Spritz is a classic cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is refreshing. This Latin-inspired version swaps Prosecco for Spanish Cava and finishes with the lively bubbles of Topo Chico, creating what I think is the best Aperol spritz around.
What is an Aperol Spritz?
An Aperol Spritz is a bright, citrusy Italian cocktail known for its vivid orange color and pleasantly bittersweet flavor. Traditionally made with Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda, it’s an ideal aperitif—light, bubbly, and perfect for sipping before a meal. In this recipe I swap prosecco for Cava and use sparkling mineral water for a slightly different character and bigger bubbles.
Why you’ll love this easy cocktail recipe
- Quick and fuss-free—no cocktail shaker required.
- Only four simple ingredients.
- Light and refreshing—perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Aperol Spritz uses just a few ingredients. See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
- Ice: Use large ice cubes to slow dilution. Decorative ice (like floral cubes) adds flair but is optional.
- Aperol: An Italian aperitif flavored with bitter orange, gentian root, rhubarb, and botanicals. Sweeter and lower in alcohol than Campari, with citrus and floral notes.
- Cava: Spanish sparkling wine is my pick here, but any dry sparkling wine—Prosecco or Champagne—works.
- Sparkling water: Topo Chico adds crispness and big bubbles, but club soda or any sparkling water is fine.
- Orange slice: The classic garnish; naval or Cara Cara oranges work well.
How to Make an Aperol Spritz Cocktail
Add ice to a wine glass, then pour in the Aperol and Cava.
Top with a splash of Topo Chico or club soda. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy.
Optional Variations & Customizations
There are many ways to tailor this spritz to your taste. A few ideas:
- Adjust bitterness: Alter the ratio of sparkling wine to Aperol to suit your palate. More Cava will mellow bitterness; more Aperol increases it.
- Lower alcohol: Add extra sparkling water and reduce Aperol and Cava for a lighter drink.
- Nonalcoholic mocktail: Use alcohol-free Aperol and sparkling wine substitutes for a booze-free spritz.
- Flavored seltzer or juice: Use flavored sparkling water for subtle variations, or add an ounce of fruit juice (peach, blood orange, grapefruit, or cranberry) for bolder flavors.
- Frozen spritz: Blend Aperol with frozen fruit (strawberries or mango), then gently fold in Cava and Topo Chico for a slushy twist.
Serving Suggestions
The Aperol Spritz pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. It complements appetizers, seafood, cheese boards, light salads, pizza, pasta, spicy tacos, fruit desserts, and even chocolate. A few favorites to serve with the spritz include bruschetta, shrimp ceviche, grilled fruit and cheese, and shrimp tacos.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Make a pitcher for parties: Multiply ingredients by 8 and pour over ice. Store leftovers in a sealed container to preserve bubbles.
- Remember the ratio: Classic 3-2-1 (3 parts sparkling wine, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part sparkling water). I often prefer 3 parts Aperol, 3 parts Cava, and 1 part Topo Chico for a bolder profile.
- Don’t over-stir: One or two gentle spins are enough. Overmixing dissipates the carbonation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Negroni is a bold, spirit-forward cocktail made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The Aperol Spritz is lighter and bubbly, with a bittersweet, citrus-forward profile served with sparkling wine and a splash of soda.
Bright, fizzy, slightly bitter, and gently sweet, with orange and herbal notes—think an Italian sunset in a glass.
Yes. Spanish Cava is an excellent substitute and gives a slightly more mineral, citrusy character than prosecco.
You can, but Campari is more bitter and higher in alcohol than Aperol. If using Campari, reduce the amount—try 3 parts sparkling wine, 1 part Campari, and 1 part sparkling water.
Recommended Equipment
- A jigger or liquid measuring shot glass for consistent pours.
- White wine or stemless wine glasses are ideal, though a rocks or Collins glass works too.
- Large ice cube trays if you want oversized cubes to slow dilution.
- A bar spoon is helpful if you prefer a gentle stir rather than spinning the glass.
More Summery Cocktail Recipes
- Skinny Cantaritos Cocktails
- Easy Spicy Michelada (Mexican Beer Cocktail)
- Easy Lime Chelada (Mexican Beer Cocktail)
If you make this recipe, please leave a rating and comment, or share a photo and tag @muybuenocooking with #muybuenocooking. Cheers!
Ingredients
- Ice
- 3 ounces (1 part) Aperol
- 3 ounces (1 part) dry Cava or Prosecco
- 1 ounce (a splash) Topo Chico or club soda
- Orange slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a wine glass.
- Pour in the Aperol and Cava. Top with a splash of sparkling mineral water and add a slice of orange. Salud!
Notes
- Hosting a party? Multiply the recipe by 8 for a pitcher. Keep leftovers sealed to preserve effervescence.
- Remember the ratio: Classic 3-2-1 (3 parts Cava, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part sparkling water). For a bolder spritz try 3 parts Aperol, 3 parts Cava, 1 part Topo Chico.
- Don’t over-mix: One or two gentle turns will combine the drink without losing too many bubbles.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 28 g
| Protein: 0.1 g
| Fat: 0.3 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.