Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe (perfect ratio!)
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If you’ve landed here, it’s probably because you want to make a crisp, refreshing Aperol Spritz at home—and keep every last bubble intact. I’ll show you my foolproof 3-2-1 ratio and the small but important technique I use to make sure your spritz stays perfectly fizzy, just like it should.
The Aperol Spritz is all about effortless summer sipping with just a hint of Italian sunshine in every glass. It’s lightly bitter, gently sweet, and incredibly refreshing—exactly the kind of drink you want in hand on a warm afternoon or while lingering over appetizers with friends. That said, what really makes this cocktail shine is how it’s made.
The best Aperol Spritz ratio is the classic 3–2–1: three ounces of prosecco, two ounces of Aperol, and one ounce of soda water. For the best results, I recommend measuring the ingredients so the balance is just right, but if you’re making these casually or for a crowd, eyeballing the amounts works perfectly fine.
Tip: Commit the 3-2-1 ratio to memory so you can make an Aperol spritz at a moment’s notice.
One thing that truly sets my method apart is adding the ice last. When bubbles are poured over ice, they tend to disappear quickly—but by building the drink first and then gently adding ice, you keep the spritz maximally bubbly and lively. It’s a small detail that makes a noticeable difference and gives you a brighter, fizzier cocktail every time.
Two more cocktails you might enjoy are my frozen Aperol spritz and my Aperol Negroni.
How to make a pitcher of Aperol spritz
Making an Aperol Spritz in a pitcher is a bit sacrilegious, but when you’re serving a crowd, practicality wins. This cocktail is perfect for entertaining, and using the same 3–2–1 ratio makes scaling it up surprisingly easy. When making a pitcher, I recommend measuring in cups rather than ounces.
For a standard 8-cup pitcher, combine 3 cups prosecco (about one bottle), 2 cups Aperol, and 1 cup soda water. Give it the gentlest stir—yes, I know this goes against everything I said earlier, but this method is all about simplicity over perfection—then pour into wine glasses filled with ice. Just be sure to mix the pitcher right before serving, as making it too far in advance will cause those lovely bubbles to disappear.
Garnish your spritz
If you order an Aperol Spritz in North America, it will almost always be garnished with an orange slice in the glass or an orange wedge on the rim. In Italy, however, it’s common to serve it with a few green olives on the side. A twist of lemon peel is another lovely option. There’s no wrong choice here, so feel free to try them all and see which you prefer.
Classic Aperol Spritz Recipe (perfect ratio!)
Ingredients
- 3 parts prosecco
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part soda water (or club soda)
- Orange slices (to serve)
Instructions
- Add the prosecco, Aperol, and soda water to a large wine glass.3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water
- Carefully fill the glass with ice. See notes. Garnish the glass with a slice of orange and serve right away.Orange slices
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
I agree, the Aperol spritz is really the best summer drink ever. I order it every time we go out, but never considered how easy it is to make it at home. I used this recipe over the weekend to sip on this outside and it turned out great.
Aperol Spritz is my second favourite alcoholic drink (after Negroni) and I cannot believe I have never made it at home until now! Tried your recipe this afternoon, and the ratios were absolutely perfect for me! 🙂
Such a refreshing cocktail! And a great recipe for entertaining too.