The Aperol Spritz, 3 Ways
Few drinks capture the spirit of Italian summer like the Aperol Spritz. Bright, bubbly, and made for aperitivo hour, it’s a refreshing classic with endless charm. In this post, I’m sharing three versions — the traditional, a floral & creamy twist, and a frozen ginger spritz — so you can sip your favorite style all season long.
Italian Translation: none — it’s already Italian!
Region of Origin: Veneto
Category: Beverages [‘Bevande’]
Michelle’s Cucina
A note from my kitchen to yours.
Not only Italy’s favorite cocktail, but mine as well — the Spritz is my go-to, year-round. 🥂 Originating in Veneto, specifically Padua, this drink has become an icon of Italian aperitivo culture. While I’ll always love the timeless classic, I couldn’t resist adding a few playful variations. I hope these inspire you to get creative too, whether you’re gathering friends, sitting poolside, or just treating yourself to a little sparkle.
What You’ll Need for 3 Aperol Spritz Variations:
Classic Spritz:
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) Aperol
- 3 ounces (¼ cup + 2 Tablespoons) Prosecco
- 1 ounce (2 Tablespoons) Club Soda
- Orange Slice
Rose & Cream Spritz:
- 1.5 ounces (3 Tablespoons) Aperol
- .5 ounce (1 Tablespoon) Cream
- .25 ounce (½ Tablespoon) Rose Simple Syrup (See recipe here: Versatile Simple Syrups)
- 1x egg white
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) Prosecco
Ginger Slush Spritz:
- 1.5 ounces (3 Tablespoons) Aperol
- .5 ounce (1 Tablespoon) Ginger Simple Syrup (See recipe here: Versatile Simple Syrups)
- 4 ounces (½ cup) Prosecco
Equipment & Tools for 3 Aperol Spritz Variations:
Classic Spritz:
- No equipment needed
- Served in a standard wine glass
Rose & Cream Spritz:
- Cocktail shaker needed
- Served in an elegant coupe glass
Ginger Slush Spritz:
- Blender needed
- Served in stemless wine glass (or stainless steel wine tumbler for beach or pool-side)
How to Make 3 Aperol Spritz Variations:
Drink 1: Classic Spritz.
Drink 1: Classic Spritz. Fill a wine glass with Ice. Add ingredients to wine glass. Gently stir and serve with an orange slice
Drink 2: Rose & Cream Spritz.
Drink 2: Rose & Cream Spritz. Pour the Prosecco into the coupe glass. In a cocktail shaker, add Aperol, cream, rose simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Add a handful of ice, and shake vigorously for another 20-30 seconds. Strain into coupe glass.
Drink 3: Ginger Slush Spritz.
Add ingredients and 2 cups of ice to a blender and blend for 20 seconds. Pour into stemless wine glass.
How to Serve 3 Aperol Spritz Variations:
Food Pairings:
- Classic Spritz: Prosciutto-wrapped melon, marinated olives, or bruschetta with tomato & basil. (Bright and savory bites, balancing the bittersweet Aperol).
- Rose & Cream Spritz: Burrata crostini, smoked salmon, or light pastries like zeppole. (Delicate bites, both elegant and aperitivo-chic).
- Ginger Slush Spritz: Arancini, crispy calamari, or a charcuterie board heavy on salami and pecorino. (Perfect with salty/spicy nibbles + slushiness makes it playful and beach-party ready)
Cin Cin!
La Vita, Simplified:
For a weekday or N/A treat, I love to substitute Ritual’s Zero Proof Aperitif for the Aperol. Not only is it alcohol-free, but it contains zero calories and only 1g cane sugar per 1.5 oz; AND it tastes great.
THE APEROL SPRITZ, 3 WAYS
Equipment
- Classic Spritz: No equipment needed. Served in a standard wine glass.
- Rose & Cream Spritz: Cocktail shaker needed. Served in an elegant coupe glass.
- Ginger Slush Spritz: Blender needed. Served in stemless wine glass (or stainless steel wine tumbler for beach or pool-side)
Ingredients
Classic Spritz:
- 2 ounces Aperol - = ¼ cup
- 3 ounces Prosecco - = ¼ cup + 2 Tablespoons
- 1 ounce Club Soda - = 2 Tablespoons
- Orange Slice
Rose & Cream Spritz:
- 1.5 ounces Aperol - = 3 Tablespoons
- ½ ounce Cream - = 1 Tablespoon
- ¼ ounce Rose Simple Syrup - = ½ Tablespoon (See how-to link below!)
- 1 Egg white
- 2 ounces Prosecco - = ¼ cup
Ginger Slush Spritz:
- 1.5 ounces Aperol - = 3 Tablespoons
- ½ ounce Ginger Simple Syrup - = 1 Tablespoon (See how-to link below!)
- 4 ounces Prosecco - = ½ cup
Instructions
Classic Spritz
- Fill a wine glass with Ice
- Add ingredients to wine glass
- Gently stir and serve with an orange slice
Rose & Cream Spritz
- Pour the Prosecco into the coupe glass.
- In a cocktail shaker, add Aperol, cream, rose simple syrup, and egg white.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds
- Add a handful of ice, and shake vigorously for another 20-30 seconds
- Strain into coupe glass.
Ginger Slush Spritz
- Add ingredients and 2 cups of ice to a blender and blend for 20 seconds
- Pour into stemless wine glass
- Cin Cin!
Notes
- Classic Spritz: Orange slice and Rosemary Sprig
- Rose & Cream Spritz: Dried edible rose petals
- Ginger Slush Spritz: Fresh basil, raspberries, ginger peels, and orange slices
- Classic Spritz: Prosciutto-wrapped melon, marinated olives, or bruschetta with tomato & basil. (Bright and savory bites, balancing the bittersweet Aperol).
- Rose & Cream Spritz: Burrata crostini, smoked salmon, or light pastries like zeppole. (Delicate bites, both elegant and aperitivo-chic).
- Ginger Slush Spritz: Arancini, crispy calamari, or a charcuterie board heavy on salami and pecorino. (Perfect with salty/spicy nibbles + slushiness makes it playful and beach-party ready)
- For a weekday or N/A treat, I love to substitute Ritual’s Zero Proof Aperitif for the Aperol. Not only is it alcohol-free, but it contains zero calories and only 1g cane sugar per 1.5 oz; AND it tastes great.
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