Ina Garten Aperol Spritzer

Ina Garten Aperol spritzer takes 5 minutes and just Prosecco, Aperol and sparkling water to make a bubbly, bittersweet orange cocktail for six. It's an easy summer cocktail for brunch, patio nights or spring get-togethers, and it's a few-ingredient, no-shake drink.

Fill each tumbler three-quarters full with ice before anything else goes in, because cold glass and cold ice keep every sip crisp. Skip the ice and the Prosecco goes flat and warm before you finish the first drink.

Ina Garten describes Aperol as an Italian aperitif made from bitter orange and rhubarb, a lighter cousin of Campari. In her version, the Aperol gets just 2 ounces per glass, so the Prosecco stays in charge and the drink never turns too bitter.

Source: Cooking for Jeffrey (2016)

Ina Garten Aperol Spritzer

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Course: BeverageCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

150

kcal

Chilled Prosecco, bright orange Aperol and a splash of sparkling water meet over ice in a tall glass. A slice of orange on top makes it taste lightly bitter, fizzy and very refreshing.

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
  

• 1 (750 ml) bottle Prosecco, chilled
  

• 12 ounces Aperol, such as Barbieri
  

• San Pellegrino or other sparkling water, chilled
  

• 6 half-round slices of orange or blood orange
  

Directions

• Ice the glasses: Fill 6 tumblers, 14 to 16 ounces each, three-quarters full with ice cubes. Do them all at once so the glasses are cold when you start pouring.
• Add the Prosecco: Pour chilled Prosecco into each glass until it is two-thirds full. You will use most of the 750 ml bottle, so keep it in the fridge until you're ready.
• Add the Aperol: Measure 2 ounces of Aperol into each glass, using 12 ounces in all. It sinks and swirls through the Prosecco, which gives the drink its sunset color.
• Top and garnish: Add a splash of chilled San Pellegrino to each glass, then tuck in a half-round slice of orange or blood orange. The sparkling water lightens the drink, so it stays crisp.
• Stir and serve: Give each drink a gentle stir to blend the layers. Serve ice cold, while the bubbles are still lively.

Tools for this recipe

• OXO steel double jigger, Bormioli Rocco glass pitcher with lid. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

What does Aperol taste like?

Aperol is an Italian aperitif made from bitter orange and rhubarb, so it tastes bittersweet and citrusy. It's lighter and sweeter than Campari, which is why it works so well with Prosecco.

Can I use something other than Prosecco?

Any dry sparkling wine, like cava or a dry sparkling rosé, works in a pinch. Pick a dry bottle, since the Aperol already adds sweetness.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Don't mix the full drink early, because the bubbles fade and the ice melts. You can slice the oranges and chill the Prosecco, Aperol and sparkling water ahead, then build each glass in about a minute.

What can I use if I don't have 14- to 16-ounce tumblers?

Any tall glass that holds about 14 ounces will do, like a highball or a large wine glass. Just keep the ratio the same: ice, Prosecco two-thirds up, 2 ounces of Aperol, then a splash of sparkling water.

What's the most common mistake with an Aperol spritzer?

Pouring too much Aperol is the usual one, since it turns the drink sticky and bitter. Stick to 2 ounces per glass and let the Prosecco lead.