Jessie Diggins’ Signature Aperol Spritz Recipe

This classic Aperol spritz is a perfect, thirst-quenching cocktail for warm afternoons, casual gatherings, or a relaxed evening at home. Balanced between bitter and sweet, this drink combines Aperol with dry prosecco and a splash of club soda for a bright, bubbly finish. A fresh orange slice adds citrus aroma and visual appeal.

We added edible glitter to a few of our spritzes as a playful garnish in honor of Jessie Diggins — a fun, festive touch that’s optional but delightful when serving guests.

The Perfect Aperol Spritz Recipe

Looking for a refreshing cocktail that’s light, lively, and approachable? The Aperol spritz fits the bill. Its vivid orange color and citrusy aroma are instantly inviting, and the recipe is simple enough to make for one or for a crowd. This classic Italian aperitivo highlights the bittersweet, herbal flavor of Aperol, enhanced by the crisp dryness of prosecco and the effervescence of soda water.

Serve it as an evening aperitif, at brunch, or at summer parties. The standard proportions give a pleasant balance of flavor and moderate alcohol content, and the drink can be tweaked to be slightlier sweeter or more bitter depending on your preference.

Main Ingredients for Aperol Spritz Cocktail

• Dry prosecco: Choose a drier style with moderate acidity and lower residual sugar for the most authentic balance.
• Aperol: The cocktail’s star ingredient — a bright orange Italian aperitif flavored with bitter oranges, gentian root, rhubarb, and botanicals.
• Club soda: Adds light effervescence and a crisp finish without extra sweetness.
• Fresh orange: A slice or wheel for garnish brings aroma and a hint of fresh citrus oil.
• Orange bitters (optional): A dash can enhance the orange profile and add depth. Omit if you prefer a simpler taste.

What kind of prosecco should I use for an Aperol spritz?

The prosecco you choose affects the cocktail’s final flavor and sweetness. Two common options:

• Extra dry prosecco: Despite its name, extra dry tends to be fairly crisp with lower residual sugar. This style works especially well with Aperol, creating a bright, well-balanced spritz.
• Brut prosecco: Slightly drier than extra dry in some cases and often more delicate in flavor. Brut can produce a softer spritz that still complements Aperol but offers a milder edge.

How to Make the Best Aperol Spritz

1. Fill a wine glass with ice: A large wine glass allows room for bubbles and garnish. Add plenty of ice so the drink stays chilled.

2. Add prosecco and Aperol: Pour the prosecco first, then add the Aperol. The typical ratio is about 3 parts prosecco to 2 parts Aperol, but adjust to taste. Stir gently to combine without losing the bubbles.

3. Top with club soda: Add a splash of club soda for lift and a light finish. Garnish with an orange round or a twist of orange peel to release essential oils.

4. Optional bitters & serve: If you enjoy a more complex citrus note, add a couple of dashes of orange bitters before serving. Present immediately while it’s fizzy and cold.

Top Tips

Make a pitcher: Multiply the recipe (for example, 3x or 4x) and serve from a pitcher over ice for gatherings. Add orange slices directly to the pitcher for a pretty presentation.

Boost the bubbles: Use chilled sparkling water or a very bubbly club soda to increase effervescence if you prefer a livelier texture.

Adjust the sweetness: If the bittersweet balance is too sharp, add a little simple syrup or use a slightly sweeter prosecco to taste.

Garnish creatively: Try an orange twist, a wheel, or a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic accent. Edible glitter or delicate sugar rims make the drink festive for special occasions.

Storage

Leftover spritz can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Because carbonation fades over time, refresh with fresh ice and a splash of prosecco or club soda before serving.