Italy's iconic aperitivo for slow summer evenings

Club Riviera Recipe Collection · Aperitivo Series · No. 02

 

The Perfect Aperol Spritz

Some drinks become symbols of a place.

The Aperol Spritz is one of them.

Order one on a sun-drenched piazza in Venice, along the harbour in Portofino, or on a glamorous terrace in Saint-Tropez, and you'll immediately notice something: nobody is in a hurry.

The beauty of an Aperol Spritz isn't just its unmistakable orange glow or its refreshing bittersweet flavour. It's what the drink represents. An invitation to pause before dinner. To linger over conversation. To toast the end of another beautiful day.

In Italy, aperitivo is less about drinking and more about slowing down. Friends gather as the afternoon fades into evening, small plates appear on the table, and time seems to stretch just a little longer.

Simple to prepare yet effortlessly elegant, the Aperol Spritz has become one of the world's most beloved summer cocktails—and for very good reason.

 

Club Riviera Scorecard

 

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Italy's most iconic summer cocktail
• Perfectly balanced between sweet, bitter and sparkling
• Ready in less than five minutes
• Beautiful for entertaining
• The ultimate golden hour drink

 

Ingredients

• 90 ml chilled Prosecco
• 60 ml Aperol
• 30 ml soda water
• Plenty of ice
• 1 fresh orange slice

 

Equipment

• Large wine glass
• Bar spoon
• Jigger or measuring cup

 

Method

1. Fill your glass generously with ice

A large wine glass keeps the cocktail colder for longer while allowing the aromas to develop beautifully.

2. Pour in the Prosecco

Adding the Prosecco first helps preserve the bubbles and creates a lighter blend.

3. Add the Aperol

Slowly pour in the Aperol, allowing its vibrant orange colour to naturally swirl through the Prosecco.

4. Top with soda water

Finish with a splash of soda water to lift the drink and create its signature refreshing finish.

5. Garnish

Add a fresh slice of orange and serve immediately.

No stirring is really necessary—just a gentle swirl with a bar spoon if needed.

 

What Makes an Aperol Spritz So Special?

Unlike many cocktails, the Aperol Spritz isn't designed to be strong or overly sweet.

Its magic lies in balance.

The gentle bitterness of Aperol complements the crisp acidity of Prosecco, while sparkling water lightens everything into an incredibly refreshing drink that's perfect before dinner.

It's sophisticated without trying too hard—exactly the kind of effortless elegance that defines the Italian Riviera.

 

What to Serve with an Aperol Spritz

An Aperol Spritz is made for sharing.

Serve it with simple Mediterranean dishes that let quality ingredients shine.

Our favourite pairings include:

• Burrata with Peaches, Prosciutto & Honey
• Classic Burrata Caprese
• Fresh focaccia with olive oil
• Marinated olives
• Parmigiano Reggiano
• Prosciutto di Parma
• Salted Marcona almonds
• Grilled artichokes
• Roasted red peppers

The aim isn't a heavy meal, it's a table full of beautiful things to nibble while conversation flows.

 

Riviera Hosting Tip

One of the easiest ways to recreate an Italian aperitivo at home is to serve everything at once.

Rather than bringing dishes out one by one, arrange cocktails, olives, cheeses, bread and antipasti across the table and let guests help themselves.

The atmosphere instantly becomes more relaxed, generous and wonderfully Mediterranean.

The Riviera Mood

Picture yourself on a waterfront terrace.

Fishing boats gently rocking in the harbour.

The sound of cutlery and laughter drifting from nearby restaurants.

The last warmth of the afternoon sun on your shoulders.

An Aperol Spritz in hand.

Arguably one of the finest moments of the day.

 

Set the Scene!

Recreate the feeling of an elegant Italian evening.

• Crisp white linen
• Oversized wine glasses
• Bowls of olives and roasted almonds
• Fresh orange slices on a ceramic platter
• Flickering candles
• Olive branches in a simple vase
• Soft jazz, Paolo Conte or classic Italian love songs
• A relaxed outdoor table whenever possible

 

Did You Know?

Although many people associate the Aperol Spritz with the entire Italian coastline, the drink was originally popularised in northern Italy, particularly in the Veneto region.

Today, it's enjoyed everywhere from Venice and Lake Garda to Capri, Portofino and the Amalfi Coast, becoming an international symbol of Italian summer living.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the traditional Aperol Spritz ratio?

The classic Italian ratio is 3:2:1:

• 3 parts Prosecco
• 2 parts Aperol
• 1 part soda water

This creates the perfect balance between sweetness, bitterness and bubbles.

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Should you stir an Aperol Spritz?

Only gently.

A light stir is enough to combine the ingredients without losing the sparkle.

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Can I use sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?

Yes, although Prosecco is the traditional choice. A dry sparkling wine works beautifully if that's what you have available.

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Why is Aperol bitter?

Aperol is made using a blend of herbs, roots and citrus, giving it its distinctive bittersweet flavour that's designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal.

 

Explore More Riviera Recipes

Continue your aperitivo journey with:

• The Perfect Limoncello Spritz
• Hugo Spritz
• Rosé Piscine
• Burrata with Peaches, Prosciutto & Honey
• The Ultimate Riviera Aperitivo Board

Or start planning your next Mediterranean escape with our complete guides to the Amalfi Coast and the French Riviera.

 

The Club Riviera Ritual

Don't watch the clock.

Watch the sky.

As daylight softens into evening, pour a drink, gather the people you love, and let conversation become the evening's only agenda.

Because an Aperol has never been about extravagance.

It's about making ordinary evenings feel quietly unforgettable.