Delicious Aperol Spritz Martini

If you ask me, an Aperol Spritz Martini is a brilliant twist on two classic cocktails.

This refreshing drink combines the sunny, Italian-inspired flavors of an Aperol Spritz with the smooth sophistication of a martini. The bright orange aperitif mingles with crisp gin and a splash of prosecco for the perfect balance.

It’s topped with a hint of club soda and garnished with a simple orange slice, just like its spritz cousin. The result is lighter than a traditional martini but with all the elegance.

It’s a foolproof cocktail that works just as well for fancy dinner parties as it does for casual summer evenings on the patio.

What Kind of Aperol Should I Use?

When it comes to Aperol, there’s actually only one brand that makes this bright orange Italian aperitif – it’s simply called Aperol, and it’s made by the Campari Group. The recipe has stayed the same since it was created in 1919, so you don’t need to worry about choosing between different varieties. Aperol has a lower alcohol content than its cousin Campari and brings a sweet-bitter orange flavor that’s essential to this cocktail. If you’re storing your Aperol at home, just keep it in a cool, dark place – there’s no need to refrigerate it, though you might want to give it a quick chill before mixing your martini.

Options for Substitutions

While this cocktail has some specific ingredients that give it its signature taste, here are some swap options if you need them:

• Aperol: Aperol gives this drink its distinctive orange-bitter taste, but you can use Campari (though it will be more bitter) or Select (which is slightly less bitter). Just know that using anything else will make it a different cocktail altogether.
• Vodka: Any unflavored vodka works well here. You could also try gin for a more herbal twist, though this will change the flavor profile of the drink.
• Prosecco: While Prosecco is traditional, you can use any dry sparkling wine like Cava or even American sparkling wine. Just avoid sweet varieties as they’ll throw off the balance of the drink.
• Orange peel: If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use a lemon twist instead. In a pinch, a few drops of orange bitters can work, though you’ll miss out on the aromatic oils from the fresh peel.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when mixing an Aperol Spritz Martini is using warm prosecco, which can make your cocktail flat and less refreshing – always chill your prosecco thoroughly in advance and keep it cold until the last possible moment before pouring. Another common error is overdoing the Aperol, which can make your drink too bitter and overwhelm the delicate bubbles of the prosecco, so stick to the 1:1:3 ratio of Aperol to vodka to prosecco for perfect balance. When it comes to the orange twist, avoid the temptation to just drop it in – instead, gently twist it over the drink to release the essential oils, then run the peel around the rim of the glass for an extra burst of citrus aroma. For the best results, serve immediately while the prosecco is still perfectly bubbly and avoid stirring too vigorously, which can quickly deflate your carefully crafted cocktail.

What to Serve With Aperol Spritz Martinis?

This refreshing cocktail pairs perfectly with light Italian appetizers that match its bright, citrusy flavors. A plate of antipasti with marinated olives, thin-sliced prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella makes for an ideal happy hour spread. You can also serve these drinks alongside crispy bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, or some salted marcona almonds for easy snacking. If you’re hosting a party, putting out a bowl of citrus-marinated mixed olives and some parmesan crisps gives guests something to nibble on while they sip.

Storage Instructions

Serve: This Aperol Spritz Martini is best enjoyed right after mixing while the prosecco is still bubbly and fresh. The cocktail loses its fizz and special charm if it sits too long, so I recommend making it just before serving.

Prep Ahead: If you’re planning to serve these at a party, you can pre-chill all your ingredients beforehand. Keep your prosecco, vodka, and Aperol in the fridge so they’re perfectly cold when you’re ready to mix. You can also prepare your orange twists up to a few hours ahead – just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	5-10 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 200-220
• Protein: 0-1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 g

Ingredients

• 1 ounce aperol
• 1 ounce vodka
• 3 ounces chilled prosecco
• A twist of orange peel

Step 1: Prepare the Glass

Begin by freezing a martini glass for 30 minutes.

This will ensure your drink stays refreshingly cold for longer once served.

Step 2: Mix the Aperol and Vodka

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 1 ounce of Aperol and 1 ounce of vodka.

Cover the shaker securely and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to ensure the mixture is thoroughly chilled and well-blended.

Step 3: Pour and Top the Drink

Strain the Aperol and vodka mixture into the chilled martini glass.

Carefully top off the drink with 4 to 6 tablespoons (2 to 3 ounces) of chilled prosecco, adding a sparkling finish to your cocktail.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Add a twist of orange peel as a garnish to enhance the drink’s aroma and presentation.

Serve the cocktail immediately and enjoy your refreshing Aperol and prosecco martini!