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Here’s my go-to Aperol Spritz recipe that’s perfect for summer parties and backyard gatherings. It’s a simple mix of Aperol, prosecco, and soda water that makes enough to keep a crowd happy and refreshed.
I love making a big batch of these when friends come over – it saves me from playing bartender all evening, and everyone can help themselves. Plus, the orange garnishes make it look fancy without any extra work!
Why You’ll Love This Aperol Spritz
- Perfect for entertaining – This big-batch cocktail recipe means you won’t be stuck playing bartender all night – just mix once and let guests serve themselves!
- Quick preparation – You can have this festive drink ready in just 15 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests and the party.
- Make-ahead friendly – The rosemary syrup can be made days in advance and stored in the fridge, making party prep even easier.
- Customizable serving size – This recipe easily scales up or down depending on your guest count, and the ratios make it simple to mix individual drinks once the batch runs out.
- Restaurant-quality cocktail – The addition of rosemary syrup gives this classic Italian cocktail a special touch that makes it feel extra fancy without any complicated techniques.
What Kind of Aperol Should I Use?
When it comes to Aperol, there’s actually only one kind – it’s a specific brand of Italian aperitif made by Campari Group, so you won’t have to worry about choosing between different varieties. The bright orange liqueur has a unique bittersweet taste that’s essential for a proper spritz, and there really aren’t any suitable substitutes if you want that classic flavor. You’ll find Aperol in most liquor stores, usually in the aperitif or bitter section. While the price might be a bit higher than some other liqueurs, a little goes a long way, and it’s worth getting the real thing rather than trying alternatives that won’t give you that authentic spritz taste.
Options for Substitutions
Want to mix things up with your big-batch cocktail? Here are some helpful swaps you can try:
- Aperol: While Aperol gives this cocktail its signature taste, you can use Campari (though it will be more bitter) or Select (which is slightly sweeter). Just note that these will change the classic flavor profile.
- Prosecco: Any dry sparkling wine works here – try Cava or another Italian sparkling wine. Just avoid sweet varieties like Asti, as they’ll make your drink too sweet.
- Soda water: Club soda or sparkling mineral water work perfectly fine. You can even use flavored sparkling water like lime or orange for an extra twist.
- Rosemary: For the syrup and garnish, you can swap rosemary with thyme or basil. If using dried herbs for the syrup, use 1 tablespoon instead of fresh sprigs.
- Orange slices: Blood oranges make a nice substitute when in season, or try grapefruit slices for a different citrus kick.
- White sugar: For the syrup, you can use raw sugar or honey (use ¾ cup honey instead of 1 cup sugar). The taste will be slightly different but still good!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest mistake when mixing Aperol Spritz for a crowd is eyeballing the proportions – stick to the classic 3-2-1 ratio (3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda) to maintain the perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and fizzy.
Temperature control is crucial – warm Prosecco or Aperol can make your drink flat and less refreshing, so make sure all ingredients are well-chilled before mixing, and don’t add ice until the last possible moment to prevent excessive dilution.
When making the rosemary syrup, avoid over-steeping the herbs as this can make your cocktail taste medicinal – remove the rosemary sprigs after 10-15 minutes of cooling time.
For the best fizzy results, add the Prosecco last and stir gently with a long spoon to preserve the bubbles, and consider making the drink in batches rather than one large container to maintain maximum effervescence throughout your gathering.
What to Serve With Aperol Spritz?
Since Aperol Spritz is traditionally served as an aperitif (pre-dinner drink), it pairs perfectly with light appetizers and snacks that match its Italian heritage. A platter of mixed olives, some salted marcona almonds, or a board of prosciutto with melon makes for easy nibbling while sipping. I love putting out some crispy bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, which really complements the drink’s citrusy flavors. For a casual gathering, even some potato chips or mixed nuts will do the trick – just remember that Aperol Spritz is meant to open up your appetite, not fill you up before dinner!
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: The rosemary-infused syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This makes it super convenient to prep ahead when you’re planning to host! Just label the container with the date you made it.
Mix Later: For the best fizzy results, don’t mix the cocktail until you’re ready to serve. Keep your Prosecco and Aperol chilled in the fridge, and have plenty of ice ready to go. Once mixed, the cocktails should be enjoyed right away to maintain their bubbly charm.
Prep Ahead: If you’re hosting a party, you can slice the oranges and prep the rosemary garnishes a few hours ahead. Keep the orange slices in an airtight container in the fridge and the rosemary sprigs wrapped in slightly damp paper towels until ready to use.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1600-1800
- Protein: 0-1 g
- Fat: 0-1 g
- Carbohydrates: 400-450 g
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 5 small sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 cups ice, plus extra for serving
- 1 bottle aperol
- 1 bottle prosecco
- 3 cups soda water
- 1 cup rosemary-infused syrup
- 6 orange slices, for garnish
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, for garnish
Step 1: Make the Rosemary Simple Syrup
Begin by adding sugar, water, and rosemary to a small saucepan.
Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and continue cooking for 5 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes to allow the rosemary flavor to infuse.
Step 2: Strain and Store the Simple Syrup
After the syrup has steeped, strain it into a glass jar, removing and discarding the rosemary.
This rosemary simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator and will keep freshly up to 1 month, ready for whenever you’d like to make a refreshing drink.
Step 3: Make the Rosemary Aperol Spritz – Batch Preparation
For a batch serving, take a large pitcher and combine ice, Aperol, prosecco, club soda, and the prepared rosemary simple syrup.
Stir in the orange wheels and rosemary sprigs for garnish and extra flavor.
Pour the mix into large wine glasses filled with ice and serve.
Step 4: Make the Rosemary Aperol Spritz – Single Drink Preparation
For a single drink, fill a wine glass with 1 cup (150 g) of ice.
Add 3 oz (90 ml) of Aperol, 3 oz (90 ml) of prosecco, 1 oz (30 ml) of club soda, and 1 oz of rosemary simple syrup.
Stir the drink gently to mix the ingredients, and enjoy the refreshing citrus and herbal taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Whether you’re serving a large group or enjoying a single drink, the rosemary Aperol spritz is perfect for any occasion.
Serve immediately and savor every sip!