Strawberry Aperol Spritz (The Best Summer Cocktail!)

If you enjoy fresh strawberry cocktails, you’re bound to love this Strawberry Aperol Spritz! Aperol is infused with strawberries before being combined with prosecco and club soda in the classic spritz ratios. Cocktails don’t get more summery than this! 

Creating This Strawberry Aperol Spritz Recipe

I adore the classic Aperol spritz cocktail, but this unique take on everyone’s favorite Italian cocktail may just be better than the original! 

I’ve been making this variation on the Aperol spritz all summer long. Friends and neighbors I’ve served this cocktail to have said they love the subtle hint of strawberry in the drink. 

When creating this strawberry Aperol spritz recipe, I knew I wanted the strawberry flavor to be present without overwhelming the classic flavors of Aperol and prosecco. I think I achieved just that! 

In this post, I’ll be sharing my top tips for making a strawberry Aperol spritz cocktail, including the correct Aperol spritz ratio of ingredients, serving suggestions, and more. 

Note that my recipe uses homemade strawberry-infused Aperol. I wanted to stay true to the traditional Aperol spritz ingredient ratios, so I purposely avoided using strawberry cocktail syrups or any additional flavoring agents. 

When the weather heats up, start sipping on Aperol spritzes! They’re incredibly refreshing and can be made in mere minutes. 

What Is an Aperol Spritz?

While the Aperol Spritz is a fairly recent creation, the “Spritz” cocktail has been around since the 1800’s. 

The story goes that Austro-Hungarian soldiers stationed in northern Italy in the 1800’s found the local wine too strong for their liking. To dilute the wine, they added a splash of water. In German, “spritz” means splash — hence the name! 

The spritz cocktail evolved over time. Sparkling water came to replace still water, and eventually spritz cocktails started being made with sparkling Italian wine (prosecco). 

That begs the question, when did Aperol spritz become so popular? Well, the Aperol aperitif was created in 1919 by the brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri. 

It wasn’t until the 1950’s, however, that the Aperol spritz was born. The Aperol spritz was created as an aperitif, a drink that’s lower in alcohol that’s intended to stimulate the appetite. It took off immediately in Italy, but the Aperol craze didn’t hit the US until the early 2000’s. 

After the Barbieri brothers’ liquor company was acquired by the Campari Group, a huge marketing campaign was launched in the US to popularize the refreshing cocktail — and subsequently increase sales of its main ingredient, Aperol.      

What Does an Aperol Spritz Taste Like?

A classic Aperol spritz cocktail is intensely bubbly and bittersweet. It has a distinct orange flavor that is tempered by the dry prosecco. 

Between the bubbles, the chilled ingredients, and the ice, Aperol spritzes are very refreshing! 

What’s the Correct Aperol Spritz Ratio? 

As the name suggests, the Aperol spritz cocktail is part of the spritz cocktail family. To be categorized as a spritz, a cocktail has to follow this ratio: 3 parts bubbly, 2 parts bitter, 1 part soda.

With that being said, there are differing opinions on what the “correct” Aperol spritz ratio is. Some (like me!) swear by the traditional 3:2:1 ratio while others prefer the 1:1 approach (1 part prosecco to 1 part Aperol). 

It’s worth mentioning that the International Bartenders Association supports the 3:2:1 ratio. 

When Should You Serve an Aperol Spritz? 

An Aperol spritz is intended to be served as an aperitif. It’s a low-ABV cocktail that’s meant to stimulate the appetite before a meal. 

I don’t restrict my Aperol spritz sipping to mealtimes, though. Since it’s a cold, refreshing cocktail I enjoy a glass or two on hot days when I’m hanging out on the patio or am poolside. 

Tools Needed to Make a Strawberry Aperol Spritz 

This is a very simple Aperol spritz variation that requires no special tools or ingredients. You can easily measure out the ingredients in parts and build the strawberry cocktail directly in your own glass. 

However, if you enjoy making cocktails at home, I recommend adding the following tools to your bar cart to make your life easier. 

• Large jar (I used a half-gallon mason jar) — You’ll need a large enough container for making the strawberry-infused Aperol. 
• Jigger — For measuring out the ingredients. 
• Cutting board and knife — For cutting the strawberries as well as orange slices to garnish your cocktail. 
• Strainer —To strain the strawberries out of the Aperol. 
• Funnel — After the strawberries have infused the Aperol with their sweet flavor, I prefer transferring the strained Aperol back into its original bottle for easier storage. A funnel makes returning the Aperol to the bottle much simpler! 

Strawberry Aperol Spritz Ingredients

This Aperol spritz cocktail made with strawberries requires minimal ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this summer drink:   

• Fresh strawberries 
• Aperol 
• Prosecco
• Club soda
• Slice of orange

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

What Is Aperol? 

Aperol is a brightly colored, orange-flavored aperitif. It’s low ABV (11%) and has a complex, bittersweet flavor. 

As I mentioned near the beginning of this post, Aperol was created by the Barbieri brothers in 1919. The name “Aperol” comes from the French word for apéritif, “apéro.” 

The exact ingredient in Aperol are a secret. However, it’s known that Aperol is made with citrus oil from both sweet and bitter oranges, as well as rhubarb, gentian root, and cinchona bark. 

If you don’t have any Aperol on hand, some acceptable substitutions include: 

• Luxardo Aperitivo – The most similar to Aperol. It has the same ABV (11%) but is slightly more bitter in flavor. 
• Select Aperitivo — Another Italian aperitif, but with a higher alcohol volume. The flavor profile is similar. 
• Lillet Rouge – Has a similar flavor to Aperol, but it’s not an exact match (nothing is!). Also, Lillet is French and not Italian. 

What Does Aperol Taste Like? 

Aperol is bittersweet, with a distinct orange flavor. However, the orange flavor is nuanced thanks to the addition of rhubarb,  gentian root, cinchona bark, and other secret ingredients. 

Aperol vs. Campari 

When purchasing Aperol, do NOT confuse it with Campari, which is another bitter Italian aperitif. You can tell the difference between Aperol vs Campari in their colors — Aperol is a vibrant orange, whereas Campari is bright red. 

Campari also has nearly twice the amount of alcohol in it, and is far more bitter than Aperol.

What Is Prosecco? 

Prosecco is a sparkling Italian white wine that’s traditionally produced in northern Italy. There are a lot of bad bubbles out there, so look for the label “DOC” or “DOCG” on your Prosecco to ensure it’s good quality. 

DOC and DOCG are acronyms for “Denominazione di Origine Controllata” and “Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita” — essentially they’re quality control labels that prove a Prosecco was made in northern Italy using the highest winemaking standards. 

If you don’t have any Prosecco on hand, you can substitute another sparkling white wine or even Champagne. 

What’s the Best Prosecco for an Aperol Spritz? 

Aperol spritz cocktails may be simple, but that doesn’t mean you should opt for the cheapest ingredients! To make a spritz, you need 3 parts of prosecco — if you buy a cheap bottle of bubbles, you’ll be able to taste it! 

As such, opt for a better quality prosecco that has the DOC or DOCG labeling. 

Choose a dry or extra dry bottle of prosecco. You don’t want a sweet prosecco when making this Aperol spritz variation otherwise your cocktail will lack its signature bittersweet flavor. 

What Is Club Soda? 

Club soda is simply water that’s had carbon dioxide and minerals like sodium bicarbonate and sodium citrate added to it. It’s more heavily carbonated than sparkling water, making it the perfect choice for cocktails. 

If you don’t have any club soda, sparkling water is the only appropriate substitution. Do NOT substitute club soda with tonic water, as tonic water is incredibly bitter. 

What’s the Best Club Soda for an Aperol Spritz? 

You can use any club soda you like when making Aperol spritz cocktails. I often buy club soda from Fever-Tree, but it can be pricey. I just like that it’s highly carbonated! 

Alternately, Schweppes, Canada Dry, and Q Mixers are options with a lower price point. 

How to Make a Strawberry Aperol Spritz 

Making an Aperol spritz is as simple as it gets! To make this strawberry variation, do the following:  

1. Make the strawberry-infused Aperol: Wash, dry, and halve the strawberries. 
2. Add the prepared strawberries to the bottom of a large jar, then pour the Aperol over top. 
3. Seal the jar with the lid and transfer to the fridge. Let the Aperol and strawberries infuse for at least 2 days, or up to 5 days. 
4. After infusing, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer and transfer the Aperol back to the original bottle using a funnel. 
5. Make a strawberry Aperol spritz: For individual cocktails, build each directly in a glass. Fill a balloon or wine glass with cubed ice, then add the prosecco, followed by the Aperol, and lastly the soda water.
6. Garnish with an orange slice and fresh strawberries.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Best Aperol Spritz Garnishes 

The Aperol spritz garnishes you should use will depend on the style of spritz you’re making. 

• To make a Venetian Aperol spritz, garnish your glass with a green olive. The salty olive is meant to cut through the bitterness of the drink and stimulate your appetite. 
• To make a classic Aperol spritz, garnish with an orange slice. I also added fresh strawberries on cocktail skewers since this is a strawberry Aperol spritz! 

Is an Aperol Spritz Served Over Ice? 

Yes! Serve your Aperol spritz on the rocks. Just make sure to use ice cubes and not crushed ice as you don’t want to water down your cocktail. 

What Kind of Glass Is Best for an Aperol Spritz? 

Balloon or wine glasses are typical for making Aperol spritz cocktails. We love these elegant wine glasses! 

Tips for Making the Best Aperol Spritz

• Serve immediately — Over time the carbonation will lessen and the ice will dilute the drink. 
• Pre-chil the individual ingredients — This helps keep your cocktail colder for longer, which slows the ice from melting and subsequently diluting your spritz. 
• Use good quality prosecco — It accounts for 3 parts of the cocktail, so you want a good bottle of bubbly. 
• Buy name brand Aperol — Now is not the time to buy a cheaper version of the classic aperitif! 
• Use highly carbonated club soda — The more carbonated the club soda, the more refreshing your cocktail will be. 
• Use ice cubes, not crushed ice — Crushed ice melts faster and will dilute the cocktail more quickly. 
• Build your Aperol spritz directly in your glass — It’s easier and quicker, plus you don’t need to shake anything up so there’s no need to dirty a cocktail shaker. 

FAQs

How long is infused alcohol good for?

Once you remove the fresh strawberries, the strawberry Aperol will last as long as regular Aperol does (4- 6 months). The alcohol in the Aperol prevents the infused liquor from growing mold. However, since Aperol is low ABV it won’t last as long as, say, infused whiskey. 

How should you store infused alcohol? 

Personally, I like to keep the strawberry-infused aperol in the fridge so it stays cold. It would be safe to keep at room temperature since the alcohol will prevent mold from developing, but I prefer to play things safe and just chill the whole bottle. 

Can you make an Aperol spritz pitcher cocktail? 

Yes! Just follow the 3-2-1 ratio. For a crowd, you might try 3 cups Prosecco, 2 cups Aperol, and 1 cup club soda.

If you plan on making an Aperol spritz pitcher, wait to prepare it until just before you plan on serving it. Otherwise your pitcher cocktail will lose carbonation. 

I also recommend adding the ice directly to the wine glasses and not adding it to the pitcher, otherwise the Aperol mixture will become diluted. 

Can you make an Aperol spritz mocktail?   

I’ve never made an Aperol spritz mocktail before, but you can easily do so using a non-alcoholic bitter orange spirit and non-alcoholic Prosecco. 

What to Serve with Aperol Spritz 

Aperol spritz is bittersweet so it’s best paired with salty dishes like olives. Some nibbles you could serve alongside your Aperol strawberry cocktail include: 

• Homemade Microwave Popcorn
• Marinated Feta
• Tomato Crostini with Pesto and Goat Cheese
• Marinated Olives
• Olive Puff Pastry Cups
• Summer Squash Crostini
• Asparagus Puff Pastry Squares

Try this Aperol Spritz Variation!

Next time you’re looking for a fun strawberry cocktail, give this strawberry Aperol spritz recipe a try! Did you think it was the perfect summertime drink? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this Aperol spritz recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this strawberry Aperol spritz!

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Bitter, bubbly, and slightly sour, this Grapefruit Vodka Tonic is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail! Who knew that vodka and grapefruit juice could taste so good?

A classic Moscow Mule gets a fruity twist with this recipe for Fresh Pineapple Mint Moscow Mules.

This Raspberry Mango Sangria combines all the cheery and colorful tastes of summer into one beautiful drink with fresh fruit; it’s fresh, crisp and refreshing. You’ll love how easy to prepare this summer cocktail is!

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

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