Step into the vibrant world of Italian aperitivo with a refreshing twist on the classic Aperol Spritz. This iconic cocktail, celebrated for its dazzling orange hue and bittersweet flavor profile, is the quintessential drink to usher in warm summer evenings or elevate any casual gathering. While deeply rooted in Italian tradition, our rendition introduces an exciting modern element: orange hard seltzer, offering an unexpected depth of flavor and an extra layer of effervescence. Prepare to elevate your cocktail game and discover why this bright, bubbly concoction remains a perennial favorite. Cin Cin!
The Aperol Spritz isn’t just a pre-dinner drink; it embodies a celebratory spirit that fits any moment. While the traditional recipe often calls for soda water, incorporating prosecco not only amplifies the festive bubbles but also harmonizes beautifully with the added complexity of hard seltzer, creating a truly irresistible experience. This delightful concoction is perfect for those who appreciate a drink that’s both elegant and easygoing. Discover how to craft this captivating beverage and make every moment feel like ‘spritz-o-clock’ in your own home.
The Ultimate Aperol Spritz: A Hard Seltzer Twist
This Aperol Spritz recipe provides a modern, effervescent take on the classic Italian aperitif. Combining the bittersweet notes of Aperol with the bright fizz of orange hard seltzer and the elegance of prosecco, it’s a truly refreshing and unforgettable summer cocktail. Prepare to be delighted by this perfectly balanced and easily prepared drink.
Recipe by: David Leite
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Recipe Details
- Course: Drinks
- Cuisine: Italian
- Servings: 2 drinks
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Calories: 256 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- Plenty of Ice
- 6 ounces Aperol*
- 4 ounces Prosecco or soda water (chilled)
- 1 can (12 ounces) orange hard seltzer (chilled)
- Orange wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Generously fill two large wine glasses or highball glasses with ice to keep your spritz perfectly chilled.
- Divide the 6 ounces of Aperol evenly between the two prepared glasses.
- Next, split the prosecco or soda water (whichever you choose) between the glasses, adding a delightful sparkle.
- Top each glass with half a can of the orange hard seltzer, allowing its citrus notes and effervescence to mingle with the other ingredients.
- Garnish each vibrant cocktail with a fresh orange wedge, enhancing both its visual appeal and aromatic profile. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes on Aperol
*What is Aperol?
Aperol is a widely recognized Italian apéritif bitter, distinguished by its brilliant orange color and unique bittersweet taste. Originating in Padua, Italy, in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers, it gained international acclaim, particularly in recent years as a staple for refreshing summer cocktails. Its flavor profile is a harmonious blend of oranges, select herbs, and roots, including gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona – the latter lending a familiar distinct taste often found in tonic water.
While often compared to Campari, another famous Italian aperitif, Aperol sets itself apart with its significantly lower alcohol content (a mild 11%) and a less intense bitter flavor. This makes it a more approachable and versatile choice for cocktails, appealing to a broader palate. The Aperol Spritz, typically made with prosecco and soda, has become a global phenomenon, symbolizing relaxation and good times. This recipe, with its hard seltzer twist, offers a delightful new dimension to this beloved classic, enhancing its inherent orange notes and providing an extra layer of bubbly refreshment.
Adapted From
The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book
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Nutrition Information (Approximate)
- Serving: 1 serving
- Calories: 256 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Sugar: 1 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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Insights from Our Recipe Testers
Our team of dedicated recipe testers put this modern Aperol Spritz to the test, offering diverse perspectives on this innovative cocktail. Read their honest feedback and discover why this hard seltzer twist captivated some and intrigued others.
Erin Bloys
As a devoted fan of the classic Aperol Spritz, I was particularly eager to experiment with this version featuring orange-flavored hard seltzer. For my test, I opted for White Claw Tangerine. While the cocktail wasn’t entirely unappealing, I found it didn’t quite live up to the standard of a traditional Aperol Spritz made with prosecco and club soda or seltzer. My primary reservation stems from my general preference against hard seltzers, as I often detect a subtle artificial note, which unfortunately carried through in this drink.
However, I recognize that my opinion on hard seltzer is somewhat uncommon, as many people, including a good number of my friends, genuinely enjoy it. Therefore, I would certainly recommend this innovative spritz to those who appreciate the unique flavor profile of hard seltzer. Personally, though, I will continue to savor the timeless simplicity and nuanced bitterness of my beloved classic Aperol Spritz.
Michelle Stein
During a particularly brutal heatwave, returning home from a challenging day, the prospect of crafting a luscious cocktail for myself and a friend was an absolute necessity. With all the necessary ingredients readily available, preparing this Aperol Spritz was a delightfully simple decision – an instant indulgence. A recent discovery of mine has been the charming split bottles of prosecco. Living in an area like New Jersey, where BYOB is prevalent, these smaller bottles are perfect when a full bottle of bubbly isn’t practical or desired, especially when considering driving. Conveniently, one split bottle provides the ideal amount for two generous Aperol cocktails.
Traditionally, my go-to Aperol Spritz has always been made with prosecco, seltzer, and a splash of orange juice, closely following the proportions suggested on the Aperol bottle. However, the hard seltzer specified in this recipe proved to be a magnificent enhancement. It was truly perfetto. This variation on a classic theme not only works but genuinely elevates the experience, making it a wonderful and sparkling addition to any summer offering. The hard seltzer brought a unique zest and lightness that perfectly complemented the Aperol, creating a vibrant and exceptionally refreshing drink.
Daisy Lewis
During a memorable trip to Italy, I was captivated by the sight of countless people enjoying incredibly refreshing red drinks. Upon returning home, however, I found myself struggling to fully embrace the distinct bitterness of cocktails made with Aperol and Campari. Determined to cultivate an appreciation for them, I resolved that this summer would be the season I fell in love with these iconic Italian beverages, and I was particularly excited to try this specific Aperol Spritz recipe.
I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no more quintessential pairing than Aperol and orange, and this recipe cleverly amplifies that synergy with the inclusion of orange hard seltzer. This particular iteration of the Aperol Spritz proved to be precisely what I needed. It’s a remarkable variation that successfully allowed me to wholeheartedly embrace and fall in love with that wonderfully refreshing, signature red Italian drink. The hard seltzer enhanced the familiar orange notes, creating a perfectly balanced and invigorating cocktail that truly hit the mark.
Angela Reynolds
This recipe is an absolute triumph! This modern spin on the Aperol Spritz is perfectly summery, incredibly refreshing, and allows you to whip up a special drink in mere minutes. For my preparation, I utilized both prosecco and White Claw, and I found the proportions to be spot-on for filling two generously sized wine glasses. We thoroughly enjoyed sipping these vibrant cocktails with appetizers outdoors, contemplating the joys of a long weekend ahead. This recipe also offers a fantastic way to extend a single bottle of prosecco, easily making enough delicious drinks to delight numerous friends.
As a delightful side note, the vibrant hue of this drink is a perfect match for Clemson Tiger Orange, making it an ideal choice for a football tailgate, especially for those brunchy, early games. Of course, this fantastic cocktail would also be perfectly suited for fans of Tennessee, Texas, or Florida, or any occasion that calls for a bright, spirited drink!
Jenny Latreille
I had long intended to try the ubiquitous Aperol Spritz, but somehow, the opportunity never arose. Then, serendipitously, just a day after reading this tempting recipe, I found myself in possession of both a bottle of Aperol and a bottle of prosecco. It seems sometimes the Universe conspires in the most mysterious and delightful ways!
I was genuinely delighted by this cocktail. While I’m typically not overly enthusiastic about the flavored seltzer cocktails currently trending, I found that in this particular combination, they worked exceptionally well. The drink was remarkably easy to prepare, which is a huge bonus for any summer cocktail. I appreciate a touch of sophistication on occasion but often lack the desire to engage in complex mixing and shaking when the weather is hot. For garnish, I used elegant orange twists, and we thoroughly enjoyed these refreshing drinks before dinner, a perfect start to the evening.
Craig Relyea
While a Negroni is typically my summer drink of choice, prepared with either Campari or Aperol depending on what’s available, this Aperol Spritz recipe initially seemed like a pleasant change of pace. However, the inclusion of hard seltzer made it a touch too sweet for my palate, and I detected what I perceived as an artificial flavor. Undeterred, I decided to make it again, this time substituting the hard seltzer with 2 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice and 10 ounces of San Pellegrino sparkling water.
That adjustment resulted in absolute perfection! The cocktail was significantly less sweet, allowing the characteristic bitterness of the Aperol to shine through beautifully, and there was no hint of an artificial aftertaste. This revised version created a wonderfully quick and easy afternoon cocktail, truly ideal for a hot summer’s day. It truly highlighted how a simple modification can transform a drink to perfectly suit individual preferences, emphasizing fresh, natural flavors over processed alternatives.
Aryn Snell
This proved to be a truly delicious and innovative interpretation of the classic Aperol Spritz! The incorporation of orange hard seltzer into the mix is nothing short of brilliant. I have had the pleasure of making this cocktail on several occasions now, and it has undeniably become my new favorite go-to summer drink. Its refreshing qualities, combined with the delightful twist from the hard seltzer, make it incredibly appealing and perfectly suited for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. This recipe is a definite keeper and a must-try for anyone looking to revitalize their cocktail repertoire.