Need an NYE cocktail to serve at your party that’s fun and refreshing? Look no further. This aperol spritz recipe is plenty bubbly and festive for the holiday! Only 3 ingredients and some ice and you’ve got a fun recipe to make for all your friends and fam.

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The first time I had an Aperol Spritz, I was not a fan. The second time I had one, I was in Italy and it was one of the most delicious drinks I ever tasted. I'm not sure if my taste buds changed or if it was the atmosphere of Italy that made me start enjoying this drink...but ever since that trip, I’m hooked on this light and refreshing cocktail!

The classic aperol spritz is made with ice, aperol, prosecco, and soda water. If we’re getting fancy, it’s topped with a slice of orange. In this recipe, I replace the plain soda water for orange-flavored seltzer water to enhance the orange flavors from the aperol. 

What even is aperol? Aperol is an Italian liqueur known for its vibrant orange coloring and it’s zesty orange taste. The name aperol comes from the Italian slang word for aperitivo, which is the act of having a pre-meal drink and snack. In Italy, they often serve you an aperitif (a drink) between the hours of 6:00 - 9:00 PM, the time before the true dinner begins. An aperol spritz is a common aperitif served alongside a bowl of olives or other light snacks. If you’ve ever been to Italy and enjoyed aperitivo, it’s the best isn’t it? I wish we had it in the U.S! 

So this NYE, let’s pretend we’re all in Italy and sip on some bubbly cocktails between the hours of 6:00 and 9:00 PM...and maybe even a little bit later ;)

Ingredients in this Aperol Spritz

Aperol: Commonly found near the liqueurs or amaros at the liquor store.

Prosecco: A sparkling white wine aka the Italian version of champagne. I prefer prosecco to champagne most times because it tends to be lighter and give me less of a headache.

Seltzer Water: Opt for orange flavored to really bring out the orange flavors of the aperol. I love the mandarin orange seltzer from Trader Joe’s or you can find some on Amazon.

Orange: If you want to really top off the orange aesthetic, add a slice of an orange to garnish your aperitif.

Kitchen Tools Needed for this Recipe

• Cocktail glasses
• Large mason jar or cocktail shaker
• Shot glass

How to Make the Aperol Spritz

Step One: In a large mason jar or shaker, add 4-5 ice cubes, 3 ounces of aperol, and 3 ounces prosecco. 

Step Two: Lightly shake/swirl until the ingredients are chilled. Don’t shake too hard because the prosecco is already fizzy, just lightly stir it around the ice to get it nice and chilled.

Step Three: Divide evenly amongst two cocktail glasses and top with ½ ounce of orange-flavored seltzer water each and a slice of an orange.

Step Four: Serve and enjoy this refreshing drink!