I started making Aperol spritzes at home after ordering one at a restaurant and realizing how simple it actually was. For years I assumed it was some complicated cocktail with hidden techniques. Turns out it’s just a few ingredients poured over ice.

That’s my kind of drink. No shakers. No stress. No hunting for obscure syrups I’ll never use again.

It’s light, a little bittersweet, super bubbly, and feels fancy even when I’m standing in my kitchen wearing socks that don’t match. I make it when friends come over, but honestly I make it even more when they don’t.

There’s something about that bright orange color that signals the day is done. Work emails can wait. Dinner can take its time. I get to slow down for a minute.

This cocktail is traditionally served before dinner as an aperitif, which is just a nice way of saying it wakes up your appetite without knocking you out. It’s refreshing instead of heavy, which is why I keep coming back to it.

And the best part is I don’t have to measure perfectly. This is not that kind of recipe.

Ingredients I Used for the Recipe

• 3 ounces Prosecco – This is the bubbly base. It gives the drink its sparkle and a light fruity sweetness. I like using a brut style because it keeps things crisp instead of sugary.
• 2 ounces Aperol – The star of the show. It brings that signature bittersweet citrus flavor and the bold orange color. It’s what makes the drink taste layered instead of just fizzy wine.
• 1 ounce club soda or sparkling water – This stretches the drink out and keeps it refreshing. It also softens the intensity so you can sip it slowly.
• Ice – A full glass of it. This cocktail should be very cold. The melting ice also slightly dilutes everything, which actually improves the balance.
• 1 orange slice – Not just decoration. It adds a fresh citrus aroma every time you take a sip.

How to make Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe?

Step 1 – Fill the Glass Generously with Ice

I start with a large wine glass and fill it almost to the top with ice. Not halfway. Not a polite amount. A lot.

This keeps the drink cold and prevents it from going flat too quickly. Warm spritz is not good. I learned that the hard way.

Step 2 – Pour in the Prosecco First

I always pour the Prosecco before anything else. It helps maintain the bubbles and blends more naturally with the other ingredients.

There’s no need to stir at this point. Just let it settle over the ice.

Step 3 – Add the Aperol

Next comes the Aperol. I pour it slowly so it flows into the wine and creates that beautiful layered color.

This is the moment where it starts looking like an actual cocktail instead of just sparkling wine in a glass.

Step 4 – Top with Club Soda

A splash of soda water goes in last. This brightens everything and adds extra fizz.

I don’t measure too strictly here. If I want it lighter, I add a little more.

Step 5 – Give It the Gentlest Stir

I use a spoon to give it one or two slow turns. That’s it. Overmixing kills the bubbles.

This is a “treat it kindly” situation.

Step 6 – Garnish with an Orange Slice

I slide in a fresh orange slice and sometimes squeeze it just a little to release the oils. That tiny step makes a big difference.

Now it’s ready to drink. No waiting required.

Why This Simple Drink Works So Well Before Dinner

I didn’t always understand the idea of a pre dinner drink. I thought it would make me too full or too sleepy to eat. This one does the opposite.

It’s light and slightly bitter, which actually makes me more excited about food. It wakes up your taste buds instead of dulling them.

Because it’s not overly sweet, I don’t feel like I’m having dessert early. It stays refreshing even on warm evenings.

I like serving it while I finish cooking. Guests get something to sip, I don’t feel rushed, and the whole night starts to feel intentional instead of chaotic.

Sometimes we snack on simple things like olives, cheese, or toasted bread. Nothing complicated. The drink already sets the tone.

It turns an ordinary Tuesday into something that feels a little like being on vacation, even if the sink is still full of dishes.

Tips

• Use plenty of ice. More than you think you need. A cold spritz is a good spritz.
• Pour the sparkling wine first. This keeps the drink lively and prevents it from going flat too fast.
• Choose a dry Prosecco if you don’t like sweet cocktails. It balances the bitterness better.
• Don’t over stir. You want to combine, not flatten the bubbles.
• Taste and adjust. Some days I add more soda water when I want something extra light. Other days I lean stronger.
• Always use a fresh orange slice. Bottled juice is not the same and kind of ruins the magic.
• Serve immediately. This is not a make ahead drink. It’s meant to be poured and enjoyed right away.

Easy Variations and Things I’ve Tried at Home

Once I got comfortable making the classic version, I started playing around a little. Nothing dramatic. Just small tweaks depending on what I had.

If I want it less strong, I add more sparkling water. That turns it into a slower sipping drink for long conversations.

If I want it more wine forward, I increase the Prosecco and scale back the Aperol slightly. That version feels softer and fruitier.

I’ve also swapped in different sparkling wines when that’s what was available. It still works. The drink is forgiving.

One thing I don’t change is the orange garnish. That piece ties everything together. Without it, the drink feels unfinished.

This is why I love serving it when people come over. I can build each glass slightly differently depending on what they like, and no one realizes how effortless it actually is.

At the end of the day, that’s what makes this cocktail such a favorite in my kitchen. It looks beautiful, tastes balanced, and asks almost nothing from me in return.

Just a glass, some ice, and a few good ingredients. Then I get to sit down, take a sip, and ease into the evening.