Pioneer Woman Aperol Spritz

Pioneer Woman Aperol Spritz is an easy 3-ingredient Italian cocktail made with chilled prosecco, Aperol and sparkling water, ready in just 5 minutes. That makes it a go-to for brunch, cocktail parties or summer get-togethers, since all you do is pour it over ice and garnish with orange.

The one step that decides this drink is chilling every ingredient before you pour, since warm prosecco loses its fizz the second it hits ice. Skip that, and you end up with a flat, watery glass instead of something bubbly and bright.

This version follows the classic Italian 3-2-1 ratio, so the bitterness stays in check instead of taking over your glass. It's also a single-pour cocktail with no shaking or straining, because the layers mix on their own as the ice does the work.

Pioneer Woman Aperol Spritz

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: BeverageCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

130

kcal

A bittersweet, fizzy cocktail built in the glass, where cold prosecco meets Aperol and sparkling water before an orange slice tops it off.

Ingredients

• Ice
  

• 3 oz. chilled prosecco or sparkling wine
  

• 2 oz. chilled Aperol
  

• 1 oz. chilled sparkling water
  

• Orange slice, for serving

Directions

• Prep the glass: Fill a large wine glass with plenty of ice, since a cold glass keeps the drink from going flat too fast.
• Build the drink: Pour 3 oz. of chilled prosecco over the ice first, then add 2 oz. of chilled Aperol so the color layers in.
• Top and serve: Finish with 1 oz. of chilled sparkling water and an orange slice, then sip right away while the bubbles are still lively.

Tools for this recipe

• OXO steel double jigger, Victorinox Fibrox 8-inch chef's knife. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I use a different sparkling wine instead of prosecco?

Cava or any dry sparkling wine works well here, since the bubbles and acidity balance the Aperol's sweetness. Avoid champagne if you're on a budget, because prosecco and cava give you the same fizz for less money.

Can I make Aperol spritz ahead for a party?

You can pre-mix Aperol and prosecco in a pitcher up to 30 minutes ahead, but hold the sparkling water and ice until guests arrive. Adding fizzy water too early lets all the bubbles escape, so your spritz ends up flat.

What type of glass works best for an Aperol spritz?

A large wine glass works best, since the wide bowl gives you room for ice and lets the aroma open up. If you don't have one, a rocks glass works in a pinch, though you'll fit less ice.

How do I keep the drink from getting watery?

Use large ice cubes or even a single big sphere, since bigger pieces melt slower and keep the cocktail cold without diluting it. Stashing the glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before building the drink helps too, because a warm glass speeds up the melt.

How long does an opened bottle of Aperol last?

An opened bottle of Aperol keeps for 3 to 6 months in the fridge, since its lower alcohol content holds up longer than wine. Keep the cap tight after each pour and store it away from light, so the color and flavor stay true.