Discover a grown-up version of the Aperol Spritz using Amaro instead of Aperol. Less sweet, more complex—this sparkling prosecco cocktail is your go-to refreshment for hot summer days.
Say hello to the cocktail of the summer—only better. If you’ve traveled through Europe during the warmer months, chances are you’ve seen glowing orange cocktails lighting up patios and outdoor cafés. That’s the Aperol Spritz, a wildly popular drink that’s earned its place as the quintessential summer refresher. But if you’re like me—a fan of more nuanced flavors—you’ll love this elevated take: an Aperol Spritz made with Amaro.
A Personal Journey to the Spritz Side
I’ll admit it—I was a skeptic at first. Seeing those neon-orange drinks pop up in Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna and Prague, I scoffed at what looked like fizzy orange soda in a wine glass. It wasn’t until a brutally hot afternoon in Budapest, parched and desperate for relief, that I finally gave in.
That first sip? Refreshingly ice-cold, slightly bitter, and exactly what I needed, and gone in minutes! I’ve been spritzin’ it up ever since.
What Is an Aperol Spritz, Exactly?
At its core, an Aperol Spritz is a light, bubbly cocktail. Originating in Italy in the early 1900s, Aperol is a low-alcohol digestivo, a bitter herbal liqueur designed to be sipped before meals to stimulate the appetite. While Aperol is a type of Amaro, it’s on the sweeter side—often a bit too sweet for mature palates. That’s where this upgraded recipe comes in.
Why Swap Aperol for Amaro?
While Aperol is easy to love, especially for newcomers to the bitter liqueur world, more complex Amaros offer layers of flavor that elevate this cocktail into something truly special. Many craft and small-batch Amaros have deeper herbal and citrus notes, less sugar, and a more refined bitterness that makes every sip interesting.
Some of my favorite alternatives:
- Amaro Formidable– Handmade batch by batch by creator and impresario Armando Bomba from his atelier in Rome .
- Montenegro – rich, floral, and beautifully balanced
- Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro – from California, a bright and modern take
- Nonino Quintessentia – complex and slightly smoky
- Fred Jerbis Amaro – The 16 herbs and botanicals used for this magnificent amaro are all handpicked by Fred himself, either cultivated on his own farm or foraged nearby.
Each brings a different twist, so explore and find your favorite!
Elevated Aperol Spritz Ingredients
- Sparkling wine (Prosecco, Champagne, or Cava)
- Aperol (or another type of Amaro)
- Soda water– or mineral water
- Ice and garnish– orange slices, fresh mint, frozen berries, or even edible flowers
How to make an Aperol Spritz
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Add equal parts Amaro (or Aperol) and Prosecco
- Top with a splash of mineral water
- Garnish with orange slices, frozen berries, and mint.
Tips for a Next-Level Spritz
- Chill your glass in the freezer beforehand.
- Use high-quality Prosecco—it makes a difference.
- Don’t skimp on the garnish—flowers, mint and fresh orange add flair and freshness.
- Want less alcohol? Dial down the Amaro, up the soda.
How to make Aperol Spritz for a Crowd
Fill a large pitcher with ice. Add equal parts of Amaro and Prosecco to the pitcher. Add enough soda water to dilute to taste. Add fresh orange slices and mint sprigs. Serve immediately! You can also store the pitcher without ice in the fridge for several hours, pouring into ice-filled glasses.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Aperol Spritz is the go-to drink across Europe—it’s easy, elegant, and perfect for summer sipping. But by swapping in a less sweet Amaro, you can make it your own: more complex, more balanced, and a lot more interesting.
Elevate your spritz and enjoy this Italian classic with a sophisticated twist. Whether you’re lounging on your patio, hosting friends, or cooling off after a hot day, it’s the perfect pour.
Cheers, and happy spritzing!
More Summer Cocktails
The Elevated Aperol Spritz: A Sophisticated Twist on a Classic Summer Cocktail
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: cocktail
- Method: poured
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Discover a grown-up version of the Aperol Spritz using Amaro instead of Aperol. Less sweet, more complex—this sparkling prosecco cocktail is your go-to refreshment for hot summer days.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Amaro (or Aperol)
- 3 ounces Prosecco (use a good quality brand)
- 1–2 ounces mineral water
- Ice
- Optional garnishes: orange slices, frozen summer berries, mint or another fresh herb, a splash of bitters
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Add qual parts Amaro (or Aperol) and Prosecco
- Top with a splash of mineral water
- Garnish with orange slices, frozen berries, and mint.
Notes
How to make Aperol Spritz for a Crowd
Fill a large pitcher with ice. Add equal parts of Amaro and Prosecco to the pitcher. Add enough soda water to dilute to taste. Add fresh orange slices and mint sprigs. Serve immediately! You can also store the pticher without ice in the fridge for several hours, pouring into ice-filled glasses.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
Ah ha. The Aperol spritz has finally made it to even — Texas. Definitely the best summer drink ever. And in my opinion, even a very cheap Cava works great. In the summer I keep some single serve Bollicini cans in the fridge for when I want to make just one.
Love it Leslie!
The best summer drink and my favorite this time of year or actually anytime of the year 🙂 Thanks Sylvia for all the great citrus based recipes. Can’t get enough citrus!
Thanks Cynthia~! Appreciate this!
Any way to make this into a punch? Ingredients & quantities?
Yes! Great idea, I add instructions to the recipe notes! thanks Judy!!!
Used Campari instead of aperol – as it was I had on hand. Excellent!