What does an Aperol spritz taste like?
An Aperol spritz tastes like fizzy bittersweet orange: sweet orange candy up front, a soft bitter edge behind it, and light, bubbly and easy from the prosecco and soda.
Aperol spritz
bittersweet orange, light and fizzy
An Aperol spritz is Aperol, prosecco and a splash of soda over lots of ice. It tastes like orange soda for grown-ups: juicy and a little sweet at first, then a gentle bitterness like orange pith. The prosecco adds dry bubbles that keep it from feeling syrupy. It's low in alcohol, so it drinks more like a long, cold refresher than a cocktail. If it tastes flat or too sweet, the bar went heavy on the Aperol or light on the bubbles.
Where you’ll see it
On patio menus, brunch menus and happy hour lists everywhere, in a big wine glass with an orange slice. Some bars offer spritz flights or swap in Campari, St-Germain or limoncello.
Order it if you want something light, fizzy and a little bitter on a warm afternoon.
Quick questions
- Is an Aperol spritz strong?
- No. Aperol is only about 11% alcohol, and the prosecco, soda and ice stretch it out, so a spritz is usually lighter than a glass of wine.
- Is an Aperol spritz sweet?
- A little. Aperol is sweet on its own, but the dry prosecco and soda balance it. It's more bittersweet than sugary.
- What's the difference between an Aperol spritz and a Hugo spritz?
- A Hugo swaps the Aperol for elderflower liqueur and adds mint, so it tastes floral and fresh instead of bitter orange.