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One Sip of this refreshing, not too sweet, bubbly cocktail and you will be transported to a summer afternoon in Italy.

Orange cocktail with a slice of orange in glass and garnished with fresh mint

Why I Love this Cocktail

I’ve fallen in love with Aperol and Aperol spritz cocktails. They are light, bright, and delightfully refreshing. And I’m crazy over the beautiful crimson color. I’d prefer to sip on an Aperol Spritz for brunch over a regular mimosa any day. In fact, it’s become my go-to drink for a summer afternoon or any weekend afternoon whether at home or out with friends.

Ingredients

Aperol – An orange liqueur or aperitif. It has a zesty orange taste with hints of herbs. It’s bitter, like an orange rind, if you drink it alone, but paired with the Prosecco, it’s delightful.

Prosecco – This is the Italian version of champagne. I prefer to use dry Prosecco in this recipe.

Blood Orange Juice – Traditional Aperol Spritz cocktails call for a splash of soda water or club soda. I use fresh blood orange juice instead of soda water or club soda for this cocktail. Blood oranges have a slightly sweeter taste than regular oranges and I absolutely love the crimson red color.

Fresh Mint – As far as I’m concerned, fresh mint is an absolute must for this cocktail. Fresh herbs elevate any drink or dish so definitely use them whenever possible.

Simple Syrup – If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add 1 tablespoon of simple syrup or honey.

Let’s Make a Blood Orange Aperol Spritz

Fill an 8-ounce glass halfway with crushed ice.
Pour the Aperol over ice.
Add the blood orange juice.
Fill the glass with Prosecco.
Garnish with slices of blood orange and fresh mint leaves.

Krazy Kitchen Mom Tips

If you are not a fan of fresh mint or you can’t find fresh mint in your market, this drink is also fantastic with sprigs of fresh rosemary.
This is a great cocktail to make by the pitcher. Simply place all of the ingredients, except ice, into a pitcher. Serve it over ice and garnish with mint or rosemary.
If you go to Italy and see Spritz Veneziano on the menu, order it! It’s Italian for Aperol Spritz.

Orange cocktail with fresh mint and a slice of orange in glass

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