Blood Orange Aperol Spritz Recipe — Sparkling Citrus Cocktail

I live for a blood orange Aperol spritz — a light, bubbly cocktail made with freshly squeezed blood orange juice, Aperol, and prosecco. It’s perfect for winter when citrus is at its best.

How pretty is this drink?

An Aperol spritz with a splash of fresh blood orange juice, bubbly prosecco and a big blood orange wedge dropped in the glass — delish.

I love an Aperol spritz any time of year. It’s refreshing and light, with a pleasant bitterness from the Aperol. In winter I use any excuse to put blood oranges to work — they’re gorgeous and their flavor is perfect: bright and citrusy with sweet, berry-like notes and hints of grapefruit and cara cara orange.

They’re such a fabulous fruit.

Could this be cuter for Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day? A hot pink drink is a welcome sight any day.

This is possibly my favorite twist on the Aperol spritz aside from the classic. To elevate it, try using frozen fruit as ice cubes — frozen peaches or strawberries work beautifully and keep the drink cold without watering it down.

The spritz is so easy:

• Crushed ice — this is key
• Freshly squeezed blood orange juice
• Prosecco
• Aperol
• A splash of club soda (or blood orange Italian soda for extra sweetness)

For freshly squeezed citrus, a good juicer makes life easier. I often mix different citrus varieties — navel oranges with blood oranges, cara cara, or even pink and ruby red grapefruit — for layered flavor.

If you prefer a sweeter finish, swap the club soda for blood orange Italian soda. It adds a lovely extra note of citrus and color.

If you’re not into an Aperol spritz, blood oranges are also fantastic in a bourbon smash — another great way to enjoy the season.

Blood Orange Aperol Spritz

Blood Orange Aperol Spritz

Yield:
1 drink, is easily multiplied

Total Time:
17 mins

A light, bubbly winter cocktail made with freshly squeezed blood orange juice, Aperol, and prosecco — bright, refreshing, and easy to make.

Ingredients

• crushed ice
• 2 ounces freshly squeezed blood orange juice
• 3 ounces Aperol
• 4 ounces prosecco
• 1 ounce club soda or blood orange Italian soda
• blood orange slices for garnish
• optional: frozen fruit for ice cubes

Instructions

• Fill a glass with crushed ice.
• Add the freshly squeezed blood orange juice.
• Pour in the Aperol and prosecco, then give a quick stir.
• Top with club soda or blood orange Italian soda.
• Drop in a blood orange wedge and serve immediately.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Author: How Sweet Eats

Icy and refreshing!