Blood Orange Aperol Spritz
If you like an Aperol Spritz, this is a really tasty twist on it. The Blood Orange Aperol Spritz is just as easygoing as the original, but that blood orange juice deepens the citrus note and gives it a color that’s closer to red.
Most blood oranges are a little sweeter than regular orange juice, which is nice in this drink. In any case, it always adds a nice fresh, juicy counter to Aperol’s bitterness.
This is the kind of cocktail that fits right into a sunny afternoon, a casual brunch, or a laid back get‑together with friends. It looks impressive, but it’s just as simple to make as the classic spritz. You don’t even need a shaker.
Why blood orange works so well
Your best option is the buy blood oranges and squeeze the juice yourself. It’s not hard to do with a juicer (this is the one I use), and even easier with a juicing machine.
Like I mentioned above, most blood oranges have a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor than regular oranges. That extra depth works beautifully with Aperol, which is already known for its balance of bitter and sweet.
The Prosecco keeps everything light and crisp. The splash of club soda makes it even more refreshing, which is just perfect for warm weather and good times.
The dashes of orange bitters are optional in the Blood Orange Aperol Spritz. They add a hint of bitterness that you’ll want if you find the blood orange juice makes the drink sweeter than you prefer.
And while it doesn’t change the flavor, that blood orange slice garnish is eye-catching and dramatic!
What’s Great About the Blood Orange Aperol Spritz
First, it’s ridiculously easy to make. You just pour and stir. That makes it easy to make, easy to tweak and much easier on you when you’re hosting.
It’s also very forgiving. If the juice is a bit sweeter than expected or the Aperol tastes more bitter that day, you can adjust the drink right in the glass. No wasted ingredients, no do‑overs.
Another nice thing about it is the relatively light alcohol level. It’s light enough that people can enjoy one or two over a long afternoon without feeling worn out.
That makes the Blood Orange Aperol Spritz a great choice for gatherings where food, conversation, and sunshine should be the main event.
Tips And Tweaks for Blood Orange Aperol Spritz
The beauty of a drink that’s stirred rather than shaken is you don’t have to start completely over if you don’t love the flavor. You can add a touch more of an ingredient to balance things out and just stir again.
- As mentioned, fresh squeezed blood orange juice is the best. It’ll have better, cleaner flavor than a bottle
- Keep your Prosecco chilled until you’re ready to pour
- If you find the drink a little too bitter for your taste, change the ratio to use a little more Prosecco and slightly less Aperol. Or you could add more blood orange juice
- If you want it less sweet, up the Aperol and lower the Prosecco and/or blood orange juice.
When to serve the Blood Orange Aperol Spritz
This cocktail is great for brunch, afternoon parties, or as a light pre‑dinner drink. It’s refreshing and not too strong, so guests can enjoy one without feeling weighed down.
Batching for Parties
For parties, pre‑juice the blood oranges an hour or two ahead and keep the juice covered in the fridge. Chill the glasses
When it’s time to pour, line up the chilled glasses and pour each ingredient into each glass, then the next into each glass. This speeds up the process.
You can also actually make the individual drinks no more than two hours ahead and keep them in the fridge. This will preserve the bubbles and the flavor almost as well as making the drinks when guests arrive.
Flavor Profile
The Blood Orange Aperol Spritz tastes a lot like the Aperol Spritz. The first thing you notice is the citrus, with blood orange bringing a deeper, rounder flavor than standard orange juice.
It’s still fresh and bright, but there’s a subtle berry‑like note that plays well with Aperol. And the Aperol adds a hint of bitter orange peel and herbs to counter the sweetness and keep it from turning cloying.
The Prosecco lifts everything with crisp bubbles and a dry finish, while the club soda lightens the whole drink and adds clean flavor.
If you add orange bitters, they just sharpen the edges and make the citrus taste a little more grown‑up. The end result is balanced, refreshing, and easy to keep sipping.
Blood Orange Aperol Spritz recipe
The Blood Orange Aperol Spritz keeps the bubbly charm of the original while adding sweeter citrus notes, a striking red hue, and an easygoing feel.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounces fresh blood orange juice
- 3 ounces Prosecco
- 1 ounces club soda
- Optional dash or two of orange bitters
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass or spritz glass with ice.
- Pour the Aperol over the ice.
- Add the freshly squeezed blood orange juice.
- Gently pour in the Prosecco.
- Top with club soda.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a slice of blood orange or an orange twist.
- Serve right away.
Notes
- Chill every ingredient before you start.
- Pour in the right order. Aperol and juice first, then Prosecco, then soda.
- Stir gently and only once or twice. Too much stirring knocks out the carbonation.
- Taste before garnishing. If it needs a tweak, now’s the time to add a splash of juice or Prosecco.
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Equipment & Glassware
A large wine glass or traditional spritz glass is perfect. The wide bowl gives the bubbles room to rise and keeps the drink cold longer.
Use large, solid ice cubes if you have them. They melt slower and won’t water things down too quickly. If you’re serving a crowd, chilling the glasses ahead of time helps keep the drink cool longer.
For juicing, a simple handheld citrus juicer works fine. If you already own an electric juicer, even better. Just avoid bottled juice when you can. Fresh juice makes a noticeable difference here.
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