Aperol Spritz Rosato Recipe – Italian Summer Cocktail with Prosecco and Rosé

Making an Aperol Spritz Rosato is like bottling up summer and pouring it over ice. This Italian cocktail brings together bubbly Prosecco, crisp rosé, and that bold orange Aperol. You’ll notice the colors mix into a sunset in your glass, while the taste swings between bittersweet and just a bit fruity. It fizzes softly as you stir, filling the air with scents of citrus and herbs.

When you sip it, it’s refreshingly light and not too sweet. A wedge of orange finishes it off. Everything comes together in just a few easy steps, so even beginners can shine. You’ll feel fancy, but it’s the kind of fancy you can pull together any day of the week.

The Star of the Show: Choosing Your Rosé

When making an Aperol Spritz Rosato, your rosé wine is the real star. Look for a bottle that is crisp and dry, not too sweet. Italian rosés work beautifully, especially ones from regions like Veneto or Tuscany. If you like a bit of fruitiness, pick a rosé with notes of strawberry or watermelon. Avoid overly sweet or heavy rosés, since they can overpower the bright, citrusy flavors of Aperol and bubbly Prosecco. If you’re at the store and feeling unsure, ask for a light, refreshing rosé that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny day.

Your Grocery List

• Aperol
• Prosecco
• Rosé wine
• Club soda
• Fresh orange
• Ice cubes

Techniques and Tips

Start with a big wine glass or a balloon glass. Add ice first to keep everything cold. Pour in the Aperol, then the rosé, followed by the Prosecco. Top with a splash of club soda for extra fizz. Stir gently to mix, but don’t overdo it or you’ll lose those lovely bubbles. Garnish with a fresh orange slice. If you want a stronger citrus flavor, squeeze a bit of orange juice in as well.

Make It Even Better

Chill all your ingredients before making your drink. This keeps everything crisp and refreshing. Try using blood orange slices for a twist on the garnish. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint for extra aroma. If you like a little sweetness, a dash of simple syrup can balance out the bitterness of Aperol. For a crowd, mix a big batch in a pitcher and pour over ice just before serving.

Drink Pairings

This cocktail goes well with salty snacks like olives, chips, or roasted nuts. It also pairs nicely with Italian cheeses, like creamy burrata or tangy pecorino. For something more filling, try it with thin slices of prosciutto or a light caprese salad. The bubbles and citrus notes make it a great match for fresh, summery appetizers.

Dessert Pairings

Aperol Spritz Rosato shines next to fruit-forward desserts. Think strawberry shortcake, lemon bars, or a simple bowl of fresh berries. If you want something creamy, panna cotta or vanilla gelato are perfect. The drink’s light bitterness cuts through sweetness and keeps everything balanced.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover Aperol, Prosecco, or rosé, store each in the fridge. Prosecco can lose its fizz after opening, so try to use it within a day or two. Aperol and rosé keep well for up to a week, tightly sealed. Finished cocktails don’t store well, so mix only what you plan to drink.

Prep Time

It takes about 5 minutes to prepare this cocktail from start to finish.

Cook Time

No cooking needed, just a bit of pouring and stirring.

Total Time

5 minutes, including garnish.

Servings

This recipe makes one drink, but you can easily double or triple it for more.

Nutritional Info

Each serving is about 180 calories, depending on the wine and Prosecco you choose. It contains alcohol and a small amount of sugar from Aperol and the wines.

Fun Facts

The Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian aperitivo, first made in the early 1900s. Adding rosé is a modern twist that brings a pretty pink color and a fresh, fruity taste. Italians love to sip Spritz in the late afternoon, often with small snacks before dinner.

Allergen Warnings

This drink is gluten-free. Most people won’t have issues, but check your Prosecco and Aperol labels if you have allergies. Some sparkling wines use animal products in processing, so check if you need a vegan option.

Vegetarian or Vegan Substitutes

To keep things vegan, pick a rosé and Prosecco labeled as vegan-friendly. Some wines use animal products for filtering, so look for bottles marked “vegan” or ask your wine shop for help. Aperol itself is vegan.

Non-Alcoholic Versions

You can make a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz Rosato by swapping Aperol for a non-alcoholic Italian aperitif or a mix of orange juice and a splash of bitters. Use non-alcoholic sparkling wine and a non-alcoholic rosé. Top with club soda and garnish with orange. You’ll get the same pretty color and refreshing taste, minus the alcohol.