Light Aperol Spritz Recipe – A Healthier Twist on the Classic Italian Cocktail
If you’re a fan of the classic Aperol Spritz but looking for a lighter version, you’re in the right place. This Light Aperol Spritz recipe captures all the bright, citrusy flavor of the original Italian cocktail—but with fewer calories, less alcohol, and no compromise on taste. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just craving a refreshing low-alcohol drink, this vibrant spritz is perfect for warm-weather sipping. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a guilt-free version of your favorite Italian aperitivo—in under 5 minutes!
What is an Aperol Spritz? If you’re looking for the cocktail du jour, then look no further than the delightful drink called Aperol Spritz. I first tried this light, refreshing alcoholic beverage in Pantelleria, a Sicilian Island in Italy, about 13 years ago. And since then I’ve enjoyed it all over Italy, including South Tyrol, Sicily, and Puglia. Aperol Spritz is a drink born in Veneto, Italy, and it was typically served with small appetizers, like olives and sandwiches. One of the most quintessential Italian experiences is to enjoy a bright orange Aperol Spritz served in a tall wine glass on a hot day at an Italian café—especially if it involves looking out over the Mediterranean Sea! Cool and refreshing, this drink is a bit lighter in sugar and alcohol than many cocktails, and it is so refreshing.
This drink is based upon Aperol, a liqueur that dates back to 1919 in Italy. It’s a bright orange liqueur made of bitter and sweet oranges, with herbs and roots added to the mix. It has 11% alcohol content. An Aperol Spritz is simply ice, Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) and soda. In my lightened up version, I swap out soda for mineral water, and use a little less alcohol. Of course, it must be accompanied with an orange slice to give it that festive look. These oranges in my Aperol Spritz are from my very own blood orange tree at home.
You can get Aperol at many well-stocked liquor stores. Enjoy this cocktail around the pool, for brunch, summer holidays, and just about any old time you need your day brightened up a bit!
Description
Discover this light and refreshing Aperol Spritz recipe – a healthier, lower-calorie take on the classic Italian cocktail. Perfect for summer sipping with less sugar and alcohol.
- 4 ice cubes
- 3 ounces Prosecco (Italian sparkling white wine)
- 1 ounce Aperol Liqueur
- 2 ounces sparkling mineral water
Garnish:
- Citrus wedge, maraschino cherry (optional)
- Place ice cubes in a large wine glass.
- Pour 3 ounces Prosecco over the ice.
- Top with 1 ounce of Aperol.
- Top with 2 ounces of sparkling mineral water.
- Stir with a spoon.
- Garnish as desired; i.e., with a citrus wedge and maraschino cherry on a bamboo toothpick.
- Cheers!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
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To read about how to enjoy alcohol in a healthy lifestyle, check out this blog.
