12 Sunny Aperol Spritz Recipes for Gatherings

Nothing beats the golden hour glow of a summer gathering, where laughter flows as freely as the drinks. I still remember my childhood summers in my nonna’s Italian villa, where the air was thick with citrus blooms and the ritual of aperitivo hour began at sunset. We’d sip on fizzy, bittersweet concoctions while sharing stories under olive trees—those moments taught me that a great drink isn’t just refreshing; it’s the spark that turns friends into family.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my home bar during backyard barbecues, twisting the iconic Aperol Spritz with seasonal fruits and herbs to keep things vibrant and sunny. In a world that’s often too hectic, these recipes bring back that effortless joy, perfect for brunches, pool parties, or spontaneous happy hours. They’re easy to batch, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Classic Aperol Spritz with a Citrus Twist

The timeless Italian favorite gets a sunny upgrade with extra orange zest. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda water, orange slice and zest, ice. Fill a wine glass with ice, pour in Prosecco, Aperol, and soda, then garnish with orange. Stir gently.
This version hydrates with its effervescence, aids digestion thanks to Aperol’s bitters, and sets a cheerful tone for any gathering with its vibrant red hue and 100 calories per serving.

Strawberry Basil Aperol Spritz

Fresh strawberries and basil add a garden-fresh pop. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda, 3 muddled strawberries, 2 basil leaves, ice. Muddle berries and basil in a glass, add ice, pour liquids, stir, and garnish with basil.
Antioxidant-rich strawberries boost immunity, while basil brings calming aromatics—ideal for sunny picnics, low-cal at 110 calories, and visually stunning.

Cucumber Mint Aperol Spritz

Crisp and cooling for hot afternoons. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda, 4 cucumber slices, 4 mint leaves, ice. Muddle cucumber and mint, add ice and liquids, top with soda, stir. Garnish with cucumber ribbon.
Hydrating cucumber refreshes like spa water, mint soothes digestion—perfect for poolside vibes, under 90 calories, and spa-like elegance.

Pineapple Ginger Aperol Spritz

Tropical zing with a spicy kick. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda, 1 oz pineapple juice, ½-inch grated ginger, ice. Mix ginger and juice, add ice and pour liquids, stir well. Pineapple wedge garnish.
Ginger aids nausea and inflammation, pineapple adds vitamin C—great for beach gatherings, 120 calories, and irresistibly sunny.

Peach Rosemary Aperol Spritz

Stone fruit sweetness meets herbal earthiness. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda, 2 peach slices (muddled), rosemary sprig, ice. Muddle peach, add ice, liquids, and rosemary; stir.
Peaches provide skin-loving vitamins A and C, rosemary boosts memory—elegant for garden dinners, 105 calories, herbaceous charm.

Watermelon Lemon Aperol Spritz

Juicy and tart for ultimate refreshment. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda, 2 oz watermelon juice, lemon twist, ice. Blend watermelon, add to ice-filled glass with liquids, garnish with lemon.
Watermelon hydrates deeply (92% water), lemon detoxifies—perfect for barbecues, 95 calories, and summery pink perfection.

Lavender Honey Aperol Spritz

Floral and subtly sweet for relaxed vibes. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda, ½ tsp lavender honey syrup, dried lavender, ice. Stir syrup into glass with ice, add liquids, garnish.
Lavender calms nerves, honey soothes throats—ideal for sunset soirees, 115 calories, and sophisticated purple flecks.

Mango Passionfruit Aperol Spritz

Exotic tropical burst. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda, 1 oz mango puree, ½ oz passionfruit pulp, ice. Mix purees, add ice and liquids, stir. Fruit garnish.
Mangoes pack beta-carotene for immunity, passionfruit aids digestion—luau-ready, 125 calories, vibrant orange paradise.

Pomegranate Thyme Aperol Spritz

Jewels of tart sweetness with woodsy notes. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda, 1 oz pomegranate juice, thyme sprig, ice. Add juice to ice glass, pour liquids, garnish with thyme.
Pomegranate’s antioxidants fight free radicals, thyme freshens breath—festive for holiday gatherings, 110 calories, ruby red allure.

Blueberry Elderflower Aperol Spritz

Berry bliss with floral lift. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz elderflower liqueur/syrup, 6 muddled blueberries, ice. Muddle berries, add ice and liquids, stir.
Blueberries sharpen cognition, elderflower reduces allergies—brunch star, 120 calories, deep blue swirls.

Jalapeño Lime Aperol Spritz

Spicy kick for bold palates. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda, 2 jalapeño slices (muddled), lime wheel, ice. Muddle pepper, add ice, liquids, lime.
Capsaicin boosts metabolism, lime vitamin C—thrilling for game days, 100 calories, fiery green flecks.

Grapefruit Vanilla Aperol Spritz

Bitter-sweet elegance with creamy undertones. Ingredients (serves 1): 3 oz Prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda, 1 oz grapefruit juice, dash vanilla syrup, ice. Mix juice and syrup, add ice and liquids, grapefruit twist.
Grapefruit lowers cholesterol, vanilla relaxes—classy cocktail hour, 105 calories, pale pink sophistication.

Whether you’re hosting a lively brunch or a chill evening with friends, these 12 sunny Aperol Spritz variations will elevate your gatherings with minimal effort and maximum wow-factor. Grab your Prosecco, get creative with seasonal twists, and toast to more joyful moments—your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!