Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (2024)

A twist to a classic co*cktail, this Elderflower Aperol Spritz recipe adds a touch of floral balanced with the bitter and bubbly.

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (1)

I love sipping on an aperol spritz on a warm, sunny day and closing my eyes and pretending that I am on the Amalfi Coast or the South of France.

And even on chilly days, I, Ashley Conway can still have an aperol spritz, close my eyes and pretend that it’s bright and cheery outside too.

Aperol spritz truly are a vacation in a glass! They’re so light and the ideal year-round drink.Mix these up at your next brunch or when you feel like embracing the joie de vivre!

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Table of Contents

What is an Aperol Spritz?

Pronounced “AH-peh-rawl sprits”, this co*cktail is composed of three main ingredients: 3 parts wine based, 2 parts Aperol, and a splash of soda.

Many also prefer an aperol prosecco or aperol with champagne. Either way, Aperol is the never changing ingredient.

Aperol originated in Italy. This orange-red liquor is slightly bitter and incredibly light, with its alcohol content only 11%.

Herbs and roots infuse Aperol for a liquor with orange and rhubarb flavors.

Originating from Italy, Aperolis an infusion of herbs and roots with two of its most distinctive flavours being oranges and rhubarb.

Italians love drinking this co*cktail during aperitivo hour aka happy hour after work.

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (2)

The Aperol Spritz Debate

The New York Times recently published a lengthy article on why they think the popular aperol spritz is not so great. Their exact words were that “it was not a good drink”.

This has sparked viral debates on a classic co*cktail that is over 100 years old. It’s not the 9th most ordered co*cktail in the world for no reason!

Yes, the bitterness of Aperol can take some time to get use to, but we highly recommend giving it a try.

Aperol Spritz Gate has only solidified my love for this orange hued summer sipper. You can’t ever pry Aperol Spritzes out of my cold dead hands. Hah!

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (3)

How to Switch Up a Classic Aperol Spritz

I love the classic, but recently switched it up for a co*cktail party by adding in elderflower liqueur.

These Elderflower Aperol Spritz are a touch floral balanced with the bitter and bubbly. They are sure to be a crowd pleaser!

The addition of the elderflower is subtle, but gives it some lovely floral notes marry well with citrusy bitter aperol and a natural pairing with champagne.

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (4)

What is Elderflower Liqueur?

Elderflower liqueuris made elderflowers, small, white flowers that grow in a bush.

The liqueur is made without any preservatives so the elderflowers are always handpicked and fresh. you get the best flavors in the first six months of a batch.

The flower does not have a strong floral scent as you would get from lavender or roses. So elderflower liqueur is very light, crisp and delicate. It has a similar flavor to a lychee.

The most popular elderflower liqueur is St. Germain, which I used in this recipe.

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (5)

Ingredients to Make an Elderflower Aperol Spritz

Dry white sparkling wine or champagne — It’s ideal (but not necessary) to have it chilled beforehand.

Aperol — The key liqueur to any aperol spritz.

Elderflower liqueur — The main ingredient to how I reinvented a classic spritz.

Soda water — Added for the carbonation and to cut the bitterness from the Aperol. You can also substitute the soda water for sparkling water.

Grapefruit wedge, elderflowers or baby’s breath — Typically, you find the drink garnished with a slice of orange or green olive. But I like to add color to the already orange palette!

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (6)

How to Make an Elderflower Aperol Spritz

1 — Fill a large wine glass or highball with ice.

2 — Pour all of the ingredients into the glass filled with ice and stir.

3 — Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and elderflowers or baby’s breath.

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (7)

Why Using Sparkling Wine is Better in an Aperol Spritz

As I mentioned before, people have their preference for making aperol spritzes with white wine, prosecco or champagne.

Traditionally, you’ll discover that prosecco is the most common choice. However, I like to make them with a more dry style of sparkling wine.

Prosecco tends to have a lot of residual sugars and far too sweet when combined with bitter sweet Aperol.Whereas, dry sparkling wine balances out the bitter flavors.

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (8)

More Sparkling co*cktails

In case you’re looking for other light and easy co*cktails with a mix of sparkling wine or champagne, here are a few of my favorites from the archives —

  • Brandy, white wine and the classic fall apple cider — Autumn Fig Sangria Recipe
  • Another Aperol and sparkling wine recipe but this time with bourbon —Paper Plane Spritz Recipe
  • Strawberry, bubbles and ice cream —
  • A champagne and gin based drink that can also be made into a mocktail —Sparkling Mint Meyer Lemonade Recipe
  • Another classic wine co*cktail with our own twist — Sparkling Pimm’s Cup Recipe

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (9)

Elderflower Aperol Spritz co*cktail Recipe

Print Recipe

4.77 from 13 votes

A twist to a classic co*cktail, these Elderflower Aperol Spritz are a touch floral balanced with the bitter and bubbly.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course co*cktails

Cuisine Amaro

Equipment

  • Wine glass

Ingredients

  • 3 oz dry white sparkling wine or champagne
  • 1 3/4 oz Aperol
  • 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
  • 1/2 oz soda water
  • Grapefruit wedge, elderflowers or baby’s breath optional for garnish

Nutrition

Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 75mg | Sugar: 6g | Iron: 1mg

Servings: 1

Calories: 208kcal

Instructions

  • Fill a large wine glass or highball with ice.

  • Pour all of the ingredients into the glass and stir.

  • Garnish with grapefruit wedge and elderflowers or baby’s breath.

KEYWORD: elderflower aperl spritz

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (11)

Don’t forget to share your aperol spritz drink with us onInstagramusing the hashtag#sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them allright herewith a fewbitesto go along with them!

Other Wine & Bubbly co*cktails To Try

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (12)

Autumn Fig Sangria Recipe

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (13)

Blackberry Champagne Punch Recipe

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (14)

Strawberry and Rose Sorbet ChampagneRecipe

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (15)

Paper Plane SpritzRecipe

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (16)

Sparkling Mint Meyer Lemonade Recipe

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (17)

Sparkling Pimm's Cup co*cktail Recipe

Elderflower Aperol Spritz Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a elderflower spritz called? ›

The Hugo Spritz is an effervescent co*cktail that combines prosecco, elderflower liqueur, seltzer, lime, and mint. Its flavor is delicate and refreshing making it the perfect aperitivo to any meal.

What is the best elderflower for a Hugo Spritz? ›

St‑Germain is a French elderflower liqueur used by bartenders across the world for its naturally versatile and bright fresh floral flavor. WHY USE ST‑GERMAIN IN THE HUGO co*ckTAIL? It's the perfect ingredient to elevate the Hugo spritz.

What is the difference between St Germain spritz and Aperol Spritz? ›

The St-Germain co*cktail employs a similar strategy as the Aperol Spritz. Both pair a low-ABV liqueur with sparkling wine and club soda for ultimate refreshment. But the Aperol Spritz chooses Italian-made prosecco, while the St-Germain co*cktail often features Champagne for an extra French flair.

What is the difference between a Hugo Spritz and an Aperol Spritz? ›

What is the difference between a Hugo and Aperol Spritz? A Hugo spritz is made with an elderflower aperitif liqueur (or cordial), whereas an Aperol spritz is made with the bitter-orange aperitif. Both spritzes follow a similar recipe makeup of aperitif, sparkling wine and soda water. How to make a Hugo Spritz at home?

Is St Germain the same as elderflower? ›

St‑Germain is a French liqueur made with fresh elderflowers, hand-picked once a year in the late spring. To accomplish its exquisitely natural flavor, every bottle of St‑Germain contains up to 1,000 of the very best elderflower blossoms, resulting in a finely crafted, perfectly balanced and refined liqueur.

What is the difference between Aperol and St Germain? ›

St. Germain, made from the flowers of elderberry bushes, is sweet. I always detect grapefruit, but others get peach, pear, flowers of all kinds, and some even report lychee. Aperol is different, offering sour flavors including rhubarb and orange.

What is a better version of Aperol Spritz? ›

That's three parts prosecco, two parts aperitif (like your Select or Aperol), and one part soda water. “ You can play around with this by keeping the structure the same, but replacing the ingredients,” Tonelli explains. “For example, add Lambrusco or hard apple cider instead of prosecco.”

What makes Aperol Spritz bitter? ›

Aperol is made much like Campari, but unlike its deep red counterpart, the ingredients for this orange-hued liqueur are slightly better-known. Aperol's key ingredients include bitter rhubarb, vegetal gentian root, and cinchona, a tree bark which gives tonic water its characteristic bitterness.

What is the dominant Flavour of the Aperol Spritz? ›

Its signature flavor is sweet, citrusy and sugary, with a little bitterness in the aftertaste. Because Aperol Spritz includes prosecco, it can also be quite dry—or at least as dry as a liquid can be.

Do Italians actually drink Aperol Spritz? ›

Often described as an Italian sunset in a glass, the Aperol Spritz originated in the city of Padua and has become one of the most famous co*cktails from Italy. The Aperol liqueur became a beloved apéritif in Padua and out of its rising popularity the Aperol Spritz was born during the chic 1950s in Northern Italy.

Why does everyone in Italy drink Aperol Spritz? ›

The drink was invented as a means to combat the heat and humidity of Italy's summer months. It became popular among people who wanted something light to sip on before dinner.

Is Aperol Spritz a healthier drink? ›

It's lower in calories

The Aperol spritz only has three ounces of Prosecco and two ounces of Aperol to go with one ounce of soda water, among other ingredients. According to image.ie, 35ml Aperol sets you back 85 calories, while a 60ml splash of Prosecco is around 40 calories.

Is an Aperol spritz a ladies drink? ›

Everyone's drinking it: young women, middle-aged couples, groups of wrinkly tanned men, all sucking from straws sticking out of vast wine glasses loaded with ice cubes that give the illusion that there's more liquid than there is in the famous 3-2-1 formula: three parts prosecco (equating to just one-tenth of a bottle) ...

What is the German version of Aperol Spritz? ›

The front label of the German bottle clearly lists the alcohol percentage as 15 percent, and also lists the same “3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda” Aperol Spritz recipe on the back. So when sipping on Spritzes in Germany, know that you're getting something that tastes the same, but is slightly stronger.

Can you use Campari instead of Aperol in a spritz? ›

While most people tend to think that Aperol is more sweet, Campari and Aperol actually have the same sugar content. Campari is more concentrated and less fruity, so a Campari spritz will taste more bitter, stronger, and less-sweet than an Aperol spritz.

What is another name for elderflower liqueur? ›

St‑Germain is a French liqueur made with fresh elderflowers, handpicked in full bloom every spring.

What are the two types of spritz? ›

But it's not too late to enjoy two iconic summertime apéritifs: the Aperol Spritz and the Campari Spritz. These refreshing co*cktails are made with Prosecco mingled with the bitter liqueur and topped off with a splash of mineral water, served on the rocks, typically with a slice of orange.

What is the difference between elderflower cordial and presse? ›

A mystery, along with why it is called elderflower pressé when the elderflowers are steeped or distilled but definitely not pressed. So cordial is, health-wise, a better choice than pressé.

What is the Austrian drink with elderflower? ›

Hugo co*cktail

However, it quickly became popular in Germany and neighboring Austria. The light and refreshing drink is made by mixing prosecco with elderflower syrup and then adding a few mint leaves and some ice.

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