This Frozen Aperol Spritz Cocktail is so easy to make! Filled with Aperol, orange juice, strawberries and Prosecco, then blended up into a frozen frothy cocktail, it’s a refreshing summer cocktail recipe that’s easy to prep ahead and will make you feel like your backyard is an Italian courtyard.
Why you’ll love this frozen Aperol spritz
It’s like Aperol Frose! This takes the classic Aperol spritz cocktail and blends it into an icy version of the Italian classic. Aperol and prosecco are truly magical, and you can get ahead by freezing the Aperol and orange juice at least 4 hours/up to 2 days ahead of time.
Speaking of – it cools you down! I highly recommend you get your frozen cocktail blend on in time for the warmer weather! If you’re a margarita lover like I am, try a frozen strawberry margarita next! Want a variation of this recipe? Try a frozen strawberry Aperol spritz. Just trust me, nothing says summer like a frozen blended beverage!
And here’s a happy bonus: You can double or triple the recipe! This Aperol slushie sure hits the spot. This will make four generous cocktails, but you can easily scale the recipe up, depending on how many guests you are hosting. The recipe for four fits perfectly in my blender. Simply blend in batches if making more.
More Spritz Recipes You’ll Love
Enjoy them as-is, or transform them into a blended frozen version! This is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place.
- White Peach Spritz
- Cherry Spritz Recipe
- Martini Spritz
- Pineapple Coconut Spritz
- Lambrusco Pomegranate Spritz
Key ingredients
All you need is Aperol, orange juice, frozen strawberries, prosecco (or champagne), ice, and orange and grapefruit slices.
- Aperol: Aperol is a bright orange aperitif. Look for it in the liqueur or amaro aisle of your liquor store. Aperol won’t freeze completely (since alcohol never truly freezes solid), but it will freeze enough to help the texture of the frozen cocktail.
- Orange Juice + Frozen Strawberries: Although these ingredients are not traditional, the orange juice really highlights the Aperol, and frozen strawberries add a bright, berry flavor – they also help keep the drink frozen longer.
- Prosecco: Prosecco is basically the Italian version of French Champagne or Spanish Cava. I really like a Dry (Brut) Prosecco since the Aperol is already kind of sweet. Plus, it’s fairly inexpensive and worth every penny!
How to make an Aperol spritz cocktail
Step 1: Freeze Aperol & Orange Juice
Pour them into ice cube trays and allow them to freeze for at least 4-6 hours ahead of time.
Step 2: Blend
In a blender, combine the frozen Aperol, orange juice, frozen strawberries, prosecco (or champagne), and ice. Blend just until smooth and no chunks of ice remain. This usually takes less than 30 seconds.
Step 3: Pour & Enjoy
Pour your Aperol slushie into your favorite cocktail glasses. Garnish with orange and grapefruit slices. Enjoy!
tips & tricks
- Aperol: The Aperol won’t freeze ‘solid,’ but it will freeze enough to help the texture of this frozen cocktail.
- Prep ahead: Freeze the Aperol and orange juice in ice cube trays for at least 4 hours and up to 2 days ahead of time. I recommend the covered ice cube trays, so the liquids don’t pick up any odors from the freezer.
- Frozen Strawberries: These are technically optional, but I think they add a punch of flavor and help keep the consistency frozen longer – I highly recommend!
- If you’re making these for a party, I love blending a batch or two and then popping it in the freezer until my friends arrive!
Aperol Spritz FAQ
Aperol is basically a bitter orange liquor from northern Italy. It’s 11% alcohol content (which is half of Campari, the well-known aperitif used to make Negronis). The Aperol Spritz is an extremely common drink in Italy during ‘happy hour’ or aperitivo.
Aperol has lots of floral and herbal notes, a slight syrupy sweetness, and subtle undertones of vanilla. Besides the flavor, my favorite thing about Aperol is the rich color.
The classic Aperol Spritz served on the cobblestone streets of Italy requires four basic ingredients – Aperol, prosecco, club soda, and a green olive (yes – it’s a thing!). I like to consider this frozen version a twist on the classic.
What Do You Serve With Aperol Spritz?
In Italy, the Aperol spritz is commonly served during aperitivo – the Italian version of happy hour – as an aperitif. It’s sipped along with fun, creative snacks to wake up your tastebuds and get it ready for the big meal that’s about to come.
I love to serve these frozen Aperol spritzes with Italian or Mediterranean-inspired appetizers and snacks. Since Aperol is a bit bitter, salty, creamy, or fatty foods take off that bitter edge. Some of my favorites include:
Frozen Aperol Spritz Cocktail
ingredients
- 12 oz Aperol
- 12 oz orange juice
- 1 cup frozen strawberries optional
- 1 bottle 750ml prosecco, or champagne
- 1-2 handfuls ice
- orange + grapefruit slices for garnish
instructions
- Freeze the Aperol and orange juice: Place in ice cube trays and freeze at least 4-6 hours ahead of time.
- Blend: In a blender, combine the frozen Aperol, orange juice, frozen strawberries, prosecco (or champagne) and ice. Blend just until smooth and no chunks of ice remain. Usually less than 30 seconds.
- Pour and enjoy: Pour into your favorite cocktail glasses and garnish with orange and grapefruit slices. Enjoy!
notes
Nutrition
Anyone tried using a different berry than strawberries. I love aperol spritz but am allergic to strawberries. Suggestions?
Amazing!
AH-MAZING! so delicious and refreshing without being too sweet
What is the green leafy garnish in the top?