This Frozen Aperol Spritz Cocktail, with a vibrant sunset-orange hue, is 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 frozen Aperol spritz
It’s like Aperol Frose! This takes the classic Aperol spritz cocktail and blends it into a gorgeous, almost too-pretty-to-drink frose version of the Italian classic. Aperol and prosecco are truly magical. Plus, take a chance to really get ahead by freezing the Aperol and orange juice at least 4 hours and up to 2 days ahead of time.
Cools you down! While I’ll be sipping on frozen cocktails, I highly recommend you also get your frozen blend on too! If you’re a margarita lover like I am, you must get your frozen strawberry margarita on next! Nothing says summer like a blended beverage to wash it all down.
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.
Frozen Aperol spritz ingredients
All we 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
This is a cinch to make in a few easy steps. Get ahead by freezing ahead of time and then all you have to do is blend come party time!
- 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. Garnish with orange and grapefruit slices. Enjoy!
Delicious Snacks To Pair 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:
Recipe tips:
- 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
What is Aperol?
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.
What Does Aperol Taste Like?
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.
What is Aperol spritz?
Looking for more blended cocktails? Check these out!
If you make this Frozen Aperol Spritz recipe, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!
I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!
Originally published in September 2019, updated February 2022 with updated info and recipe card.
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
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?