At this point, we're not too far off from summer becoming officially renamed Aperol spritz season. The timeless Italian drink — simply consisting of Aperol, Prosecco, and sparkling water [1] — is a faultless classic in the summer months, and its bitter orange flavor will always be one longed by taste buds worldwide.
For those seasoned drinkers looking for a little something extra, however, there are many popular variations on the cocktail since Aperol, a vibrant apéritif, lends itself perfectly to homemade popsicles and granita, and it pairs well with cranberry, too. Read on for eight refreshing Aperol spritz recipes that add a twist to the famous fizzy cocktail.
Persimmon Aperol Spritz
Upgrade your go-to Aperol spritz with persimmon. The fruit adds a nice touch, gives it a super orangey look, and thickens out the drink.
Get the recipe: persimmon Aperol spritz [3]
Blood Orange Aperol Granita
Get fancy with your Aperol spritz by adding orange juice and grapefruit bitters into the mix.
Get the recipe: blood orange Aperol granita [4]
Sicilian Gin Spritz Cocktail
Enjoy this cocktail morning, noon, and night! The Sicilian gin spritz calls for gin, fresh blood orange juice, vanilla bean, and Meyer lemon sugar syrup for a taste that packs a punch.
Get the recipe: Sicilian gin spritz cocktail [5]
Cranberry Spritz
If you love the taste of cranberry, you'll enjoy this spritz. It's as easy as adding cranberry juice, seriously, that's it!
Get the recipe: cranberry spritz [6]
Boozy Aperol Spritz Popsicles
We can't think of a better summer "drink" than these boozy spritz popsicles.
Get the recipe: boozy Aperol spritz popsicles [7]
Smashed Berry Rosé Spritz
Let's be honest, who doesn't crave a rosé spritz during summertime? If you're already a fan of pink bubbles, this smashed berry rose spritz recipe is a must try.
Get the recipe: smashed berry rosé spritz [8]
Aperol Spritz Jello Shots
These Aperol spritz jello shots are just too good to pass up. Perfect for happy hours or just because, treat yourself to this fun spin on a spritz cocktail by infusing jello with Prosecco, Aperol, and sparkling lemonade.
Get the recipe: Aperol sprtiz jello shots [9]
Paper Plane Spritz
If you're a bourbon drinker, guess what? There's a spritz cocktail for you as well. For those who love bolder flavors, this recipe combines Aperol and sparkling wine with bourbon, amaro, and lemon juice. For extra points, garnish with a festive paper plane and a lemon twist.
Get the recipe: paper plane spritz [10]
— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Haley Lyndes [11] was an assistant editor for PS Shopping where she found and tested the best home, beauty, and fashion products. She is a graduate of Northern Vermont University and has nearly five years of experience in both written and broadcast journalism.
Lucy Kenny [12] was an assistant editor for POPSUGAR UK. She is is a trending writer and casting director. She's forever trying to pull off a leopard-print beret and peaked when an internet-famous bushbaby featured her content.