The It Drink of the Summer? Pass the Aperol, Please

Summers are in full swing, and you know what that means—time to swap your parka for patio drinks! And this year’s official drink of choice? The oh-so-stylish Aperol Spritz. It’s bubbly, it’s orange, and apparently, it’s got more Instagram followers than most of us.

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From Charli XCX and Amanda Holden to the ever-effervescent Reese Witherspoon and Margot Robbie, celebs are clinking glasses and channelling that “I’m effortlessly chic and mildly tipsy in Capri” vibe. Even Kylie Jenner has joined the party, using her spritz as a prop in what can only be described as a photoshoot for the gods. (Meanwhile, we’re just trying to take one pic without a rogue thumb.)

Let’s be real, though—whether you're yacht-hopping or just parked in a camping chair next to a kiddie pool, the Aperol Spritz is serving summer. It’s light, fizzy, refreshingly bitter with just enough sweet orange to make you feel like you definitely have your life together (even if you’re sipping it in flip flops with yesterday’s mascara still clinging to dear life).

@drinkswithdanica Peach Aperol Spritz 🍑 INGREDIENTS: 2 oz aperol 1 oz peach puree 1 oz soda water 3+ oz prosecco METHOD: Fill a wine glass with ice. Add Aperol, peach puree and club soda. Top with Prosecco. Garnish with a peach slice, and enjoy! #peach #easter #spring #aperolspritz #spritz #springdrinks #brunch ♬ Long Cool Woman - MOONLGHT

Want in on the action? Here’s how to make one:

Ingredients

• Big ol’ ice cubes
• 3 oz chilled brut Prosecco (because we’re classy, obviously)
• 2 oz chilled Aperol
• 1 oz chilled club soda
• Slice of citrus for garnish (anything orange-y or lemon-y will do)

How to assemble your summer magic:

1. Grab your biggest, fanciest wine glass (bonus points if it's the size of your head).
2. Fill it with ice like you mean it.
3. Pour in the Prosecco, then the Aperol, then the soda.
4. Give it a gentle stir—don’t shake it like a martini, we’re not animals.
5. Garnish with a pretty citrus slice, hold it up to the sunlight, and take a very smug sip.

Pro tip: Chill everything—yes, even the glass. Pop some ice in there for 30 seconds before you start, dump it out, and voilà, you’ve got yourself a drink that would make an Italian nonna proud.

Whether you're toasting to a girls’ night, dodging your kids for five blessed minutes, or pretending your backyard is Lake Como, the Aperol Spritz is here to make summer feel just a little more fabulous.

The Faux-perol Spritz: A Mocktail That Still Slays Summer

Want the Aperol Spritz vibes without the Aperol hangover? We got you. Whether you’re the DD, expecting a tiny human, or just need a break from wine-based decisions, this mocktail version of the iconic summer drink has all the fizz and flair, minus the “why did I text my ex” aftermath.

This non-alcoholic twist still sparkles, still tastes divine, and still pairs beautifully with oversized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat you don’t need but are 100% wearing anyway.

Here’s how to fake it ‘til you make it (to brunch):

Ingredients

• Ice cubes (because duh)
• 3 oz non-alcoholic sparkling wine or orange sparkling water
• 2 oz bitter orange soda (like Sanbittèr, Ghia Ginger, or even blood orange San Pellegrino)
• 1 oz soda water (the fizzier, the better)
• Citrus slice for garnish (because we’re still fancy)

Instructions

1. Chill everything. Yes, even your attitude.
2. Fill a wine glass with ice like you're prepping for a heat wave.
3. Add your non-alcoholic bubbles, then the bitter orange soda, and top with soda water.
4. Stir gently—no blender necessary.
5. Garnish with a citrus slice, lift your glass, and pretend you’re on a yacht. Or at least not folding laundry.

Optional bougie bonus: Rim your glass with a bit of orange zest and sugar for a little “extra,” because mocktail doesn’t mean meh.

This Faux-perol Spritz is the ultimate summer sipper—bold, refreshing, and zero percent likely to make you say “let’s get bangs” at 2 a.m.