Hello Friends!
There is something about a spritz that feels made for summer.
It’s light, bubbly, refreshing, and—perhaps my favorite part—incredibly easy to make. A bottle of prosecco, a splash of something flavorful, a little sparkling water, and a beautiful garnish are really all you need.
Whether you’re inviting a few friends over for happy hour or simply pouring yourself something special at the end of the day, a spritz is one of those drinks that feels celebratory without requiring much fuss.
Today, I’m sharing three of my favorites: a bright Limoncello Spritz, a refreshing Hugo Spritz, and the classic Aperol Spritz.
Three different flavors. Three beautiful glasses. And one very easy reason to say cheers.
THE BEAUTY OF A SIMPLE SPRITZ
One of the reasons I love serving spritzes at home is that they don’t require a fully stocked bar or complicated cocktail-making skills.
Most follow a wonderfully simple formula: something bubbly, something flavorful, a splash of sparkling water, and a fresh garnish.
They’re also easy to prepare individually, which makes them perfect for a casual happy hour. Set out the ingredients, chill the prosecco, slice a few garnishes, and you’re ready.
And don’t forget the glassware.
I love any excuse to bring out a beautiful wine glass. Matching isn’t necessary—mixing different colors and styles can make even a simple cocktail feel a little more special.
THE EASY 3-2-1 SPRITZ RATIO
One of the easiest things to remember about making a spritz is the 3-2-1 ratio:
3 parts prosecco
2 parts liqueur
1 part sparkling water
It creates a simple starting point that’s easy to recreate at home—and even easier to customize.
From there, the personality of the drink comes from the liqueur and garnish. Limoncello and fresh lemon make it bright and citrusy, elderflower liqueur with mint and lime creates a fresh Hugo Spritz, and Aperol with orange gives you the classic bittersweet version.
Once you know the ratio, creating a beautiful spritz really can be that simple.
LIMONCELLO SPRITZ
Bright, citrusy, and wonderfully refreshing, the Limoncello Spritz tastes like summer in a glass.
Makes 1 cocktail
INGREDIENTS
- 2 ounces limoncello
- 3 ounces prosecco
- 1 ounce sparkling water
- Ice
- Fresh lemon slice or wheel, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Fill a wine glass with ice. Add the limoncello, followed by the prosecco and sparkling water.
Stir gently to combine and garnish with fresh lemon.
HUGO SPRITZ
The Hugo Spritz is light, floral, and incredibly refreshing. Elderflower, mint, and lime give this one such a fresh flavor—and it’s especially lovely for warm afternoons.
Makes 1 cocktail
INGREDIENTS
- 2 ounces elderflower liqueur
- 3 ounces prosecco
- 1 ounce sparkling water
- Ice
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh lime wheel or wedge, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Add a few mint leaves to a wine glass and gently press them to release their aroma.
Fill the glass with ice, then add the elderflower liqueur, prosecco, and sparkling water.
Stir gently and finish with fresh lime and another sprig of mint.
APEROL SPRITZ
A classic for a reason. The Aperol Spritz has that unmistakable bittersweet citrus flavor and gorgeous orange color that makes it almost as beautiful to look at as it is to drink.
Makes 1 cocktail
INGREDIENTS
- 3 ounces prosecco
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 1 ounce sparkling water
- Ice
- Fresh orange slice, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Fill a wine glass generously with ice.
Add the prosecco, Aperol, and sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with a fresh orange slice.
MAKE IT A HAPPY HOUR
If you’re serving these for friends, there’s no need to play bartender all afternoon.
Chill everything ahead of time and create a simple spritz station with the bottles, ice, sparkling water, sliced citrus, and fresh mint. Guests can choose their favorite—or try more than one.
Add a few easy bites, turn on a great playlist, and happy hour is ready.
And if no one happens to be coming over?
Choose your favorite glass. Make yourself a spritz. Take it outside or settle into your favorite spot at home and enjoy it anyway.
Because sometimes the happiest hour doesn’t require an invitation.
Every day is a day worth celebrating—and a beautiful summer afternoon seems like a particularly good reason to pour something bubbly.
Which would you choose first: Limoncello, Hugo, or Aperol?
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