Aperol Spritz with Dehydrated Orange Garnish

Name: Aperol Spritz with Dehydrated Orange Garnish
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients: 3 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine; 2 oz Aperol; 1 oz Club soda; 1 slice Dehydrated Orange (Citrus House)

Italy's most iconic aperitif. The dried orange garnish that keeps it looking as good as it tastes.

The Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian aperitif cocktail made with Prosecco, Aperol, club soda, and orange garnish. It is light, bitter-sweet, sparkling, and designed for casual social drinking before dinner.

Aperol is an Italian aperitif liqueur known for its bright orange color, gentle bitterness, citrus notes, and low alcohol content. When mixed with dry Prosecco and club soda, it becomes refreshing instead of heavy, making the Aperol Spritz one of the easiest cocktails to serve for spring, summer, parties, and outdoor entertaining.

The traditional garnish is a fresh orange wedge, but fresh orange can brown, wilt, or slide off the glass during service. A Citrus House dehydrated orange slice solves that problem. It adds vivid amber color, slow-releasing citrus aroma, and a polished garnish that holds its shape from the first sip to the last.

Ingredients

3 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine

2 oz Aperol

1 oz Club soda

1 slice Dehydrated Orange (Citrus House)

How to Make a Aperol Spritz with Dehydrated Orange Garnish

1 Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
2 Pour in the Aperol, then add the Prosecco.
3 Top with a splash of club soda and stir gently once with a bar spoon.
4 Perch a Citrus House Dehydrated Orange slice on the rim. The amber color against the blush pink of the Aperol is the finishing detail that makes this drink unforgettable.

Shop Dried Orange Slices

Why a Dehydrated Orange Garnish Works

Orange is part of the visual identity of an Aperol Spritz. The drink is known for its sunset-orange color, so the garnish should support that look. A dehydrated orange slice holds its color, stays attractive in the glass, and releases citrus aroma slowly as the drink is consumed.

For parties and batch service, dehydrated orange is also more practical than fresh orange. There is no cutting, no browning, no sticky prep, and no waste.

Tips & Technique

The Aperol Spritz is traditionally served in a large wine glass — not a highball, not a coupe. Fill the glass with plenty of ice before you build the drink so it stays cold without heavy dilution. The ratio that works is 3-2-1: three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, one part soda. Some prefer more Aperol for a stronger bitter note; adjust to taste. Pour the Prosecco first, then the Aperol — this keeps the carbonation alive rather than pouring onto a flat base. The club soda goes in last and lightens the drink slightly. Stir once, gently. The garnish comes last: a Citrus House Dehydrated Orange slice placed on the rim of the glass. Fresh orange on an Aperol Spritz starts to look tired within 15 to 20 minutes. A dried orange slice holds its deep amber color and vivid texture for the entire drink, releasing its essential oils slowly through the Aperol's botanical notes. For batch service at a party or event, you can pre-build Spritzes without the soda and garnish, then add both to order — the dried garnish means the prep is done in seconds with nothing to cut.

Related Cocktail Styles

The Aperol Spritz is a light, low-ABV cocktail built for social drinking. If you enjoy casual sparkling drinks, try the Tom Collins for a gin-and-lemon highball or the Moscow Mule for a ginger beer serve. For another colorful warm-weather cocktail, the Grapefruit Margarita offers a brighter, more citrus-forward profile.

Shop the Dried Orange Garnish Used in This Recipe

Finish your Aperol Spritz the way it deserves. Shop Citrus House Dehydrated Orange Slices — premium dried orange garnishes with vivid amber color, slow-releasing citrus aroma, and a 12+ month shelf life. No prep, no browning, no waste.

Shop Dehydrated Orange Slices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Aperol Spritz?

An Aperol Spritz is an Italian aperitif cocktail made with Prosecco, Aperol, club soda, and orange garnish. It is light, sparkling, bitter-sweet, and usually served before dinner.

What is the correct Aperol Spritz ratio?

The classic ratio is 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part club soda. This keeps the drink balanced, refreshing, and low in alcohol.

Can I use sparkling wine instead of Prosecco?

Yes. Dry sparkling wine can work, but Prosecco is the traditional choice because its bubbles, acidity, and light fruit notes balance Aperol well.

Why is club soda added last?

Club soda is added last to keep the drink light and preserve carbonation. Stir gently once after adding it so the cocktail stays sparkling.

Why use a dehydrated orange garnish in an Aperol Spritz?

A dehydrated orange slice holds its color, does not wilt, and requires no prep. It also reinforces the orange aroma and keeps the drink looking polished throughout service.