Blended Aperol Spritz Cocktail

We all know and love a classic aperol spritz in the summertime—a refreshing Italian cocktail made of the bitter aperol, bubbly prosecco, and club soda. It is bright orange and typically had as an aperitivo, a pre-meal drink designed to open the stomach and stimulate digestion before eating.

This Blended Aperol Spritz has all the classic flavors with a delicious frozen texture. It's basically an adult slushy! Frozen orange juice compliments the bitter aperol while creating a smooth, creamy texture.

The perfect drink for hot summer days, this recipe can easily be batched for a party. Just blend up some aperol slushies and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• A refreshing drink. This frozen aperol spritz is perfect for a hot summer day.
• Creamy, frozen texture. This aperol spritz slushie is so smooth.
• More orange flavor than a typical spritz due to the frozen orange juice. If you normally think a spritz is too bitter, you'll like this since it's a touch sweeter!
• Uses common bar ingredients.
• Made in 3 minutes. Just blend and enjoy!
• Easy to batch.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free and vegan.

Want more summer drinks? Try my Skinny Spicy Margarita, S'mores Milkshake, Mint Moscow Mule, Lambrusco Spritz, Wine-Soaked Peaches, Bahama Mama Smoothie.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Here are all the ingredients you'll need to make this frozen aperol spritz:

• Aperol liquor: You could also use Campari, another bitter aperitivo. If you really don't like aperol, you could swap it for vodka, tequila, whiskey, bourbon, gin, or your favorite spirit.
• Orange juice: Plan ahead and freeze the OJ into cubes for the best texture. If you can find blood orange juice, it's extra delicious.
• Prosecco: It doesn't have to be fancy, use your favourite or most accessible. Any sparking wine or white wine will work since we are blending it.
• Ice cubes: For the classic frozen cocktail texture.
• Xanthan gum is a thickener often used in frappuccinos to avoid the separation that happens when they start melting. A little bit keeps the frozen drink homogenous. If you don't have it, it won't taste any different, you will just have to stir the drink back together every so often.
• Garnish: Slice an orange into rounds, then cut those in half and slice halfway up so it rests nicely on the rim of your glass.

To adjust the sweetness: I don't include any simple syrup in this recipe because it is not typical in a traditional aperol spritz. If you like your drinks sweeter, add some simple syrup, maple syrup, or honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full recipe.

(1) Add all ingredients to the bucket of a high powered blender.

(2) Blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth.

(3) Pour into two coupe glasses and (4) garnish with half an orange slice. Enjoy responsibly!

Make Ahead

Note that this cocktail recipe is best served and consumed fresh after blending.

Batching

Multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of drinks you wish to make. Remember the quantities make 2 cocktails. Depending on your blender capacity, you may have to make a few batches.

Expert Tips

Here are some of my top tips and tricks for a delicious spritz:

• Freeze the orange juice into cubes ahead of time for the best texture.
• Store your alcohol and juices in the fridge for an extra cold drink.
• You could make a spritz by replacing the aperol with any liquor. Campari, vodka, gin, tequila would all be great.
• Add a pinch of xanthan gum to avoid the separation that can happen with frozen drinks when they start to melt. It is a natural thickener that is often used in frappuccinos. It creates a creamier texture.
• Garnish with what you have. My favorite is an orange wedge.
• Enjoy on hot summer days and nights!

Frequently Asked Questions

This frozen blended aperol spritz is the perfect aperitivo for the hot summer months. Blend some up and enjoy by the pool, before dinner, and all night long! They are refreshing and easy to make all in the blender. Try it at your next happy hour!

More Drinks

Have you made this blended aperol spritz? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and review below, and tag me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!