Ingredients
For the Slush
- 1 cup (240 ml) Aperol
- 1½ cups (360 ml) chilled Prosecco
- ½ cup (120 ml) chilled club soda or sparkling water
- ¾ cup (180 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- 5–6 cups ice cubes
Garnish
- Orange slices or wheels
- Orange zest
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Cocktail cherries (optional)
Equipment
- High-speed blender
- Citrus juicer
- Measuring cups
- Cocktail glasses
- Spoon or straw for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Chill the Ingredients
For the best frozen texture, refrigerate the Aperol, Prosecco, club soda, and orange juice for several hours before making the slush.
If you have time, place your serving glasses in the freezer for about 15–20 minutes to keep the drink colder for longer.
Step 2: Prepare the Citrus
Wash the oranges and lemons thoroughly.
Squeeze the fresh orange juice and lemon juice.
Strain out any seeds while leaving a little pulp if you enjoy extra citrus flavor.
Step 3: Blend the Slush
Add the following ingredients to a high-speed blender:
- Aperol
- Orange juice
- Lemon juice
- Simple syrup (if using)
- Ice cubes
Blend on high speed for 45–60 seconds, or until the mixture becomes smooth, thick, and slushy.
If the mixture is too thin, add more ice.
If it’s too thick to blend, add a small splash of orange juice or sparkling water.
Step 4: Add the Sparkling Ingredients
Reduce the blender speed to low.
Pour in the chilled Prosecco and club soda.
Pulse gently 2–3 times, just enough to combine while preserving some of the bubbles.
Avoid over-blending, as this will flatten the sparkling wine.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Taste the slush and adjust as needed.
For a sweeter drink, stir in a little more simple syrup.
For a brighter citrus flavor, add a splash of fresh lemon juice.
For a stronger bittersweet profile, add a little more Aperol.
Blend briefly if making any adjustments.
Step 6: Serve
Divide the slush evenly among chilled cocktail or wine glasses.
Use a spoon to help transfer the thick frozen mixture if needed.
Serve immediately while the texture is icy and refreshing.
Step 7: Garnish
Top each glass with:
- A fresh orange wheel
- A strip of orange zest
- A sprig of fresh mint
- A cocktail cherry, if desired
For an extra festive presentation, lightly dust the rim with finely grated orange zest.
Chef’s Tips
- Use well-chilled ingredients so the slush stays frozen longer.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the brightest flavor.
- Blend the sparkling wine only briefly to retain its fizz.
- If making drinks for a party, prepare the base ahead of time and add the Prosecco just before serving.
- Frozen orange slices can replace some of the ice for an even richer citrus flavor.
Delicious Variations
Blood Orange Aperol Slush
Replace regular orange juice with fresh blood orange juice for a deeper color and flavor.
Strawberry Aperol Slush
Blend in 1 cup of frozen strawberries for a fruity twist.
Peach Aperol Slush
Add frozen peach slices for a naturally sweet and refreshing variation.
Grapefruit Aperol Slush
Substitute half of the orange juice with fresh grapefruit juice for a tangier finish.
Tropical Aperol Slush
Blend in frozen mango or pineapple chunks for a tropical-inspired cocktail.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the Aperol, citrus juice, and ice mixture in advance and freeze it in a shallow container for up to 4 hours.
When ready to serve, blend again with the chilled Prosecco and club soda until smooth.
Storage
This drink is best enjoyed immediately.
If leftovers begin to melt, store them in the freezer for up to 1 hour, then re-blend before serving.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 18mg
- Fiber: 0g
This Aperol Spritz Slush is the perfect frozen cocktail for sunny days, combining the signature bittersweet flavor of Aperol with sparkling Prosecco, fresh citrus, and a smooth icy texture. Elegant, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make, it’s a standout drink for summer celebrations and outdoor entertaining.
