Grapefruit Aperol Spritz: Three Places and a Bit of Bitters
If you haven’t tried a Grapefruit Aperol Spritz yet, this might be your new favorite summer drink. It’s everything you love about the classic—light, bubbly, a little bitter—but with a bright pop of grapefruit that really makes it feel extra fresh.
Since Italy was just a month ago, my love letter to that magical place is still going strong. I’ve always loved an Aperol Spritz, but after that trip? Let’s just say it turned into a full-on obsession.
So let’s transport together. We’re making the classic—with a twist.
That twist didn’t come to me in Florence. It came in Belmar, NJ. Right after we got home, we packed up and headed down the shore for a little peep time and some much-needed Jerseyness. Totally different energy, obviously, but always a good time.
We ended up at this rooftop bar—The Beach Haus Brewery. (Cool views). And with my Italy trip still fresh in my soul, I had to order the Aperol Spritz. But when it came with grapefruit? That stopped me. Not in a bad way—in a “wait a second…this is kind of brilliant” way. One sip and I was already planning how to make it my own.
And here’s the kicker: I’d already been adding orange bitters to my spritzes since our trip to Mackinac Island. (Wild place! A must-see). The bartender at the Iroquois Hotel (a total cocktail wizard) gave us the tip, and we’ve been hooked ever since.
So now this little grapefruit remix felt meant to be. Italy brought the soul, Jersey brought the flavor twist, and Michigan had already dropped in the secret ingredient.
If you’re into this kind of travel-inspired kitchen creativity, try a few of my other creations, like my Pistachio Spread or my Ahi Tuna Appetizer. (Both of which would pair perfectly with this spritz.)
Alright, enough of me yammering. Let’s make a spritz.
Just 5 Ingredients
- Aperol – The classic Italian aperitif that gives the spritz its signature orange hue and slightly bitter kick. Non-negotiable.
- Prosecco – I like to stick with an Italian prosecco to keep things on-theme. Luca Grucci has been a go-to—super crisp, bubbly, and around $13. A steal for the sparkle.
- Orange bitters (or grapefruit bitters if you can find it) – The secret ingredient I picked up in Michigan. Just a few drops adds depth and brings the whole drink together.
- Fresh grapefruit – This is what makes it zing. A squeeze of juice and a juicy slice for garnish. Bottled will do in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Club soda – Just a splash to top things off and keep it light and fizzy. Don’t skip it—it balances everything out.
How to Make a Grapefruit Aperol Spritz
Super easy, no shaker required!
Fill your glass halfway with ice.
Start with a big wine glass or whatever feels festive.
Add a splash (2–3 drops) of orange or grapefruit bitters right onto the ice.
This soaks into the ice and gives the drink a subtle, aromatic base.
Squeeze in some fresh grapefruit juice.
There’s no need to measure; just do what feels right.
Pour in your Aperol.
Enough to get that beautiful orange color going. About 2 ounces.
Add prosecco.
I go by the very official “one Mississippi, two Mississippi” count while pouring. (Sometimes three, sometimes four, no judgements, right?)
Top with club soda.
Just a splash to lighten it up and get the bubbles going.
Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Salute!
What to Pair with an Aperol Spritz
Think of an aperitif as the opening act to a great meal—or to a great evening. It’s a light, usually slightly bitter drink meant to wake up your appetite without filling you up. The Grapefruit Aperol Spritz fits the bill perfectly: bubbly, citrusy, and just bitter enough to get your taste buds buzzing. Here are few of my favorite pairings…
- Marinated olives (especially citrus or herb-infused)
- Thin slices of prosciutto
- Parm or aged pecorino chunks with honey drizzle
- Crostini with my Pistachio Spread
- Ahi Tuna with crispy homemade tortillas
- Whipped Feta Dip with homemade Cast-Iron Flatbread
Tips For Making the Best Aperol Spritz with Grapefruit at Home
Use a big wine glass
Trust me—it’s not just for aesthetics. You want room for ice, bubbles, and garnishes to float around and feel fancy.
Go heavy on the ice
Fill the glass at least halfway, if not more. It keeps everything nice and cold.
Don’t skimp on the prosecco
A good Italian prosecco makes all the difference. Luca Grucci is my current fave—bright, crisp, and about $13.
Fresh grapefruit makes it sing
Squeeze some juice in, and definitely add a slice for garnish. If you have to use bottled juice, make it good quality. But fresh really pops.
Bitters first, always
Splash a few drops right onto the ice before anything else. It subtly infuses the whole drink. Orange or grapefruit bitters both work beautifully.
Top with club soda, not tonic
Tonic changes the whole flavor. You just want a light fizz, not sweetness.
How to Set Up Your Own Aperol Spritz Bar
This is super fun and really kinda easy. Your peeps will love it.
An Aperol Spritz isn’t really a make-ahead kinda cocktail—it’s best fresh, fizzy, and bubbly. So skip the pitcher and set up a little spritz bar instead. Everyone can build their own, which means less work for you and more fun for everyone else.
Here’s what to lay out:
- Aperol
The OG. No substitutes. - Prosecco
Stick with an Italian one if you can. I love Luca Grucci—tastes great, super reasonable. - Bitters
Set out a bottle and let people drop in a few dashes. - Fresh grapefruit
Wedges or slices for garnish, plus a pitcher. If you have the time to squeeze the juice before your guests arrive freshly, great! If not, pour some bottled grapefruit juice into a pretty pitcher. - Club Soda
Have some bottles of Fever-Tree Club Soda out. - Ice + glasses
Big wine glasses if you’ve got them, or whatever you love drinking from. And a bucket of ice.
You can even pop a recipe card (like this one) in a cute little frame and set it right on the table. That way, you’re not stuck playing cocktail teacher all afternoon—your peeps can mix their own like pros.
Throw on an adorable, Italian-inspired tablecloth on your table or bar, and you’re all set.
Just use [this link] to print the recipe card.
Now I’m super excited for you.
FAQ
Nope. They’re both Italian and bitter, but Aperol is lighter, less boozy, and way more citrus-forward.
Not really. This one’s best made fresh—right when you’re ready to sip. The bubbles go flat pretty quickly, and the grapefruit can lose its brightness. If you’re hosting, set up a little spritz bar so your peeps can mix their own. Way more fun anyway.
Yep. Aperol is a low-alcohol liqueur—about 11%—so it’s lighter than most spirits, but still very much alcoholic. It’s what gives the spritz that slightly bitter, citrusy backbone (and that gorgeous orange glow).
Yes! You totally can. Just swap the Aperol with a non-alcoholic aperitif (there are a bunch out there now—Lyre’s is a solid option), and use a dry, non-alcoholic sparkling wine or even sparkling water instead of prosecco. Still refreshing, still pretty, and still totally deck-worthy.
Spritz Me a Message
What do you think about this twisty little version of the spritz? Tried something similar? Let me know—I’d love to hear your take.
Or hey, let’s talk travel. Italy, Belmar, or even Michigan—been to any of them? Planning to? I’d love to hear about your adventures. Need tips for any of those three? I might have to phone a friend for the Belmar recs (shoutout to my fancy Nancy), but for Italy and Michigan? Oh, I’ve done my homework.
Drop me a comment or a message—let’s swap stories and spritz ideas.
Grapefruit Aperol Spritz: Three Places and a Bit of Bitters
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice
- 2-3 drops orange bitters
- 2 oz grapefruit juice
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 oz Prosecco
- splash club soda
- grapefruit slice optional garnish
Instructions
- Fill glass halfway with ice
- Add 2–3 drops bitters (orange or grapefruit)
- Squeeze half of a fresh grapefruit or use 2 oz of bottled juice
- Pour in 2 oz Aperol
- Add prosecco (about 3 oz or “two Mississippi” count)
- Top with a splash of club soda
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice
