There's something about that late afternoon light that makes you want a drink in your hand, something fizzy and not too serious. The Sunset Spritz delivers exactly that, with Aperol's bittersweet orange meeting the herbal complexity of Cocchi Americano in a tall glass of sparkling refreshment.
The grapefruit juice does real work here, adding a tart brightness that cuts through the sweetness while playing up those citrus notes already hanging out in the Aperol. Lemon juice sharpens everything up, and the Prosecco brings that dry, bubbly finish that keeps you coming back for another sip. It's like an Aperol Spritz grew up a little, got more interesting.
This one's built for late spring afternoons on the patio or early summer evenings when you want something refreshing but with enough bitterness to keep things compelling. If you're feeling bold, swap in Campari for a more assertive, deeper-hued version. Either way, you've got yourself a proper sunset sipper.

Seasonal
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Sunset Spritz
A Bittersweet Italian Sparkler for Golden Hour
highball·Aperol
Sunset Spritz
Light·large wine glass
bittercitrussweet
Ingredients
- 1.5 ozAperol
- 1 ozCocchi Americano
- 1 ozfresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 ozfresh lemon juice
- 3 ozProsecco
Method
- 1.Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes
- 2.Add Aperol, Cocchi Americano, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice
- 3.Stir gently to combine and chill
- 4.Top with chilled Prosecco
- 5.Give one gentle stir to integrate
- 6.Express grapefruit peel oils over the drink and add to glass
Garnishgrapefruit peel twist
Note: This sunset sipper balances Aperol's bittersweet orange character with the wine-based botanicals of Cocchi Americano, while fresh grapefruit adds tart citrus brightness. The Prosecco provides effervescence and a dry finish. For a more assertively bitter variation with deeper red sunset hues, substitute Campari for the Aperol.
#seasonal#summer#aperol#cocktail#recipe#craft-cocktail
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