Aperol Spritz Popsicles

Made with just four simple ingredients, these Aperol Spritz Popsicles are ready when you are! This recipe comes together in just a few minutes, and after testing hundreds of popsicle recipes, I can confidently say you will love this boozy Aperol popsicle! Keep them in the freezer until cocktail time, then serve with Prosecco. Easiest cocktail ever!

When traveling Europe, it’s a rule that you must have an Aperol spritz a day (it keeps the doctor away). But if you’re home and want to have them ready at a moment’s notice without actually having to measure and make one, then these Aperol spritz popsicles are just the recipe for you.

While writing For The Love of Popsicles, I learned popsicles make really great stirrers (beyond just being delicious to snack on) and work in place of plain old ice. So basically, you make these Aperol popsicles, then when you want one, simply place it in a glass with Processo. As it melts, you have a delicious cocktail!

Just what the doctor ordered

• Everything is measured and mixed once, and then it’s done. No messing around in the kitchen when you want the spritz.
• Nothing special is needed, just the basic ingredients of an Aperol spritz plus a little flavor enhancer 😉 (it’s only 4, if you’re wondering).

Go grab these ingredients

The traditional Aperol spritz uses just Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water as the base ingredients. But to make it into a popsicle, we must change the classic recipe a bit! This is just an overview. Jump to the recipe card for the full quantities.

• Alcohol & Liquor: Like any good spritz cocktail, this popsicle uses Aperol and Prosecco.
• The Unusual: To add a little flavor and sweetness, I added lemonade and orange juice. This also helps with the texture as it freezes (rather than club soda, which would lose its carbonation when frozen).

How to make Spritz popsicles

Like my Hugo Spritz, this popsicle Aperol spritz is fast and simple. And because of my intense love of popsicles, you’ll get all the popsicle tips for making and unmolding them perfectly! Jump to the recipe card for the full instructions.

1. Mix everything, except the Prosecco, in a container with a spout (for easier pouring).
2. Freeze in the molds with a popsicle stick in each.
3. Remove and place in a glass. Serve with Prosecco and thin orange slices!

Change It Up

I’ve encountered many types of spritzes in my travels (and you bet I always order them for “research”). These popsicles can be customized just as much as their drink counterpart. Here are some fun variations.

• Grapefruit: Swap the lemonade for grapefruit juice.
• Rosé: Try using a slightly sweet rosé instead of Prosecco.
• Strawberry: Blend strawberries with the lemonade and use double to replace the orange juice with all strawberry lemonade. You can also add a little rhubarb syrup for a true summertime flair.
• Watermelon: Blend and strain watermelon and use the blended fruit to replace the orange juice.
• Make it tropical: Swap the orange juice for mango or guava juice. Or, the lemonade for passionfruit.
• Fresh fruit or herbs: Drop in cut fruit like berries or herbs like basil and mint into the popsicle molds. Not only will this be gorgeous, but as it melts, the flavors will continue to enhance the spritz.

Why this Recipe Works

If you’ve been under the assumption that alcohol doesn’t freeze, you would be correct…kind of. Aperol does freeze but only partially, so here’s what I did to ensure it freezes well.

• Adding in the juice helps give the mixture more that will freeze, versus being mostly alcohol.
• Leave the Prosecco out because while it does freeze, this stops the carbonation. We want the bubbles!

May I get an Aperol spritz and…?

Aperol spritz popsicles can be enjoyed as part of brunch, with appetizers, or with a main meal. Here are just a few of my favorite pairings.

• Creamy Caesar Beans on Toast is a savory brunch staple that pairs perfectly with the dry notes of this Aperol spritz popsicle.
• Cottage Cheese Salad may sound unusual, but trust me, it’s an ideal starter to any meal, especially with a glass of Aperol.
• Truffle Pizza, similar to this spritz, is a recipe that feels elevated but is so easy to make!

P.S. for another fun take on an Aperol spritz, try our festive holiday Cranberry Aperol Ice Cubes!