The Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian aperitif that has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. Made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, the drink has a beautiful orange color and a bittersweet, refreshing taste. But is the Aperol Spritz a low calorie cocktail option or does it pack a surprising caloric punch?
What’s in an Aperol Spritz?
A classic Aperol Spritz contains just 3 ingredients:
- 3 parts Prosecco (sparkling wine)
- 2 parts Aperol
- 1 part soda water
The amounts can vary based on preference, but this 3-2-1 ratio is the most common recipe. The drink is built directly in the glass – first the Prosecco, then the Aperol, and finally a splash of soda to top it off. The soda adds a touch of effervescence and dilutes the drink slightly.
Let’s break down the nutritional content of each ingredient:
Prosecco
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine made from Glera grapes. One 5 oz glass (150ml) contains about:
- 100 calories
- 2.5 g carbs
- 0 g fat
- 0 g protein
As an unsweetened sparkling wine, Prosecco is relatively low in calories and carbs compared to other wines and mixed drinks.
Aperol
Aperol is an Italian aperitif made from orange, rhubarb, herbs, and roots. It has an ABV of 11%. A 1.5 oz (45ml) serving contains:
- 90 calories
- 10 g carbs
- 0 g fat
- 0 g protein
The carbs come from added sugar. Aperol brings sweetness to balance the bitterness, as well as vivid orange color.
Soda Water
Soda water is simply carbonated water and contains:
- 0 calories
- 0 g carbs
- 0 g sugar
- 0 g fat
- 0 g protein
As plain water with bubbles, the soda water in an Aperol Spritz adds no calories, carbs, or nutrients to the drink.
Nutrition Info Per Serving
Now let’s put it all together. A classic 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz contains:
- 3 oz (90ml) Prosecco
- 2 oz (60ml) Aperol
- 1 oz (30ml) soda water
Based on the calorie counts of each ingredient, a full serving provides:
- ~150 calories
- 12 g carbs
- 0 g fat
- 0 g protein
The calories come mostly from the Aperol, while the small amount of carbs is largely from the added sugar in Aperol. Overall, a 4-5 oz Aperol Spritz contains a moderate amount of calories compared to some mixed drinks and cocktails.
How Does It Compare to Other Drinks?
At around 150 calories per serving, the Aperol Spritz has fewer calories than many popular cocktails and mixed drinks. Here’s how it compares:
| Drink | Calories (5 oz serving) |
|---|---|
| Aperol Spritz | ~150 |
| Mojito | 190 |
| Margarita | 150-300 |
| Piña Colada | 490 |
| Moscow Mule | 180 |
| Bloody Mary | 170 |
| Mimosa | 100 |
The Aperol Spritz has a similar calorie count to drinks like a Margarita or Moscow Mule. However, it packs way fewer calories than heavy hitters like a Piña Colada. The light and bubbly Mimosa is the only drink with fewer calories than an Aperol Spritz.
Compared to Beer and Wine
The Aperol Spritz also compares favorably to beer and wine:
- Regular beer – 150 calories per 12oz
- Craft beer – 200-300 calories per 12oz
- Red wine – 125 calories per 5oz
- White wine – 120 calories per 5oz
With 150 calories per 5 oz serving, the Aperol Spritz has a similar calorie count to a light beer or glass of wine. This makes it a solid moderate-calorie option compared to beer and wine as well.
Tips for Lightening Up Your Aperol Spritz
If you’re really watching your calories, there are a few easy ways to lighten up an Aperol Spritz even further:
- Use prosecco with lower alcohol content – provides fewer calories
- Go heavy on the soda water to dilute the drink
- Use diet tonic instead of soda water
- Reduce the amount of Aperol to lower the sugar and calories
- Add more ice to make the drink more diluted
- Opt for a wine with fewer calories like brut champagne vs proseccco
With these tweaks, you can bring a standard Aperol Spritz down to around 100 calories or less. The more you dilute the drink, the fewer calories it will contain.
Low Calorie Aperol Spritz Alternatives
If you’re looking for something similar to an Aperol Spritz but with way fewer calories, consider these light cocktails:
Sparkling Wine with Soda Water and Bitters
Combine 3 oz sparkling wine, 1 oz soda water, and 2-3 dashes bitters for a zero-calorie take on an Aperol Spritz. Bitters add complexity and botanical flavors.
Lightly Sweetened Sparkling Wine
Many brands offer sparkling wines with just a touch of added sugar to provide a hint of sweetness. Look for brut or extra brut champagnes and proseccos. The small amount of sugar minimizes calories.
Spritzer with Herbal Liqueur
For an alcohol-free option, mix 3 parts soda water with 1 part herb liqueur like St. Germain Elderflower. The natural sweetness makes a delicious low-cal spritzer.
Soda Water with Fruit Juice
Make a fruity, fizzy spritzer by combining 3 parts soda water with 1 part fruit juice like grapefruit, orange, or pomegranate. Sweeten with a touch of stevia if desired.
The Verdict
At around 150 calories per serving, the Aperol Spritz fits in the moderate calorie range compared to other cocktails and mixed drinks. It has a similar calorie count to a light beer or 5 oz glass of wine.
There are lower calorie cocktail options out there, especially if you stay away from liqueurs. But compared to heavy mixed drinks and creamy cocktails, the Aperol Spritz is relatively light.
If you’re watching your waistline, there are several easy ways to lighten up an Aperol Spritz further. Or you can opt for a low-cal spritzer instead and still enjoy a similar flavor profile. While not the lowest calorie cocktail choice out there, an Aperol Spritz can definitely fit into a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation.
