How many units in an Aperol Spritz? Units and calories
Short answer: an Aperol Spritz made to the classic recipe (75 ml prosecco, 50 ml Aperol, 25 ml soda) contains about 1.4 UK units and around 120 kcal. That is a little less alcohol than a standard 175 ml glass of wine (2.1 units). But bar serves are often larger: a big glass with a generous pour can reach 2 units or more, and a jug shared between four easily adds up to 2 to 3 units each.
The maths behind a classic Spritz
The classic ratio is 3-2-1: three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol, one part soda water, served over ice with a slice of orange. The brand’s own recipe uses 75 ml prosecco, 50 ml Aperol and 25 ml soda. The official cocktail list of the International Bartenders Association is a little more generous, with 90 ml prosecco and 60 ml Aperol.
Both alcoholic ingredients are around 11% ABV, so:
- Prosecco: 75 ml × 11% = 8.3 ml of alcohol, 0.8 units
- Aperol: 50 ml × 11% = 5.5 ml of alcohol, 0.6 units
- Total: about 13.8 ml of alcohol, or 1.4 UK units
With the IBA quantities, the same sum gives about 1.7 units.
Once the soda and the melting ice are added, the drink itself ends up around 8 to 9% ABV, a little weaker than a glass of wine.
Bigger glasses, bigger numbers
The classic recipe is on the modest side. In a bar or at home, the proportions often drift:
| Serve | Prosecco | Aperol | UK units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic 3-2-1 | 75 ml | 50 ml | 1.4 |
| IBA recipe | 90 ml | 60 ml | 1.7 |
| Generous bar serve | 100 ml | 60 ml | 1.8 |
| Big home pour | 125 ml | 75 ml | 2.2 |
| Jug shared by 4 (1 bottle prosecco, 500 ml Aperol) | 750 ml | 500 ml | about 3.4 each |
Two generous Spritzes on a terrace can therefore be close to 4 units, more than a pint and a half of 4% lager. Ready-to-drink cans vary a lot in size and strength, so check the label.
Calories in an Aperol Spritz
A classic Spritz contains roughly 120 kcal. Most of it comes from the alcohol (7 kcal per gram) and the sugar in Aperol, with a little more from the prosecco. For comparison, the NHS puts a 175 ml glass of 12% wine at up to 158 kcal. The bigger serves above can reach 180 to 200 kcal.
Swapping the Aperol for an alcohol-free bitter aperitif and the prosecco for an alcohol-free sparkling wine cuts both the units and a good share of the calories.
How it compares with other drinks
| Drink | UK units |
|---|---|
| Aperol Spritz, classic | 1.4 |
| Glass of prosecco, 125 ml | 1.4 |
| Small glass of wine, 125 ml, 12% | 1.5 |
| Single gin and tonic | 1.0 |
| Standard glass of wine, 175 ml, 12% | 2.1 |
| Pint of lager, 4% | 2.3 |
The Spritz has a reputation as a light drink, and made properly it is. The catch is that it goes down easily, in the sun, often two or three at a time. Our UK units table and our cocktail calories table cover the other favourites.
Can I drive after one Aperol Spritz?
One classic Spritz (1.4 units) is unlikely to put most adults over the limit in England, Scotland or Ireland. It can, however, put a smaller person over the 20 mg limit that applies to learner, novice and professional drivers in Ireland. And a generous serve, or a second one, changes the picture quickly, especially under the 50 mg limit in Scotland and Ireland.
Count at least 1 hour 30 minutes for the alcohol from one classic Spritz to clear, longer for a bigger glass or a smaller person. Our guide on how long to wait before driving has the full table. If you are driving, the simplest option is the alcohol-free version.
You can log your Spritz, and any other drink, in ConsomAction: it is listed in our drinks database and adds to your blood alcohol estimate automatically.
FAQ
How many units are in a bottle of Aperol?
A 700 ml bottle of Aperol at 11% contains 7.7 units. Made into classic Spritzes at 50 ml each, one bottle gives 14 drinks.
Is an Aperol Spritz stronger than a glass of wine?
No, not when made to the classic recipe: about 1.4 units against 2.1 for a standard 175 ml glass of 12% wine. A large, generous Spritz can match a glass of wine, though.
Is Aperol Spritz fattening?
At around 120 kcal, a classic Spritz has fewer calories than most glasses of wine or pints of lager. The sugar in Aperol and the tendency to have several make it add up over an afternoon.
What is the alcohol percentage of Aperol?
Aperol is 11% ABV in the UK and Ireland. The finished Spritz, with soda and ice, is around 8 to 9%.
Further reading
- How many units in a drink? UK alcohol units table
- How long after drinking can I drive? UK and Ireland