The Aperol Spritz has become the unofficial drink of summer. That iconic orange cocktail is refreshing, beautiful, and perfect for warm weather sipping. But at 150-200 calories per glass, it’s not exactly diet-friendly. Here are five lower-calorie Italian cocktails that deliver the same Mediterranean vibes.
What’s in an Aperol Spritz?
A classic Aperol Spritz contains:
- 3 oz Prosecco (65 calories)
- 2 oz Aperol (88 calories)
- 1 oz soda water (0 calories)
- Orange slice garnish
Total: 153 calories, 11g sugar
The calories come primarily from Aperol, which contains significant sugar. Let’s find some lighter alternatives.
5 Lower-Calorie Italian Cocktail Alternatives
1. The Skinny Spritz
Calories: 95 | Sugar: 4g
Reduce the Aperol to 1 oz and increase the soda water. You still get that beautiful orange color and bitter-sweet flavor with 40% fewer calories.
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Aperol
- 3 oz soda water
- Orange wheel
2. Hugo Spritz
Calories: 110 | Sugar: 5g
Popular in Northern Italy, the Hugo uses elderflower instead of Aperol. Fresh, floral, and lighter.
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
- 2 oz soda water
- Fresh mint and lime
3. Prosecco & Soda
Calories: 65 | Sugar: 1g
Sometimes the simplest option is best. Half Prosecco, half soda water with a citrus twist gives you bubbles and refreshment with minimal calories.
4. Campari & Soda
Calories: 85 | Sugar: 4g
Skip the Prosecco entirely. Campari over ice with soda water is intensely bitter and refreshing—a true Italian classic.
- 1.5 oz Campari
- 4 oz soda water
- Orange peel
5. Limoncello Spritz
Calories: 120 | Sugar: 6g
A Southern Italian alternative that’s sunshine in a glass. Use limoncello sparingly—it’s potent.
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz limoncello
- 2 oz soda water
- Lemon wheel and basil
Pro Tips for Lighter Spritz Drinking
- More soda, less liqueur: Increase the ratio of soda water to cut calories
- Choose Brut Prosecco: Sweeter Proseccos add unnecessary sugar
- Ice it down: More ice means less liquid per glass
- Alternate with water: Spritz are refreshing—easy to drink too many
Discover more Italian-inspired drinks on DrinkLeader.