The Effects of Drinking an Aperol Spritz on Your Body

The Aperol spritz is often seen as a light, fashionable drink perfect for a summer afternoon or a pre-dinner aperitif. With its signature orange hue and slightly bitter taste, it’s also been hailed as a “healthier” cocktail choice. But behind its vibrant glow and bubbly charm, this cocktail delivers more than just good vibes.

Here’s what actually happens to your body when you sip an Aperol spritz and what you should consider before making it your go-to drink.

1. You’ll Feel the Effects of Alcohol

Despite its bright, refreshing taste, the Aperol spritz is far from alcohol-free. It combines Aperol liqueur (11% ABV) with prosecco (about 12% ABV) and a splash of soda water, bringing the total alcohol content to around 9%.

Even one glass can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time especially if consumed quickly or on an empty stomach. The effects vary depending on your body weight, metabolism, and food intake, but don’t underestimate it just because it’s bubbly.

2. Alcohol Adds to Your Health Risks

The World Health Organization has stated that no amount of alcohol is considered safe, even in low to moderate amounts. Regular or heavy drinking increases your risk for:

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Certain cancers

• Liver disease

• Depression and anxiety

• Weakened immune system

In fact, a 2023 study in The Lancet confirmed that alcohol even at minimal levels contributes to a measurable rise in health risks over time.

3. It’s High in Added Sugar

An Aperol spritz contains approximately 19 grams of added sugar, which is 76% of the recommended daily max for women and over 50% for men, according to the American Heart Association.

High sugar intake has been linked to:

• Obesity

• Type 2 diabetes

• Cardiovascular disease

• Fatty liver disease

• Inflammation and cognitive decline

Most Americans already exceed the recommended daily sugar intake, and cocktails like this one can make it easy to consume even more without realizing it.

4. It May Affect Digestion and Appetite

As a bitter aperitif, the Aperol spritz is traditionally consumed to stimulate appetite before a meal. Its bitter compounds including gentian root may increase gastric juice secretion, potentially aiding digestion. Some small studies even suggest bitter compounds might influence hunger hormones like GLP-1, the same mechanism as weight-loss drugs like Ozempic.

But research is limited and inconsistent, especially in humans. In reality, drinking an Aperol spritz may simply lead to eating more especially if paired with salty snacks or followed by a rich dinner.

5. It Contains Artificial Colorings

That iconic orange color doesn’t come from oranges. Aperol includes Red 40 and Yellow 6, synthetic dyes that are being phased out in some U.S. states due to health concerns.

Some studies have linked these dyes to:

• Hyperactivity in children

• Allergic reactions

• Potential toxicity in high doses

Red 40 is one of several additives under increased scrutiny, and California has already passed legislation to ban it by 2027 in food and beverage products.

6. It Offers a Tiny Vitamin C Boost

If your Aperol spritz includes a slice of orange, you'll get about 7 mg of vitamin C roughly 8% of your daily recommended intake. While that’s a small bonus, it doesn’t outweigh the drink’s sugar or alcohol content. You're better off eating a whole orange or adding citrus to sparkling water if you’re after real nutritional benefits.

How Many Calories Are in an Aperol Spritz?

Calorie count varies depending on the pour, but most Aperol spritzes contain 125 to 245 calories. Here's how it stacks up against other drinks:

• Mimosa: 75 calories

• White wine: 128 calories

• Margarita: 168 calories

• Pina colada: 380 calories

While the spritz is on the lower end compared to many cocktails, that doesn't automatically make it a healthy choice especially when combined with added sugar and artificial ingredients.

Healthier Alternatives to Try

If you love the ritual or taste of an Aperol spritz but want to cut back, here are some ways to make it lighter:

• Use non-alcoholic prosecco or low-alcohol Aperol alternatives

• Opt for a mocktail with sparkling water and fresh citrus

• Stick to one drink and sip slowly

• Swap in soda water with orange slices for the same refreshing vibe minus the sugar

Key Takeaways

Despite its reputation as a light and low-calorie cocktail, the Aperol spritz still packs a punch with alcohol, sugar, and synthetic dyes. While an occasional spritz is unlikely to harm your health, drinking them regularly or viewing them as "healthier" cocktails can be misleading.

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