Whether you stick to the original recipe or enjoy this Italian-originated cocktail with an inventive twist, the Aperol spritz is a timeless classic. We’ve rounded up the best spots to order this bubbly, bittersweet favorite in Chicago.
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317 N. Clark St. / Website
Snag a seat along the Chicago riverfront and gear up for hand-stretched pizza, charcoal-grilled seafood and farm-sourced pasta (like rigatoni vodka and pesto Genovese) at this buzzy Italian eatery. Try the spot’s signature Portofino spritz, crafted with a harmonious blend of grapefruit, prosecco and Aperol, or opt for its citrus-forward rendition, the Venetian spritz.
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831 N. State St. / Website
Helmed by restauranteur and award-winning sommelier Alpana Singh, Mag Mile dining destination Alpana is known for fan favorites like red wine braised short ribs, burrata panzanella and pistachio pesto—and its Amalfi spritz is not to be missed, crafted with Aperol, strawberry liqueur, lemon juice and prosecco for the perfect sweet-tangy mix.
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2545 N. Kedzie Blvd. / Website
Featuring house cocktails, mix-and-match highballs and small bites (like tinned mackerel and pressed sourdough sandwiches), this Logan Square neighborhood cocktail bar is one to visit for its lavish, citrus-forward spritz made with Aperol, clementine, St. Agrestis Paradiso and prosecco.
1603 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive / Website
This recently reopened North Avenue Beach spot serves seafood-centric bites like coconut-crusted shrimp, lobster rolls and Cabo-style fish tacos, coupled with a sought-after selection of frozen, stirred and canned cocktails. Don’t miss out on the eatery's Shoreline spritz, made with Diplomatico aged rum, passionfruit, lime, soda, orange and Aperol.
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12 S. Michigan Ave. / Website
Whether you’re in the market for a chef-selected lineup of oysters or are craving tender jus-topped ribeye, this longtime local outpost has got you covered, and it features pristine rooftop views of Lake Michigan to boot. Grab a table and pair menu offerings with the “Secretly Admired,” Cindy’s creative play on the beloved classic with Caravedo Pisco, select Aperitivo, Lo-Fi Gentian amaro, rhubarb, lemon and celery.
See also: The 18 Best Italian Restaurants In Chicago
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2734 W. Roscoe St. / Website
With tasty Mediterranean-influenced New American fare, this Avondale mainstay crafts seasonal, locally sourced dishes like shrimp Bahn mi, roasted chicken pozole and wagyu carpaccio. Elevate your meal with the eatery’s refreshing Aperol spritz, a prosecco-infused bittersweet treat topped with a fresh orange slice. Plus, Eden’s frozen Aperol spritz is also available seasonally.
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230 W. Kinzie St. / Website
River North bar and restaurant Gilt has remained a favorite among in-the-know locals for over a decade, serving signature dishes like tenderloin steak tartar, truffle bucatini and lemon vermouth steamed mussels—all accompanied by the dining destination’s well-endowed beverage program. Don’t miss out on the spot’s “Daisy” spritz made with Wheatley vodka, Aperol, St-Germain and lemon.
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1133 W. Randolph St. / Website
Contemporary multi-regional Italian eatery Gioia brings authentic dishes like black mussel-topped linguine and 1-year aged Carnaroli risotto to the West Loop. Aperol fans can level up their dining experience with Gioia’s rendition of a classic, the Corazon de Melon, crafted with Corazon tequila, cantaloupe puree, Aperol, Italicus, lime juice and prosecco.
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307 N. Green St. / Website
French-Mediterranean restaurant La Serre features angel hair pasta nests with osetra caviar, crab croquettes and French onion fondue, plus signature cocktails like the St-Tropez Spritz. The popular drink is made with a mix of Sipsmith gin, blood orange and elderflower liqueur, lemon, strawberry, rose petals and prosecco.
1744 W. Balmoral Ave. / Website
Andersonville LGBTQ+ cocktail bar and lounge Nobody’s Darling introduces innovative twists on timeless libations like its “Eartha” spritz, brought to life by a combination of Bayab gin, Aperol, L’Apertivo Nonino, earl gray tea, cucumber bitters and lemon.
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108 E. Superior St. / Website
Located in The Peninsula Chicago, this bar and lounge boasts a hefty selection of reserve Champagnes, accompanied by wines, rare spirits and globally sourced whiskeys. Its interpretation of a classic Aperol spritz is crafted with Grey Goose vodka, raspberry, Aperol, lime and ginger.
See also: The 14 Best Pizza Spots In Chicago
Photography by: Photo of Pizzeria Portofino’s Portofino spritz by Lindsay Eberly
