Sunset in Positano

Imagine the golden hour descending upon the pastel-hued cliffs of Positano, the gentle waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea reflecting streaks of amber, coral, and vermillion as the sun dips beyond the horizon. That visual splendor is bottled into a glass with the Sunset in Positano cocktail—a vibrant, citrusy, and gently effervescent libation that captures the soul of the Amalfi Coast.

With its brilliant hue and balanced blend of bittersweet and bubbly, this drink takes inspiration from the iconic Aperol Spritz, while adding a sophisticated twist with blood orange and fresh lemon juice. Finished with a splash of prosecco and club soda, it’s a sip of summer romance, best enjoyed al fresco with good company and better views.

Whether you’re reminiscing about Italian getaways or dreaming of your first visit, this cocktail brings a slice of Positano into your glass.

Why Is This Recipe So Popular?

The Sunset in Positano cocktail has quickly gained popularity for several compelling reasons. Here’s why this recipe resonates with so many cocktail lovers and casual sippers alike:

1. It Captures the Spirit of Travel & Romance

This cocktail instantly evokes the charm of the Amalfi Coast. With its vibrant colors and Mediterranean ingredients, Sunset in Positano transports you to a dreamy seaside town in Italy, even if you’re sipping from your own backyard. People love drinks that remind them of faraway places, and this one delivers that emotional connection beautifully.

2. Visually Stunning—Instagram-Worthy

Let’s face it—people love to drink with their eyes first. The deep orange-pink hue from blood orange juice layered with Aperol and prosecco creates a glowing, sunset-like gradient. It’s not just a cocktail; it’s a photo opportunity. That shareable beauty makes it a star on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.

3. Light, Refreshing, and Sessionable

With a relatively low alcohol content and bright, citrus-forward flavors, this cocktail is incredibly refreshing. It’s perfect for daytime sipping—whether at brunch, by the pool, or during happy hour. The addition of club soda and prosecco gives it a fizzy finish that’s easy to enjoy in warm weather without feeling weighed down.

4. Balanced Yet Unique Flavor Profile

The recipe blends:

• The bittersweetness of Aperol,

• The tartness of lemon juice,

• The rich, fruity complexity of blood orange, and

• The dry sparkle of prosecco.

This makes it both familiar (like an Aperol Spritz) and distinctive enough to stand out on its own.

5. Easy to Make—No Fancy Tools Required

One of the most attractive features of this cocktail is its simplicity. No shaker, no muddler, no obscure ingredients. Just a glass, some ice, and a few quick pours. Anyone—even beginners—can craft this cocktail at home with minimal effort and feel like a professional.

6. Aperitivo Culture is Trending

Aperitivo-style cocktails—light, bittersweet, and effervescent—are growing in popularity globally. With more people leaning toward moderate drinking and mindful sipping, cocktails like Sunset in Positano offer complexity without the intensity of hard liquor-based recipes.

7. Customizable for Any Occasion

Whether served at a formal gathering or a relaxed beach picnic, this cocktail adapts. It can be elevated with garnishes and premium prosecco, or kept simple and still impress. It also lends itself well to pitcher batches, making it great for parties.

8. Seasonal Appeal

Blood oranges are a winter fruit, but this drink feels summery, giving it year-round appeal. It’s both cozy and tropical depending on how it’s presented—a rare versatility that adds to its fanbase.

9. It’s a Conversation Starter

From the name “Sunset in Positano” to its radiant presentation, this drink invites questions and admiration. Guests want to know what it is, where you found it, and how to make it themselves—making it a perfect centerpiece for entertaining.

In short, the Sunset in Positano is popular because it hits every note: visual beauty, fresh taste, cultural flair, and effortless execution. It’s more than just a drink—it’s an experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Stunning Visual Appeal: With the natural reddish hue of blood orange and the vibrant orange of Aperol, this cocktail resembles an Italian sunset in a glass.

• Easy to Prepare: No shaking or elaborate techniques—just simple mixing and pouring.

• Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Bittersweet Aperol, tart lemon juice, rich blood orange, and dry prosecco come together harmoniously.

• Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for summer parties, aperitivo hour, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.

• Light & Refreshing: The low ABV makes it suitable for daytime sipping or pairing with Mediterranean fare.

Ingredients

To create the Sunset in Positano, gather the following fresh and flavorful ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Aperol – The classic Italian aperitif, slightly bitter with hints of orange and herbs.

• 1 oz prosecco – A dry, sparkling white wine that adds effervescence and elegance.

• 1 oz fresh blood orange juice – Adds deep color, a sweet-tart profile, and a taste of Sicilian sunshine.

• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice – Offers brightness and acidity to balance the sweeter notes.

• Splash of club soda – Lightens the cocktail and enhances the spritz-like texture.

• Ice cubes – Essential for serving chilled and preserving balance.

• Orange slice (for garnish) – Adds aesthetic appeal and a hint of fresh citrus aroma.

Preparation (Step-by-Step)

Creating the Sunset in Positano is quick and satisfying, with a presentation that delights as much as the first sip.

Step 1: Chill Your Glass

Place a wine glass or stemmed goblet in the freezer for 5–10 minutes. A frosty glass enhances both the experience and temperature retention.

Step 2: Add Ice

Remove your chilled glass and fill it ¾ of the way with ice cubes. Large cubes work best to minimize dilution.

Step 3: Pour Aperol

Measure and pour 1.5 oz of Aperol over the ice. This forms the bittersweet, herbal base.

Step 4: Add Blood Orange Juice

Add 1 oz of fresh blood orange juice. Fresh-squeezed is best for maximum flavor and that deep ruby tone.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice

Pour in 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice to brighten and sharpen the profile.

Step 6: Top with Prosecco

Gently pour 1 oz of chilled prosecco over the mix. Pour slowly to maintain the bubbles.

Step 7: Splash of Club Soda

Finish with a splash of club soda, adjusting the quantity to your preferred level of fizz.

Step 8: Garnish

Add a thin orange slice to the rim or float it atop the cocktail. You can also add a sprig of mint or edible flower for extra flair.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Serve right away while cold and bubbly. No need to stir—let the ingredients gently swirl and settle into a layered visual gradient.

Variation

The Sunset in Positano is a versatile base. Try these twists to suit your mood or guests:

1. Amalfi Breeze

Swap blood orange juice for pink grapefruit juice and add a sprig of rosemary for a woodsy aroma.

2. Rosé Spritz Sunset

Replace prosecco with sparkling rosé for a floral undertone and a rosier color profile.

3. Spicy Sunset

Muddle a slice of jalapeño before pouring in the Aperol for a touch of heat that plays well with the citrus.

4. Non-Alcoholic Sunset

Use a non-alcoholic Aperol alternative, sparkling water instead of prosecco, and a dash of orange bitters.

Cocktail Note

• Glassware Matters: A stemmed glass preserves temperature and makes the cocktail feel elevated.

• Layering Tip: Pour prosecco slowly over the back of a spoon for a more dramatic layered effect.

• Chill Ingredients: Keep prosecco and club soda cold to preserve carbonation and reduce dilution.

• Seasonal Freshness: Blood oranges are in season during winter, but bottled juice can work year-round if fresh is unavailable.

Serving Suggestions

• Occasions: Ideal for brunch, beachside soirées, sunset picnics, or rooftop happy hours.

• Pair with Food:

  • Antipasti like olives, crostini, and marinated artichokes.

  • Light pasta dishes—especially lemon linguine or seafood risotto.

  • Fresh fruit platters with figs, grapes, and cheeses.

• Serving Temperature: Best served immediately and well-chilled, ideally between 38–42°F (3–5°C).

Tips

• Use Fresh Juice: Always squeeze your own citrus for maximum freshness and brightness.

• Don’t Overdo Club Soda: A splash is enough to add fizz without diluting flavor.

• Batch-Friendly: Multiply the recipe and build in a pitcher (except prosecco and soda—add those just before serving).

• Enhance Aroma: Rub a piece of orange peel around the rim for an added citrus aroma.

Prep Time

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes

• Servings: 1 cocktail

• Skill Level: Easy

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Note: Actual nutrition may vary depending on the brands of ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use regular orange juice instead of blood orange?

Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter and the color less dramatic. If using regular orange juice, consider adding a splash of pomegranate or cranberry juice to mimic the hue.

What’s the best prosecco for this cocktail?

A dry (brut) prosecco works best to balance the sweetness of Aperol and citrus. Look for brands with DOC or DOCG labeling from Italy.

Can I make a large batch for a party?

Absolutely. Scale up all ingredients except prosecco and club soda. Mix the base (Aperol + juices) in advance, chill, and top each serving with bubbly just before serving.

Is it okay to skip the lemon juice?

While optional, the lemon juice enhances the drink’s complexity by providing acidity that cuts through the sweetness. Skipping it will yield a rounder, softer profile.

How do I make it stronger?

You can increase the Aperol to 2 oz or add 0.5 oz of vodka or gin, though this changes the character of the drink from light and aperitivo-style to more robust.

Conclusion

The Sunset in Positano is more than a cocktail—it’s a sensory escape. With each sip, you’re transported to the cliffs of Italy, serenaded by lapping waves and kissed by citrusy sea breezes. It’s bright, bittersweet, bubbly, and beautiful—a modern classic perfect for summer and evocative of unforgettable evenings abroad.

Whether served at a rooftop gathering or enjoyed quietly on your balcony, this drink’s flavor, appearance, and ease of preparation make it a star in any cocktail lineup. So pour yourself a glass, raise a toast to la dolce vita, and savor the sunset—Italian style.

Print