Cocktails with Aperol, much like the liqueur itself, are strongly tied to Italy. Just as pasta is inseparable from Italian cuisine, Aperol is an icon of Italian drinking culture. For over a century, its bittersweet taste has delighted not only Italians but also tourists, drawing more and more people into the charm of Italian streets, the scent of the Mediterranean breeze, and the flavor of the classic Aperol Spritz.
Aperol: What Kind of Alcohol Is It?
Aperol is an aperitif crafted from bitter orange peels and a blend of botanicals, including rhubarb, thyme, lemon peel, wormwood, and rosemary. It’s instantly recognizable thanks to its bright orange color and its unique bittersweet flavor.
What to Drink Aperol With?
Its unique character shines best with the following:
- Prosecco: Known for its elegance and lightness, the Aperol Spritz has already won millions of fans worldwide! Naturally, the recipe for this cocktail is the first on our list.
- Orange juice: The combination of rich orange juice with Aperol’s citrus-herbal profile creates a taste full of sunshine.
- Sparkling water: It’s no surprise that Aperol goes perfectly even with plain sparkling water. This duo works well for those who enjoy more intense flavors.
- Tonic or Sprite: Mixing Aperol with these fizzy drinks guarantees refreshing cocktails with light, dry notes.
- Vodka: A bold pairing that also enhances Aperol’s subtle flavor! You’ll find some vodka + Aperol cocktail recipes further in this article.
Classic Aperol Cocktails
Famous Aperol & Prosecco Cocktail — Aperol Spritz
The iconic Italian cocktail, perfect for warm summer days — Aperol Spritz. Beloved across the globe, it hardly needs an introduction. Summer, Italy, a bucket of ice, and a refreshing Aperol Spritz — the picture speaks for itself.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Aperol
- 90 ml Prosecco
- 30 ml sparkling water
- Orange or lemon slice
Preparation:
In a glass with ice, pour chilled Prosecco first, then add Aperol, and top it off with sparkling water. Almost done! Just garnish with one or two slices of orange or lemon. Salute e buon divertimento!
Aperol with Orange Juice — Aperol Betty
As mentioned earlier, Aperol pairs beautifully with orange juice. But it’s worth noting that orange juice isn’t the only great match for this liqueur. In the classic Aperol Betty cocktail, grapefruit juice is also added to highlight Aperol’s citrus notes!
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Aperol
- 60 ml orange juice
- 60 ml grapefruit juice
- Ice
- Orange or grapefruit slice
Preparation:
To prepare this drink, you’ll need a shaker — though at home, a simple jar will do the trick. Pour all the ingredients into the shaker and shake well. Then strain into a glass with ice and garnish with an orange or grapefruit slice.
Simple Aperol Cocktail — Aperol Fizz
What could be more citrusy than the previous drink? Probably the Aperol Fizz, made with lemon juice! This is an incredibly refreshing cocktail with a bright, slightly sour flavor. Easy to make and perfect for warm summer days, it’s a versatile choice that always works.
Ingredients:
- 70 ml Aperol
- 35 ml lemon juice
- 30 ml sugar syrup
- 60 ml sparkling water
- Ice
- Orange slices
Preparation:
For this cocktail, you’ll also need a shaker — or simply a jar if you’re making it at home. Fill it with ice cubes, add Aperol, lemon juice, and sugar syrup, then shake well. Strain into a glass with ice, top with sparkling water, and garnish with an orange slice. Done!
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Unconventional but Delicious Aperol Cocktails
Aperol with Triple Sec
Bittersweet Aperol paired with the sweet, citrusy Triple Sec creates a fresh orange cocktail, stronger than the previous ones. It’s not only elegant in appearance but also has a fantastic flavor you should definitely try.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Aperol
- 30 ml Triple Sec
- 30 ml dry white vermouth
- Ice
- Orange peel
Preparation:
Combine all the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, shake well, then strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with an orange peel. Ready to enjoy!
Cheeky Negroni
This stronger cocktail, made with Aperol, vermouth, and gin, is a fruitier twist on the classic Negroni. It balances lightness and sweet orange notes with just a hint of bitterness, while being less bitter overall than the original version.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Aperol
- 30 ml gin
- 15 ml dry vermouth
- 15 ml sweet vermouth
- Ice
- Orange slice
Preparation:
Fill a shaker with a few ice cubes, add all the ingredients, and stir for about 30 seconds. Strain into a lowball glass and garnish with an orange slice.
Stronger Aperol Cocktails
Aperol with Vodka
For those who prefer the strongest mixes, here’s a recipe for an Aperol and vodka cocktail! Thanks to its neutral taste, vodka gently highlights Aperol’s bittersweet balance, making it more intense.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Aperol
- 30 ml vodka
- 85 ml sparkling water
- 150 ml orange or grapefruit juice
- Ice
- Orange or grapefruit slice
Preparation:
Combine ice, vodka, Aperol, and orange or grapefruit juice in a shaker and mix. Pour into a glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish as desired.
Aperol with Whisky
The combination of whisky’s oaky, spiced notes with Aperol’s slightly bitter, citrusy flavor is definitely worth trying! Sweetness comes from sugar syrup, and together these ingredients create a bold, original cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Aperol
- 75 ml whisky
- 10 ml sugar syrup
- Ice
- Orange peel
Preparation:
In a tall glass with ice, add whisky, Aperol, and sugar syrup. Stir gently and garnish with orange peel. Enjoy!
Aperol — A Drink for Every Occasion!
As you can see, Aperol is the perfect match not only for Prosecco but also for many other ingredients. In this list of recipes, there’s something for everyone — and experimenting with proportions will help you discover your own unique taste of summer with Aperol!
