Few drinks capture the atmosphere of an Italian summer quite like Aperol. Its unmistakable orange colour, bittersweet citrus flavour and close association with the Aperol Spritz have made it one of the world’s most recognisable aperitifs.
Yet there is more to Aperol than one famous cocktail. Its lighter 11% ABV, approachable bitterness and combination of citrus, herbs and roots make it a remarkably versatile bottle for relaxed summer drinks, pre-dinner aperitivo serves and simple cocktails at home.
In this guide, we explore what Aperol is, where it comes from, what it tastes like and how to make the perfect Aperol Spritz using the classic 3-2-1 recipe.
You can buy Aperol Aperitivo Liqueur online from Hard To Find Whisky, or explore the complete Aperol collection.
What Is Aperol?
Aperol is an Italian aperitivo liqueur created in Padua in northern Italy. Designed to be enjoyed before a meal, it combines a rounded sweetness with refreshing citrus, aromatic herbs and a gently bitter finish.
The word aperitivo refers both to the drink and to the Italian custom of meeting for drinks and light food before dinner. Aperol is particularly well suited to this tradition because it is flavourful without being as intensely bitter or spirit-forward as many traditional Italian amari.
At 11% ABV, Aperol Aperitivo Liqueur is also considerably lighter than most full-strength spirits. It can be served with soda water, mixed with sparkling wine or used to introduce citrus and herbal bitterness into cocktails.
Where Does Aperol Come From?
Aperol was created in Padua by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri. The pair began developing their aperitivo in 1912 and spent seven years refining the recipe before introducing Aperol at the Padua International Fair in 1919.
The Barbieri brothers wanted to produce a balanced aperitivo that offered bitterness, sweetness and freshness without the higher strength associated with many other liqueurs. Their recipe was built around a carefully selected mixture of fruits, herbs and roots, with the complete formula remaining closely guarded.
Aperol gradually became popular in Padua, Venice and across the Veneto region. During the 1950s, it became increasingly associated with sparkling wine and soda water, helping to establish the modern Aperol Spritz.
That simple combination eventually transformed a regional Italian aperitivo into an internationally recognised cocktail.
What Does Aperol Taste Like?
Aperol has a distinctly bittersweet flavour rather than being either strongly bitter or noticeably sugary.
The aroma is led by fresh orange peel, supported by aromatic herbs and a light touch of vanilla. On the palate, sweet citrus is balanced by herbal bitterness, earthy roots and a rounded, slightly velvety texture. The finish is clean, gently bitter and persistent without becoming overpowering.
Its approachable flavour is one of the main differences between Aperol and stronger Italian bitters. People who find traditional amaro or Campari too intense will often find Aperol easier to enjoy.
Aperol tasting profile
Nose: Fresh orange peel, aromatic herbs and a subtle touch of vanilla.
Palate: Bittersweet citrus, gentle herbal notes, roots and rounded sweetness.
Finish: Clean and refreshing with lingering orange and herbal bitterness.
How Strong Is Aperol?
Aperol is bottled at 11% ABV.
This makes it significantly lower in alcohol than spirits such as gin, vodka, whisky and rum, which are commonly bottled at around 37.5% to 40% ABV or higher.
A classic Aperol Spritz will generally sit at approximately 9% ABV, although its final strength will depend on the Prosecco, measurements and amount of soda water used.
It should still be enjoyed responsibly, but its comparatively moderate strength helps make it suitable for longer, lighter aperitivo-style drinks.
How to Make the Perfect Aperol Spritz
The classic Aperol Spritz recipe follows an easy 3-2-1 ratio:
- Three parts Prosecco
- Two parts Aperol
- One part soda water
Classic Aperol Spritz recipe
Ingredients
- 75ml Prosecco
- 50ml Aperol
- 25ml soda water
- Plenty of ice
- One fresh orange slice
Method
- Fill a large wine glass generously with ice.
- Pour in the Prosecco.
- Add the Aperol.
- Finish with a splash of soda water.
- Stir gently without removing too much of the fizz.
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice.
Adding the Prosecco first can help the ingredients combine more evenly while preserving the sparkling wine’s bubbles.
For a complete presentation, the Aperol Spritz Liqueur Glass Pack includes a full-sized bottle of Aperol with branded glassware.
What Is the Best Prosecco for an Aperol Spritz?
A dry or extra-dry Prosecco works particularly well in an Aperol Spritz. Its acidity and crisp fruit character balance Aperol’s bittersweet orange flavour without making the finished cocktail excessively sweet.
Despite its name, Extra Dry Prosecco can contain slightly more residual sugar than Brut Prosecco. Those who prefer a sharper, more refreshing Spritz may favour Brut, while Extra Dry provides a softer and fruitier drink.
Whichever style you choose, chill the bottle thoroughly before serving. Warm sparkling wine loses its freshness more quickly and can cause the ice to melt faster.
Explore our selection of sparkling wine and Prosecco to complete your Spritz.
Why Plenty of Ice Matters
A proper Aperol Spritz should be served with plenty of good-quality ice.
Although it may seem that more ice would dilute the drink, filling the glass properly helps keep the cocktail colder for longer. A small amount of ice melts quickly, while a full glass maintains a lower temperature and slows dilution.
Large, solid cubes are preferable to small or crushed ice. Make sure the glass is large enough to hold the ice, drink and orange garnish without overflowing.
Our selection of glassware includes wine glasses, Italian designs and serving accessories for building a more complete home bar.
Can You Make an Aperol Spritz Without Prosecco?
Prosecco is the traditional sparkling wine used in an Aperol Spritz, but it is not the only option.
A dry sparkling wine or Cava can produce an excellent alternative. The important consideration is balance: the wine should have enough acidity and freshness to complement Aperol’s sweetness and citrus character.
Still white wine can also be used for a less sparkling variation. Add extra soda water to give the drink a lighter texture.
For an even simpler serve, mix Aperol with soda water over ice and garnish with orange. This produces a lighter drink in which Aperol’s citrus and herbal flavours become more prominent.
More Easy Aperol Cocktails to Try
Although the Aperol Spritz remains its most famous serve, Aperol can be used in several easy cocktails.
Aperol and Soda
A simple, refreshing drink that allows the aperitivo’s orange and herbal flavours to take centre stage.
Ingredients
- 50ml Aperol
- 100ml soda water
- Ice
- Orange slice
Pour the Aperol into an ice-filled highball glass, top with soda water and garnish with orange.
Aperol and Tonic
Tonic water adds quinine bitterness and produces a drier drink than lemonade or soda.
Ingredients
- 50ml Aperol
- 100ml premium tonic water
- Ice
- Orange or grapefruit slice
Build the drink directly in a large glass and stir gently.
Aperol Sour
Fresh lemon juice gives Aperol greater sharpness while sugar syrup rounds out the herbal bitterness.
Ingredients
- 60ml Aperol
- 30ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml sugar syrup
- Optional egg white or aquafaba
- Ice
Shake the ingredients without ice first when using egg white or aquafaba. Add ice, shake again and strain into a chilled glass.
Aperol Negroni
Replacing Campari with Aperol creates a softer, lighter and more citrus-led variation of the traditional Negroni.
Ingredients
- 30ml Aperol
- 30ml gin
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- Ice
- Orange peel
Stir the ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over one large cube.
For the stronger and more traditional version, use Campari Italian Bitter, or try the convenient Campari Negroni Ready to Drink Cocktail.
Aperol Grapefruit Spritz
Grapefruit reinforces Aperol’s citrus bitterness and makes a particularly refreshing summer serve.
Ingredients
- 50ml Aperol
- 50ml pink grapefruit juice
- 75ml sparkling wine
- Splash of soda
- Ice
- Grapefruit slice
Build the ingredients in a large ice-filled wine glass and stir gently.
Aperol vs Campari: What Is the Difference?
Aperol and Campari are both Italian aperitifs, but they are not interchangeable.
Aperol is lighter in colour, strength and bitterness. Its flavour is led by orange peel, herbs and gentle sweetness, while Campari has a deeper red colour, a more intense bitter profile and a higher 25% ABV.
The choice between them depends on the drink being made and the level of bitterness preferred.
| Aperol | Campari |
|---|---|
| 11% ABV | 25% ABV |
| Bright orange colour | Deep red colour |
| Gentle, bittersweet flavour | Stronger, more assertive bitterness |
| Orange, herbs and vanilla | Bitter citrus, herbs and spices |
| Best known for the Aperol Spritz | Best known for the Negroni and Americano |
Aperol is generally the more approachable choice for spritzes and lighter summer cocktails. Campari is better suited to drinkers looking for a stronger, drier and more intensely bitter aperitivo.
What Food Goes with an Aperol Spritz?
An Aperol Spritz is traditionally served before dinner with small savoury snacks. Its combination of bitterness, citrus and sparkling acidity works particularly well with salty and rich foods.
Good pairings include:
- Green or black olives
- Bruschetta with tomato and basil
- Parmesan, Pecorino or other aged cheeses
- Prosciutto and cured meats
- Salted nuts
- Focaccia
- Fried seafood
- Pizza
- Crostini and antipasti
The cocktail’s bitterness helps refresh the palate, while its citrus flavours complement salty cheeses, charcuterie and tomato-based dishes.
Does Aperol Need to Be Refrigerated?
An unopened bottle of Aperol should be stored upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and large changes in temperature.
Once opened, refrigeration is recommended. Aperol contains less alcohol than many spirits, so its flavour will gradually lose freshness through oxidation.
For the best quality, aim to use an opened bottle within approximately three months when refrigerated. Always replace the cap securely after pouring.
Changes in colour, aroma or flavour can indicate that the bottle is past its best. Fresh Aperol should remain bright orange with a clear citrus and herbal aroma.
Is Aperol Only a Summer Drink?
Aperol is strongly associated with sunny terraces and warm-weather drinking, but it can be enjoyed throughout the year.
During spring and summer, it works naturally in long sparkling drinks. In autumn, it can be paired with blood orange, grapefruit or rosemary, while winter serves can incorporate sparkling wine, warming citrus and seasonal garnishes.
Its relatively low strength also makes it useful for parties and gatherings where lighter cocktails are preferred.
For further inspiration, browse our wider range of liqueurs and aperitifs, including alternatives such as ROC Riviera Rosé Aperitivo, Gordon’s Elderflower & Lime Spritz and Benvenuti Limoncello.
Buy Aperol Online from Hard To Find Whisky
The classic Aperol Aperitivo Liqueur is available in a 70cl bottle at 11% ABV and provides everything needed to begin making Aperol Spritzes, long drinks and aperitivo cocktails at home.
For gifting or creating a more complete serve, the Aperol Spritz Liqueur Glass Pack combines the iconic Italian aperitivo with branded glassware.
Hard To Find Whisky has specialised in whisky, liqueurs and spirits since 1991, with bottles dispatched from our Birmingham premises using secure, purpose-designed packaging. Orders can be delivered throughout the UK and to a wide range of international destinations.
Explore the full Aperol range at HTFW.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aperol
What is Aperol made from?
Aperol is produced using an infusion of fruits, herbs and roots. Gentian, cinchona and citrus are among its known flavouring ingredients, while the complete recipe remains secret.
Is Aperol sweet or bitter?
Aperol is bittersweet. It combines orange-led sweetness with herbs, roots and a clean bitter finish.
Is Aperol the same as Campari?
No. Aperol is lighter, sweeter and lower in alcohol. Campari is stronger, darker and considerably more bitter.
What percentage alcohol is Aperol?
Aperol is bottled at 11% ABV.
What is the correct Aperol Spritz ratio?
The traditional ratio is three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part soda water.
Can Aperol be drunk neat?
Yes. Aperol can be served neat or over ice, although it is most commonly mixed with sparkling wine, soda or tonic water.
How many Aperol Spritzes can one bottle make?
A 70cl bottle can make approximately 10 to 14 drinks, depending on whether each Spritz contains 50ml or 60ml of Aperol.
Should Aperol be refrigerated after opening?
Yes. Refrigerating an opened bottle helps preserve its fresh citrus and herbal flavours.
What garnish goes in an Aperol Spritz?
A fresh orange slice is the traditional garnish.
Can you make an Aperol Spritz with Cava?
Yes. A dry Cava or another dry sparkling wine can be used in place of Prosecco.
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What Is Aperol? Aperol Spritz Recipe & Guide | HTFW
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Discover what Aperol tastes like, its Italian history, the classic 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz recipe, serving tips and more easy Aperol cocktails.
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Discover the history and flavour of Aperol, learn how to make the perfect 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz and explore easy cocktails, serving tips, food pairings and related Italian aperitifs.
