Cocktails with Aperol
Aperol is a bright orange Italian aperitif, sweeter and less bitter than Campari. Famous for the Aperol Spritz, it has become synonymous with casual European drinking.
No Aperol? What to use instead
- Type
- Liqueur
- Strength
- 11% ABV
- Aroma
- Orange, Rhubarb, Herbs, Light floral
- Taste
- Bittersweet orange, Herbal, Light, Refreshing
- Finish
- Clean, Slightly bitter, Short
9 drinks with Aperol
- Aperol Spritz SlushProsecco, Orange Juice, Simple Syrup
- ContessaGin, Dry Vermouth
- Devil's SoulRye Whiskey, Mezcal, Averna
- Division BellMezcal, Maraschino Liqueur, Lime Juice
- Naked and FamousMezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Lime Juice
- Paper PlaneBourbon, Amaro Nonino, Lemon Juice
- Pink NegroniGin, Sweet Vermouth
- SpritzProsecco, Soda Water
- Winter SpritzProsecco, Sloe Gin, Soda Water
History
Created by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, Italy, in 1919 and first presented at the Padua International Fair. Aperol remained relatively obscure until Campari acquired it in 2003 and marketed the Spritz globally. Its lower alcohol and gentler bitterness made it a gateway to the Italian aperitivo tradition.
How it’s made
Made from a secret recipe including bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona. Lower in alcohol than most bitters (11%), with more sweetness and less intense bitterness than Campari. The bright orange color comes from added colorants.
Bottles to try
AperolMid-range
The original Italian aperitif. Light, sweet-bitter orange flavor perfect for spritzes.
Select AperitivoMid-range
Venetian alternative with more complexity and slightly higher alcohol content.
Luxardo AperitivoMid-range
Premium aperitif with more pronounced herbal character and natural coloring.
Got Aperol at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.