Aperol substitutes
The closest substitute for Aperol is Campari, which works but the drink will taste a little different. More bitter, so use a bit less. use ¾ the amount. In a pinch, use Suze.
What to use instead of Aperol
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
CampariWorks, tastes different More bitter, so use a bit less. Use ¾ the amount | Use ¾ the amount | 24–25% ABV | +3 points |
SuzeLast resort Earthier and less fruity. Same amount | Same amount | 15–20% ABV | +1 point |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Aperol, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Aperol Spritz Slush
250ml (8¼ oz) Aperol → 187.5ml (6¼ oz) CampariAbout 3 g less sugar: add 5 ml simple syrup if it tastes too sharp.
About 7% ABV → about 10% ABV+3 points
- Contessa
30ml (1 oz) Aperol → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Campari
About 18% ABV → about 22% ABV+4 points
- Devil's Soul
7.5ml (¼ oz) Aperol → 5ml (¼ oz) Campari
About 29% ABV → about 30% ABV+1 point
- Division Bell
22ml (¾ oz) Aperol → 17.5ml (½ oz) Campari
About 16% ABV → about 19% ABV+3 points
- Naked and Famous
22.5ml (¾ oz) Aperol → 17.5ml (½ oz) Campari
About 18% ABV → about 20% ABV+2 points
- Paper Plane
22.5ml (¾ oz) Aperol → 17.5ml (½ oz) Campari
About 16% ABV → about 19% ABV+3 points
- Pink Negroni
15ml (½ oz) Aperol → 12.5ml (½ oz) Campari
About 21% ABV → about 23% ABV+2 points
- Spritz
60ml (2 oz) Aperol → 45ml (1½ oz) Campari
About 7% ABV → about 10% ABV+3 points
- Winter Spritz
45ml (1½ oz) Aperol → 35ml (1¼ oz) Campari
About 9% ABV → about 11% ABV+2 points
How they compare
| Property | Aperol | Campari |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 11% ABV | 24–25% ABV |
| Sugar | 20 g per 100 ml | 25 g per 100 ml |
| Taste | Bittersweet orange, Herbal, Light, Refreshing | Intensely bitter, Orange peel, Herbal, Sweet undertones |
| Aroma | Orange, Rhubarb, Herbs, Light floral | Bitter orange, Cherry, Herbs, Spice |
| Finish | Clean, Slightly bitter, Short | Long, Bitter, Warming, Complex |
Low and zero proof
An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Aperol: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.
- Zero-Proof SpritzZero proof
Bottles like Aperol
Select Aperitivo and Luxardo Aperitivo are made in the same style as Aperol, so they swap in at the same amount. How they differ
What is 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.
Got Aperol? It also replaces
Questions about Aperol substitutes
What is the best substitute for Aperol?
Campari is the closest substitute for Aperol, though the drink will taste a little different. More bitter, so use a bit less. Use ¾ the amount.
What can I use instead of Aperol in a Naked and Famous?
Campari: swap 22.5ml (¾ oz) of Aperol for 17.5ml (½ oz) of Campari. It ends up about 20% ABV instead of about 18%.
How much Campari do I use instead of Aperol?
Use ¾ the amount: 30 ml (1 oz) of Aperol becomes 22.5 ml of Campari.
Is there an alcohol-free substitute for Aperol?
Not one for one: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. Instead, there is a zero-proof version of the Spritz made with non-alcoholic bottles.
What else tastes like Aperol?
Select Aperitivo and Luxardo Aperitivo are made in the same style as Aperol, so they swap in at the same amount. Expect small differences in bitterness and sweetness.
Does Campari instead of Aperol change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Contessa, which goes from about 18% to about 22% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Aperol?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.