Aperol
A bright orange Italian aperitif liqueur with gentle bitterness and citrus sweetness, known for its light, refreshing profile and vibrant colour.
Quick Facts
Flavour Profile
Primary Flavours
Tasting Notes
Bright and lightly bitter with dominant sweet orange notes, gentle herbal complexity, and a soft, slightly sweet finish. Lower bitterness and alcohol than many aperitifs.
Recommended Brands
Budget Choice
Aperol (there is no true budget alternative)
Premium Choice
Aperol
Storage & Handling
Store unopened bottles in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep sealed and refrigerated to maintain freshness and colour.
Shelf Life
Unopened: several years. Once opened: 2–3 months refrigerated
Usage
Used as a low-bitterness aperitif liqueur in spritzes and light cocktails. Adds citrusy sweetness, mild herbal bitterness, and colour without overwhelming a drink.
The gentler half of the bitter aperitivo family: 11% ABV, half Campari's bitterness, and orange where Campari is ruby. The training wheels reputation is unfair; approachability is a design decision, not a compromise.
The Spritz is the machine: three prosecco, two Aperol, one soda, built over ice in a wine glass, and the ratio is worth defending against heavy-handed pours.
The house tip is the strategy: use its colour and welcome to invite drinkers in, then build balance around it. The Aperol Sour and Paper Plane show its range beyond the Spritz.
Pro Tip
Aperol brings colour and approachability. Use it to invite drinkers in, then build balance around it.
Top Tips
- Aperol is lightly bitter: increase bitterness elsewhere if balance is needed.
- Chill well before serving to enhance freshness and texture.
- Works best in highballs, spritzes, and lighter shaken cocktails.
Possible Substitutions
- Select aperitivo-style orange liqueurs (profile will vary)
- Sweet vermouth with orange bitters (not equivalent, but workable)
Production Method
Produced by infusing neutral spirit with bitter orange, herbs, and botanicals, then sweetened and diluted to a lower alcohol strength for aperitif use.
History & Context
Created in 1919 in Padua, Italy, Aperol was designed as a lighter, more approachable aperitif. It rose to global prominence through the Aperol Spritz, becoming synonymous with relaxed Italian aperitivo culture.
Common Questions
What's the difference between Aperol and Campari?
Half the bitterness, half the strength, orange against ruby: Aperol welcomes where Campari challenges. The Spritz belongs to Aperol; the Negroni to Campari; swapping either rewrites the drink.
What is the correct Aperol Spritz ratio?
Three parts prosecco, two Aperol, one soda, over plenty of ice in a big wine glass with an orange slice. The 3-2-1 is on the bottle because it is right.
What else does Aperol do?
The Aperol Sour with gin or on its own, the Paper Plane as an equal partner, and low-ABV stirred drinks where gentle bitterness earns its place.
How strong is Aperol?
11% ABV, which is half the point: a Spritz is a long, sessionable drink by design, and Aperol is why.