Aperol
The orange aperitif from Italy that heralds the start of summer. Here you can read about its taste, alcohol content, how to make a classic Aperol Spritz, and which glass shows it off best.
A favorite on every terrace
Aperol is an Italian aperitivo. A bittersweet liqueur enjoyed before a meal to whet your appetite. Brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri came up with it in Padua in 1919. The name comes from the French word for aperitif. It contains orange, rhubarb and gentian root, and its color is bright orange. The recipe has barely changed in more than a hundred years.
At just 11% alcohol, it’s one of the lightest drinks in this range. You rarely see it served neat. Aperol is made for mixing, usually with prosecco and sparkling water in an Aperol Spritz. The brand has been part of the Campari Group since 2003.
In brief
What types of Aperol are there?
There’s only one Aperol recipe. But there are ready-to-drink versions and a few other aperitifs with a similar bittersweet taste.
Aperol
The original. Bittersweet with orange and herbs, and made to go with prosecco.
Ready-to-drink Aperol Spritz
Spritz that’s already mixed, in small bottles. Pour over ice, add a slice of orange and you’re done.
Aperol Spritz set
One bottle of Aperol and one bottle of prosecco in a box. Great as a gift, or if you’re mixing one yourself for the first time.
Select Aperitivo
This is how they do it in Venice. A little more bitter and stronger, and the original ingredient in the Venetian Spritz.
Campari
The big brother from the same family. Redder, more bitter and stronger. For a Negroni, grab Campari. For a Spritz, choose Aperol.
If you're making a Spritz, just grab a bottle of Aperol.
What does Aperol taste like?
Orange peel & herbs
You'll recognize it right away. Bitter orange, a little rhubarb and that spicy, almost medicinal taste of gentian.
Sweet start, bitter middle
It starts off soft and sweet. Then comes the bitterness. Its low alcohol content makes it feel light.
Fresh and slightly bitter
Short, dry and a little tinglingly bitter. You'll want another sip right away.
This is the flavor profile of Aperol on its own. In a Spritz, the prosecco brings the bitter and sweet notes together.
Three ways to drink Aperol
Aperol is served cold and almost always mixed. Use a large wine glass to give the ice and bubbles room.
Aperol Spritz
This is how it's shown on the bottle. 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and a splash of soda water. Fill a large wine glass with ice, pour in that order and add a slice of orange.
Glass: large wine glass →Aperol Soda
A lighter version. 50 ml Aperol and 150 ml soda water in a highball glass full of ice. Fresher than a Spritz, less sweet and lower in alcohol.
Glass: highball glass →On the rocks
Over a large ice cube in a tumbler, with a twist of orange. That's when you really notice just how bitter and spicy Aperol is.
Glass: tumbler →The best cocktails with Aperol
Aperol Spritz
Aperol, prosecco and soda water over ice. Summer in a glass, ready in one minute.
Negroni
Classic with Campari, but softer and fruitier with Aperol. Ideal to start with.
Aperitif cocktails
All the light, bittersweet cocktails to enjoy before a meal on one page.
Italian cocktails
From Spritz to Sgroppino: the tastiest recipes from Italy, with the glasses to match.The right glass for Aperol
For a Spritz, grab a large wine glass or a copa. There's plenty of room for ice, bubbles and orange. These are the glasses we recommend.
Everything else you wanted to know about Aperol
Can’t find your question here? Check out our cocktail recipes or get in touch.
Go to the cocktail recipes →What percentage alcohol is Aperol?
What goes into an Aperol Spritz?
What’s the difference between Aperol and Campari?
Can you drink Aperol on its own?
What glass do you use for an Aperol Spritz?
How should you store Aperol, and how long does it keep?
Buy Aperol
Want the bottle delivered straight to your door? Order Aperol online from Gall & Gall.
Prices as of November 3, 2026, as reported by Gall & Gall. You can see the current price and stock at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; it won’t cost you anything extra. No 18, no alcohol.
