How to Make the Best Aperol Cocktails at Home

Aperol cocktails are made with the famous, vibrant Italian aperitif of the same name, known for its bittersweet orange and herbal profile. Aperol works especially well in cocktails because it adds flavour and colour without overpowering other ingredients.  

While the Aperol Spritz put this spirit on the map, its versatility extends far beyond spritzes, even into spirit-forward classics where it softens stronger flavors. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how Aperol works across different cocktail styles, from easy spritzes and low-ABV sippers to bolder classics. This is for curious beginners, casual hosts, and anyone looking to get more out of Aperol, beyond the sassy spritz. 

Why Aperol works so well in cocktails

Aperol earns its place behind the bar because it brings balance without overpowering a drink. Its bittersweet profile sits comfortably between citrus brightness and gentle herbal depth, which makes it easy to pair with everything from sparkling wine to bourbon and tequila.  

The relatively low alcohol content adds flexibility, allowing Aperol to shine in both light aperitif-style drinks and more structured cocktails. Its vivid orange colour also does some quiet work in the glass, making cocktails instantly inviting before the first sip. Flavour, function, and visual appeal all come together, which is why Aperol adapts so easily across styles. 

Classic Aperol Cocktails

1. Aperol Spritz

STYLE: Spritz
BEST FOR: Aperitivo hour 

It wouldn’t be right to start a Aperol cocktail list without a tip of the fedora to this Italian legend. The Aperol Spritz is the original lazy day, slow-living, countryside cocktail that everyone should try. With just a splash of Aperol (opens in new window), Prosecco, and soda water, an Aperol Spritz is born, and with it, greatness in the glass.    

2. Aperol Americano

STYLE: Low-ABV
BEST FOR: All-day sipping 

The Aperol Americano is a gorgeous example of easy, low-ABV Aperol drinks that place the aperitif front and centre. With sweet vermouth adding depth and soda water lifting the drink, it’s lightly bitter, gently herbal, and built for relaxed sipping. This is the kind of Italian aperitif cocktail you reach for when you want flavour without the weight. 

Ingredients 

• 45 ml Aperol 

• 45 ml Sweet vermouth (opens in new window) 

• Soda water, to top 

• Orange peel or orange round, for garnish 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Fill a highball glass with ice 
2. Add the Aperol and sweet vermouth 
3. Top with soda water 
4. Garnish with an orange peel or an orange round 
5. Serve 

3. Aperol Paper Plane Cocktail

STYLE: Spirit-forward
BEST FOR: Cocktail enthusiast nights 

Invented by American bartender Sam Ross, the Paper Plane might look cute, but its flavour profile isn’t playing around. Aperol and Campari join forces to add a bittersweet punch to the rich, wooded flavour of bourbon. It’s bright and bitter up front with a long, smooth, and sweet bourbon finish.    

Also see: 2026 Cocktail Trends: What We’ll Be Drinking This Year

Effortlessly Elegant

4. Aperol Orange Juice Spritz

STYLE: Spritz
BEST FOR: Brunch gatherings 

This Aperol Orange Juice Spritz leans into Aperol’s signature bitter orange character while fresh citrus juice softens the edges. Prosecco adds lift and texture, making this one of those Aperol Spritz variations that’s perfect for brunch and also for casual afternoon drinks. 

Ingredients 

• 90 ml Chilled Aperol 

• 90 ml Chilled dry Prosecco 

• 45 ml Fresh orange juice 

• Orange slices, for garnish 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice, nearly to the top 
2. Add the fresh orange juice and Aperol 
3. Top with prosecco 
4. Garnish with an orange slice 
5. Serve immediately 

5. Aperol Grapefruit Cocktail

STYLE: Spritz
BEST FOR: Warm-weather hosting 

This Aperol Grapefruit Cocktail pairs the bittersweet orange notes of Aperol with fresh grapefruit juice and a crisp base spirit. Gin adds a botanical edge, but the structure stays flexible and approachable. It’s an easy Aperol cocktail that feels right for relaxed hosting or early evening drinks. 

Ingredients 

• 60 ml Gin (opens in new window) 

• 30 ml Aperol 

• 60 ml Fresh grapefruit juice 

• Ice  

Method 

1. Add the gin, Aperol, and fresh grapefruit juice to a cocktail shaker 
2. Fill the shaker with ice 
3. Shake until well chilled, about 10 seconds 
4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice 
5. Serve 

Light and sparkly: Delicious Spritz Cocktails to Sip on This Summer 

6. The Confident Man

STYLE: Citrus
BEST FOR: Birthday celebrations 

The Confident Man is a modern citrus-forward cocktail that balances vodka with Aperol’s bittersweet edge and the soft floral lift of elderflower liqueur. Fresh grapefruit juice keeps things sharp and refreshing, making this an easy-drinking option that still feels considered and polished. 

Ingredients 

• 45 ml Vodka 

• 15 ml Elderflower liqueur 

• 15 ml Aperol 

• 30 ml Fresh grapefruit juice 

• Grapefruit slice, for garnish 

• Ice  

Method 

1. Add the vodka, elderflower liqueur, Aperol, and grapefruit juice to a shaker 
2. Fill with ice 
3. Shake hard until well chilled 
4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice 
5. Garnish with a grapefruit slice 
6. Serve 

Spirit-Forward & Modern

7. Aperol Negroni

STYLE: Spirit-forward
BEST FOR: Pre-dinner sipping 

The Aperol Negroni is best described as a Negroni lite, but that doesn’t mean it’s light on flavour. Aperol replaces the traditional Campari, which sweetens things up slightly and makes for an easier, smoother drinking experience. It’s a great way to start any cocktail evening, and an even better way to end one.     

Also see: The Best Gin and Aperol Cocktails to Sip this Summer 

8. Aperol Old Fashioned

STYLE: Spirit-forward
BEST FOR: Late evening unwinding 

If you love Aperol mixed drinks with a bit of swagger, this one is for you. This bourbon Aperol cocktail recipe takes the Old Fashioned classic you know and love and gives it an Aperol upgrade.  

Ingredients 

• 45 ml Bourbon (opens in new window) 

• 15 ml Aperol 

• 10 ml Sugar syrup 

• 2 dashes Orange bitters 

• 1 dash Spiced cherry bitters 

• Maraschino cherry, for garnish 

• Orange slice, for garnish 

• Ice  

Method 

1. Add the bourbon, Aperol, sugar syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass 
2. Fill with ice 
3. Stir until well chilled 
4. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube 
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice 
6. Serve 

9. Aperol Boulevardier

STYLE: Spirit-forward
BEST FOR: After-dinner drinks 

This riff on the Boulevardier dials back the intensity for a smoother, more easy-going take on the classic. Cocktails with Aperol don’t get much sleeker than this.  

Ingredients 

• 90 ml Bourbon 

• 30 ml Sweet vermouth 

• 30 ml Aperol 

• Orange twist, for garnish 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Aperol to a mixing glass 
2. Fill with ice 
3. Stir until well chilled 
4. Strain into a rocks glass over a large piece of ice 
5. Garnish with an orange twist 
6. Serve 

10. Bourbon Aperol Cocktail

STYLE: Spritz
BEST FOR: Early evening socials 

This Bourbon Aperol Cocktail brings together the warmth of bourbon and the bittersweet orange lift of Aperol, topped with soda water for a lighter finish. A small splash of lemon juice sharpens the edges, making this a great option when you want something spirit-led but not too heavy. 

Ingredients 

• 45 ml Bourbon 

• 20 ml Aperol 

• 10 ml Fresh lemon juice 

• Soda water, to top 

• Orange or lemon slice, for garnish 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Fill a cocktail glass about three-quarters full with ice 
2. Add the bourbon and Aperol 
3. Top with soda water 
4. Add the lemon juice and give it a gentle stir 
5. Garnish with an orange or lemon slice 
6. Serve 

Low-ABV & Bitter-Forward

11. Aperol Gin Cocktail with Ginger Beer

STYLE: Citrus
BEST FOR: Casual backyard hangs 

This Aperol gin cocktail brings together gin’s botanicals, Aperol’s bittersweet orange notes, and the gentle heat of ginger beer. Fresh lime juice keeps everything sharp and balanced, making this a great option for relaxed hosting or casual outdoor drinks. 

Ingredients 

• 60 ml Gin 

• 30 ml Aperol 

• 30 ml Fresh lime juice 

• 120 ml Ginger beer 

• Lime wedge, for garnish (optional) 

• Blood orange wedge, for garnish (optional) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add the fresh lime juice to a copper mug or highball glass 
2. Fill the glass with ice 
3. Add the gin and Aperol and stir gently 
4. Top with ginger beer 
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a blood orange wedge, if using 
6. Serve 

12. Bird of Paradise

STYLE: Tropical
BEST FOR: Poolside afternoons 

Just like the name suggests, this modern tiki Aperol cocktail recipe is packed with tropical flavours. Pineapple and lime juice form a sweet and zesty base, while overproof rum and Aperol add an orange herbaceous kick.  

Ingredients 

• 30 ml Aperol 

• 30 ml Jamaican rum (opens in new window) 

• 30 ml Pineapple juice 

• 10 ml Sugar syrup 

• 15 ml Fresh lime juice 

• Pineapple fronds or mint leaves, for garnish 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add the sugar syrup, Aperol, rum, pineapple juice, and lime juice to a shaker 
2. Fill with ice 
3. Shake until very cold 
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice 
5. Garnish with a pineapple frond or gently slapped mint leaves 
6. Serve 

Learn more: Discover Venetian Aperitivo Culture with the Aperol Spritz 

13. Eclipse Cocktail

STYLE: Spirit-forward
BEST FOR: Dinner parties 

The Eclipse Cocktail blends aged tequila with Aperol’s bittersweet orange notes and the dark, sweet depth of cherry liqueur. Fresh lemon juice sharpens the profile, while a float of mezcal adds a subtle smoky edge. The result is complex but approachable, with each sip unfolding slowly. 

Ingredients 

• 30 ml Añejo tequila (opens in new window) 

• 20 ml Aperol 

• 20 ml Cherry liqueur 

• 20 ml Fresh lemon juice 

• 10 ml Mezcal (opens in new window) 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add the tequila, Aperol, cherry liqueur, and lemon juice to a shaker 
2. Fill with ice 
3. Shake until well chilled 
4. Double strain into a rocks glass over a large piece of ice 
5. Float the mezcal on top 
6. Serve 

14. Aperol Mist

STYLE: Low-ABV
BEST FOR: Sunset drinks 

The Aperol Mist pairs Aperol’s bittersweet orange notes with fresh lemon juice and a Belgian-style wheat beer. The beer’s soft spice and citrus character echo Aperol’s profile, setting the scene for a low-ABV Aperol cocktail that feels casual but considered. 

Ingredients 

• 30 ml Aperol 

• 30 ml Fresh lemon juice 

• 150 ml Belgian-style wheat beer 

• Lemon twist or lemon slice, for garnish 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Fill a pint glass or tall glass with ice 
2. Add the Aperol and fresh lemon juice 
3. Top with chilled Belgian-style wheat beer 
4. Stir gently 
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or lemon slice 
6. Serve 

Gifting inspiration: Aperol Spritz Gift Guide 

15. Dead Man’s Handle

STYLE: Citrus
BEST FOR: Late-night hangs 

Dead Man’s Handle brings together blanco tequila and Aperol’s bittersweet orange notes, balanced by fresh lime juice and creamy orgeat. The result is layered and expressive, with just enough sweetness to round out the citrus and a savoury edge from the Tajín garnish. 

Ingredients 

• 30 ml Blanco tequila (opens in new window) 

• 30 ml Aperol 

• 20 ml Fresh lime juice 

• 20 ml Orgeat syrup 

• Tajín, for garnish 

• Lime wedge, for garnish 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add the tequila, Aperol, lime juice, and orgeat to a shaker 
2. Fill with ice 
3. Shake until well chilled 
4. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice 
5. Dust lightly with Tajín 
6. Garnish with a lime wedge 
7. Serve 

How to pair Aperol cocktails with food

Aperol pairs so naturally with food because its bittersweet profile cuts through richness while its citrus and herbal notes lift salty, savoury flavours. That balance makes Aperol cocktails easy to match with everything from light snacks to full plates, especially in social, share-style settings. 

Aperitivo-style pairings 

If you’re keeping things simple, Mediterranean-inspired bites are a natural fit. Aperol cocktails, especially spritz-style drinks, shine alongside small plates that lean salty, tangy, and fresh. 

• Briny olives
  Their saltiness balances Aperol’s bittersweet edge. 

• Crispy bruschetta
  Fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil add brightness and contrast. 

• Prosciutto and Parmesan
  Salty, nutty flavours bring out Aperol’s herbal side. 

• Marinated artichokes
  Gentle acidity plays well with Aperol’s citrus notes. 

What to snack on while you sip 

The most important thing when pairing food with an Aperol Spritz is quality. Think Nocellara olives with taralli, fried calamari with a lemon and parsley dip, or smoked mozzarella with crumbled pistachio and mortadella.

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Seasonal & occasion-based pairings

Aperol cocktails shine year-round, but a little seasonal pairing can take things to the next level: 

• Warm weather: Keep it light with fresh seafood—grilled prawns, citrussy ceviche, or burrata with peaches all work beautifully. 

• Chilly evenings: Lean into heartier dishes like risotto, creamy pasta, or even a salty, crispy roast chicken to balance out the bittersweet notes. Or how about a stone-ground pizza fresh from the oven? 

• Brunch-ready: Aperol plays well with buttery pastries, smoked salmon, or a zesty fruit salad to kick things off right. 

Final Sip — TL;DR

• Aperol is a bittersweet Italian aperitif  

• It works in spritzes, classics, and modern riffs  

• It’s ideal for low-ABV and sessionable cocktails 

Whether it’s bringing a citrussy kick to a Boulevardier, adding a bittersweet edge to a spritz, or rounding out a Negroni with a smooth, herbal touch, Aperol has a way of making every cocktail shine. Visit the Aperol website (opens in new window) or Amazon storefront (opens in new window) to stock up and check out the latest merch. For more inspiration, explore our recipes and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix!