When you hear Aperol or are offered an Aperol cocktail, most people immediately think of the magnificent Aperol spritz. Of course, it’s an ideal drink to make using Aperol; it’s easy to prepare and has a refreshing taste. However, in this post, you will learn you can prepare more drinks using this popular Italian aperitif. We scoured the globe to find 12 delightful craft cocktails to make with Aperol, from simple sips to complicated beverages that will make you a master mixologist.

1. Aperol Punch

We all enjoy a good punch (a drink, that is.) They are easy to make, tasty, and ideal for serving a large crowd. You can make a punch in numerous ways using the good old rum and pineapple or Prosecco and port. 

But what most people don’t know is Aperol can also make a great punch. For instance, mix the Aperol punch with any spirit, be it bourbon or whiskey, plus a few fruity additions to freshen it.

Gin mixed with Aperol and sparkling wine creates a “strong punch,” mainly when you use grapefruit juice and muddled strawberries. Also, most mixologists argue that strawberries are a primary component when making an Aperol punch during the hotter summer months.

2. Negroni

The Negroni first appeared in Italy in the early 1860s and became a favorite cocktail for many. To make a Negroni, you will need sweet vermouth, Campari, gin, and an orange slice to garnish. However, you can replace the Campari with Aperol, giving the craft cocktail a more tasty orange flavor. Aperol also makes the drink easier on your pallet.

If you prefer the Negroni chilled, mix all the ingredients with ice, stir for a while, pour into a glass, then garnish with an orange peel.

3. Aperol Margarita 

The classic margarita, made with lime juice, Cointreau, and tequila, is a staple cocktail, perfect for your taste buds. Even so, it can get better when you introduce Aperol to the mix. By doing so, you get two flavorsome cocktails (an Aperol spritz and a margarita) in one.

Mastering the regular margarita isn’t hard, nor is the one made with Aperol. Instead of Cointreau, mix Aperol with lime juice and tequila. Then add an orange salt rim for the final touch, and your Aperol Margarita is ready.

4. Aperol Spritz

Italy’s infamous cocktail, Aperol spritz, is an excellent craft cocktail drink that resembles sunshine poured in a glass. In addition, it is a light, refreshing cocktail that will only get you drunk if you have too many.

To make an Aperol spritz, you only require Prosecco and Aperol. However, you will find that the cocktail is sweeter over ice, and a simple garnish will make it more appealing.

5. Paper plane

A preferable after-dinner cocktail, Paper Plane is quick and straightforward to make, and it features ingredients that give it a smooth, palette-cleaning taste.

Start by gathering all the ingredients: amaro, Aperol, bourbon, and lemon or lime juice. Mix them slightly; don’t overdo the mixing as it will dilute the drink and water it down. You can garnish this Aperol cocktail with a paper plane if you are in the mood.

6. Division Bell

Division Bell is a relatively new Aperol cocktail, for it first appeared in bars in 2009 and was created by master New York City bartender Phil Ward.

If you don’t feel like going to a bar, you can make and enjoy the Division Bell at home. You’ll require Maraschino (obtained from distilled Marasca cherries,) Aperol, and mezcal. Add ice and shake slightly, then strain into a glass. For an extra touch, garnish with a grapefruit twist.

7. Aperol Sangria 

Only a few cocktails in the industry are as old as the Sangria. This fruity, flavorsome drink goes back to 200 B.C. when the Romans enjoyed it during important ceremonies or after conquering new territory. After a while, Europeans picked the trend and added fruit to the concoction.

You can make the Sangria in multiple ways, including using Aperol, which will make it ideal for a large group that likes a fruity cocktail. To get extra bubbles with this Aperol cocktail, add club soda and grape juice. 

8. Aperol and Soda

Are you looking for an Aperol cocktail you can whip up quickly that doesn’t have any thought process behind it? Aperol and soda cocktail is your answer, especially when it gets too hot and you want an easy fix.

You will only require two primary ingredients: soda water and Aperol. Add simple syrup to sweeten things and garnish with fresh rosemary to make it look fragrant.

9. Aperol Cosmopolitan 

Though the exact origins of the Cosmopolitan are unclear, everyone agrees that the drink is magnificent. Typically, to make the cosmopolitan, you will use Cointreau, lime, vodka, and cranberry juice; the result is a tart and sweet cocktail.

However, some cocktail enthusiasts feel that the normal Cosmopolitan is “too tart,” and that’s where Aperol makes an appearance. Using Aperol instead of Cointreau may help establish a smooth balance with the flavors. So you don’t encounter the typical sour taste.

10. Bitter Peach Bellini

Since its first entrance in 1948, the Bitter Peach Bellini quickly became a staple in many bars, restaurants, and homes. It’s an excellent, simple cocktail you can make at home, especially when entertaining guests.

You only need peaches and Prosecco, but you can add other fruits like raspberries. Add Aperol to the mix to enhance the orange color and keep the drinks from being overly sweet.

11. Aperol-Bourbon Fizz

A bourbon fizz is a nice cocktail to drink when it’s freezing outside. You can also enjoy it during any season (not only when it is cold.) The drink recipe is simple to make, for you only need bourbon and sparkling water (for the fizz,) but you can add other ingredients such as cinnamon and Aperol.

Aperol will quickly turn the cocktail into an “Aperol- bourbon fizz,” which you can also garnish with an orange wedge. However, that will depend on your specific needs. Provided you have the primary ingredients (bourbon, soda water, and Aperol,) you can master this craft cocktail fast and customize it to your preference.

12. Aperol-Kombucha Cocktail

Kombucha has gained popularity in recent years and with good reason. It’s a tea fermented with yeast, bacteria, and sugar. Some people claim that kombucha has some health benefits, like helping to strengthen the immune system.

While you can enjoy kombucha plainly, it tastes better in a cocktail. The Aperol-kombucha cocktail is a drink that only requires soda water, Aperol, and your favorite spirit ( this can be mezcal, tequila, or gin.)

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who invented Aperol?

After experimenting for almost seven years, Silvio and Luigi Barbieri created Aperol in 1919.

How did Aperol gain popularity?

Aperol is a highly photogenic drink due to its distinctive orange color. People like posting pictures while sipping the beverage on social media, which fueled its popularity. It’s also a tasty alternative in a variety of Aperol cocktail recipes.

Is Aperol a wine or spirit?

Aperol is a bittersweet, brightly colored aperitif liqueur with a minimal alcohol content of only 11%

Conclusion

Start exploring these Aperol cocktail variations and try something new! And if you’re a spirit enthusiast seeking to learn everything about your favorite spirit, come back often! At Distillery Nearby, we have all the information you need, from how distilleries make spirits, tours, events, and more. Visit our blog today.