Discover the captivating realm of Aperol cocktails beyond the nationwide Aperol Spritz phenomenon. Aperol, a remarkably versatile spirit, extends far beyond its reputation as a one-trick pony. Now, the rest of the world is awakening to what Italians have cherished for years—the enchanting harmony of Aperol’s citrusy bitterness.
Aperol originated in Padua, Italy, in 1919, created by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri. They specifically crafted the spirit as an aperitivo, designed to be savored before dinner to stimulate the appetite for the forthcoming meal. During that period, the tradition of the pre-dinner aperitivo was prevalent in the region, and a wide range of invigorating beverages to accompany this ritual were emerging.
During the 1950s, the Aperol Spritz emerged as a trendy aperitivo across Europe, gaining immense popularity. Over time, Aperol evolved to become Italy’s top-selling spirit. Although it took a few decades for the refreshing blend of prosecco, Aperol, and club soda to truly catch on in the United States, this delightful cocktail has since witnessed a remarkable surge in its following.
Aperol is known for its bittersweet taste and delightful flavors of orange, gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona. With its moderate 11% ABV (alcohol by volume), it offers a more gentle and subtly bitter taste compared to its counterpart, Campari. Both belong to the amaro family, alongside other liqueurs such as Cynar, Averna, and Fernet Branca. Thanks to Aperol’s accessible citrus-sweet flavor profile and vibrant, sunny appearance in the glass, it has made a significant impact on the spirits world, compared to other amari, and has made history in the process.
While the Aperol Spritz is widely enjoyed, Aperol itself is a versatile spirit that goes beyond the bubbly favorite. For those seeking innovative ways to incorporate Aperol beyond its patio-friendly sips, these imaginative and clever cocktails will put that bottle of electric orange magic to wider use.
1. Aperol Spritz
If you haven’t already, discover the vibrant and orange Aperol Spritz. A beloved drink served in wine goblets worldwide. This refreshing beverage combines Italian aperitivo Aperol, prosecco, and club soda. Notably, the recipe for this beloved drink is conveniently printed on every Aperol bottle.
2. Division Bell
The Division Bell presents a delightful variation of the renowned Last Word cocktail by incorporating mezcal and Aperol. While it deviates from the traditional equal-parts recipe, The Division Bell maintains the essence of the Last Word by incorporating maraschino liqueur and lime juice. This innovative concoction substitutes gin with mezcal and green Chartreuse with Aperol, resulting in a captivating blend of smoky and bitter-sweet flavors. It gracefully combines elements from the Naked & Famous and Ultima Palabra cocktails, making The Division Bell a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a mezcal-based twist on the classic Last Word.
3. Frozen Negroni
This Frozen Negroni offers a perfect way to cool down on a sunny day. It puts a creative spin on the traditional equal-parts Negroni by substituting bitter Campari with the refreshing citrus notes of Aperol. The gin is amped up, mixed with sweet vermouth, and balanced with grapefruit bitters and a touch of salt. When blended with ice, these ingredients create a unique variation that still evokes the classic Negroni.
4. Rivier Spritz
Introducing the Riviera Spritz, a unique creation by our founder and exclusively offered by TSC. This exquisite beverage beautifully combines the flavors of renowned French and Italian spirits. Delight in its ability to transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Riviera, regardless of the season. Experience the thrill of the perfect blend of Aperol, Campari, and St-Germain, complemented by the refreshing effervescence of soda water. For those seeking a stronger kick, elevate its ABV by substituting with a dry sparkling wine. Discover the Riviera Spritz and embark on a flavorful journey that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
5. First Word
The First Word cocktail emerges as a frontrunner among the array of Last Word adaptations triggered by the scarcity of Chartreuse in 2022. This exquisite libation showcases a harmonious amalgamation of bitterness, sweetness, and a subtle hint of gin. Notably, it introduces a captivating variation by substituting the trademark Chartreuse element with a delightful fusion of dry vermouth and Aperol.
6. Two-One-Two
Experience the Two-One-Two: a remarkable fusion of simplicity and complexity. This exquisite concoction combines the refreshing essence of grapefruit juice with the invigorating Italian amaro Aperol, showcasing its vibrant flavors of orange peel and rhubarb. The Two-One-Two stands out with its radiant appearance and the tangy, crisp notes that dance on your palate. Indulge in this must-have addition to your summer drink collection and elevate your beverage game.
7. Naked and Famous
The Naked and Famous cocktail incorporates mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice in equal measures. This delightful libation is a creative variation of the well-known Last Word sour cocktail and even draws inspiration from Sam Ross’s Paper Plane. With the addition of a robust smoky mezcal, the herbaceous notes of yellow Chartreuse, and the refreshing tang of lime juice, the Naked and Famous truly embodies a modern classic.
8. Sauvignon Blanc Punch
This Sauvignon Blanc Punch is a delightful beverage that can easily be prepared in large quantities. The base of this drink relies on a crisp and tangy dry sauvignon blanc, ensuring a lower alcohol content compared to most cocktails that use spirits. The combination of grapefruit and lemon juices beautifully enhances the citrusy and slightly bitter flavors of Aperol, while a touch of simple syrup adds a perfect hint of sweetness to balance the acidity. To add a refreshing effervescence, this wine punch is finished off with a splash of club soda. Enjoy this invigorating sauvignon blanc punch that is sure to impress your guests!
9. Toffee Negroni
The Toffee Negroni may deceive you with its name, as it lacks actual toffee, much like the Coffee Cocktail lacks coffee. Nevertheless, these libations remain delightfully flavorful and aptly named. This variation of the Negroni showcases distinctive nutty and caramel notes through the harmonious blend of rum and sherry. The addition of Aperol contributes to a well-balanced concoction that pays homage to the classic Negroni while utilizing unique ingredients.
10. Paper Plane
Perhaps the second most famous Aperol cocktail, The Paper Plane is a delightful variation of the classic Last Word cocktail. It maintains the equal-parts formula while introducing a unique blend of flavors. Instead of gin and green Chartreuse, the Paper Plane features bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and a touch of lemon juice. This exquisite concoction offers a harmonious balance of ingredients that will surely captivate the taste buds of any cocktail enthusiast. Give the Paper Plane a try and experience a delightful twist on a beloved classic.
11. Pre Siesta
Experience the unparalleled Pre Siesta cocktail, a tequila-based masterpiece that exemplifies the ideal harmony of tastes. Indulge in the captivating blend of tangy orange liqueur and enticing bitters, meticulously combined to create this enchanting libation with a mesmerizing salmon-pink hue.
Discover the full range of Aperol cocktaila here.
FAQ
Do you drink Aperol by itself?
It can be enjoyed on its own, over ice, but it’s bittersweet flavor is quite concentrated. It is typically mixed with other ingredients to make cocktails.
Is Aperol the same as Campari?
No, Aperol and Campari are not the same. Aperol is an Italian apéritif with a lower alcohol content (11%) compared to Campari (20-28%). While both are amari, their flavors contrast, with Aperol being sweeter and Campari intensely bitter.