Aperol Cocktails
Explore 28 cocktail recipes made with Aperol
Aperol is a standout apéritif in cocktails thanks to its unmistakable bittersweet snap and vivid orange glow. Built on bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and a medley of herbs and spices, it brings a bright, lightly bitter backbone that can lift a drink without overwhelming it. That balance is what makes Aperol so mixable: it adds citrusy freshness, a gentle herbal edge, and just enough bitterness to keep sweeter ingredients in check.
In the glass, Aperol comfortably spans everything from low-ABV, bubbly refreshers to more spirit-forward builds. It’s a natural partner for sparkling wine and soda when you want something crisp and sessionable, but it also plays well with gin, vermouth, and other aromatics when you’re after a more complex, aperitivo-style sip. On makemeacocktail.com you’ll find it across a wide range of serves—from modern mixes like the Shade Thrower and Lovelight to bolder options such as the Mucho Grande, plus aperitif-leaning favorites like the Milano Torino. Expect vibrant color, zesty orange notes, and a clean, appetite-whetting finish that keeps you coming back for another taste.
Start here
Use the hub to choose a path, then switch to filters when you know what you want.
Browse the strongest classics and easiest serves, or jump straight into the full results page to add pairings and personal filters.
If you want the ranked editorial version, the top ten page is still the best route.
Top Aperol Cocktails
Viva la fiesta in a glass!
Banderilla
Apricot brandy, Tequila blanco, Mezcal, Aperol, Lime juice
Vibrant Symphony of Flavors
Mucho Grande
Tequila blanco, Aperol, Amaro, Orange juice, Lemon juice, Caramel syrup, Egg
Bold, complex, and seriously smooth.
Shade Thrower
Bourbon, Amaro, Aperol, Red vermouth, Aromatic bitters
Indulge in a harmonious dance of flavor delight
Lovelight
Cognac, Aperol, White vermouth, Cinnamon syrup, Chocolate bitters
Triple the elegance with every pour
Hat Trick
Aperol, Champagne / prosecco, Sherry (dry), Orange bitters
Sophisticated Italian flavors in one classic cocktail.
Milano Torino
Aperol, Red vermouth
A friend to your taste buds
Old Friend
Dry gin, Aperol, Elderflower liqueur, Pink grapefruit juice
A Burst of Passion and Bitter-Sweet Zest
Passion to Win
Aperol, Passion fruit syrup, Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil, Lemon juice
Explore Aperol Cocktails
Start with a focused route like classics or strong serves, then keep refining from the full filter controls on the page.
Classic Aperol Cocktails
See all classicsSophisticated Italian flavors in one classic cocktail.
Milano Torino
Aperol, Red vermouth
A friend to your taste buds
Old Friend
Dry gin, Aperol, Elderflower liqueur, Pink grapefruit juice
Bold flavors, sophisticated blend
Naked & Famous
Mezcal, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse, Lime juice
Sparkling Elegance in Every Sip
Negroni Sbagliato
Aperol, Champagne / prosecco, Red vermouth
Capture the Italian sunset
Rome With a View
Aperol, White vermouth, Soda water, Lime juice, Sugar / simple syrup
Fruity, floral, fantastically complex.
Enzoni
Dry gin, Aperol, Sugar / simple syrup, Lemon juice, Grapes
Pairs well with Aperol
Jump straight into popular pairings. Where we have a dedicated pairing hub, open that first; otherwise go straight to the full results page with both ingredients already selected.
Q&A
What is the most popular cocktail made with Aperol?
The Aperol Spritz is widely considered the most popular cocktail made with Aperol. It typically combines Aperol with sparkling wine and soda water for a bright, bittersweet aperitif.
What ingredients pair well with Aperol in cocktails?
Aperol pairs especially well with sparkling wine, soda water, and citrus (like orange or lemon) to highlight its bittersweet orange notes. It also works nicely alongside gin or other herbal spirits that complement its gentian and rhubarb character.
How many cocktails can you make with Aperol?
You can make 28 cocktails with Aperol based on the cocktail list for this ingredient. Popular examples include the Banderilla, Mucho Grande, Shade Thrower, Lovelight, and Milano Torino.
What is Aperol and what does it taste like?
Aperol is an Italian apéritif made with bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and a blend of herbs and spices. It has a vivid orange color and a bittersweet, lightly herbal citrus flavor.
Explore even more about Aperol
Jump back to the ingredient guide or read the ranked editorial shortlist if you want a quicker recommendation route.
See every Aperol cocktail in one place
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