The 10 best Aperol cocktails
Introduction
Savory Sips with Aperol
Aperol, an iconic Italian aperitif, brings a vibrant and bittersweet touch to cocktails.
Known for its eye-catching orange hue and lower alcohol content, Aperol stands out with its unique blend of bitter and sweet orange flavors, complemented by intense herbal notes. This versatile ingredient has become a favorite in bars across the world, finding its way into a wide variety of cocktails. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or just starting your cocktail journey, this listicle offers a curated selection of the top 10 Aperol cocktails, each carefully chosen for its distinctive taste and balanced composition.
These cocktails are perfect for any occasion, from a refreshing summer afternoon to a sophisticated evening gathering.
Top 10 Aperol cocktails
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· · · · · · Mucho Grande
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· · · · · · Garibaldi
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· · · · · · Hat Trick
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· · · · · · Milano Torino
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· · · · · · Old Friend
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· · · · · · Naked & Famous
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· · · · · · Division Bell
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· · · · · · Negroni Sbagliato
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· · · · · · Rome With a View
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· · · · · · Enzoni
Conclusion
More about Aperol
1. Mucho Grande
This cocktail ensures a delightful fusion of freshness and complexity. Its mix of tequila and amaro provides a sturdy base, while orange and lemon juices contribute a tart zestiness. Caramel syrup and egg white add a silky texture, making for a balanced drink that is both refreshing and satisfying. This creative blend makes it a standout choice.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add all the ingredients including the egg white to shaker with ice and shake until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain over ice into a rocks glass
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- Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry and serve
2. Garibaldi
A vibrant, easy-to-make drink, it balances the bitterness of Aperol with the sweetness of fresh orange juice. The addition of sugar syrup adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a simple yet delightful citrus-forward drink, embodying the essence of a refreshing aperitif.
Ingredients
Method
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- First, squeeze orange juice using a pillar or elbow press, then fine strain it to eliminate any pulp, ensuring a smooth texture
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- Next, blend the freshly squeezed juice at high speed (without ice) until it achieves a "fluffy" consistency, creating a light and airy texture
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- After that, add bitter liqueur, sugar syrup, and half of the orange juice into a glass containing two ice cubes, then stir well to combine the flavors evenly
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- Proceed by adding three more cubes of ice to the glass to chill it further without diluting the drink too quickly
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- Finally, gently top off the glass with the remaining fluffy orange juice, creating a visually appealing layer
3. Hat Trick
This sophisticated cocktail combines sherry, Aperol, and bubbly champagne or prosecco, creating a layered drink that's both elegant and refreshing. A dash of orange bitters adds complexity, making it ideal for celebrations or upscale gatherings. Its elegant composition showcases how Aperol can elevate traditional aperitif ingredients.
Ingredients
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Method
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- Add the Aperol, sherry and two dashes of bitters into a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a chilled champagne flute and top up with the Prosecco
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- Garnish with a dash of the bitters and a lemon twist, and serve
4. Milano Torino
A quintessential Italian cocktail, it's a harmonious blend of Aperol and red vermouth. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a balanced bittersweet flavor that appeals to classic cocktail enthusiasts. The drink’s origins are rooted in Milan and Turin, reflecting Italy's rich spirit-making tradition and its enduring appeal.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by stirring all the ingredients together with ice in a mixing glass for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they are well-combined
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- Then, softly strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, preferably a large chunk of block ice, to keep your drink colder for longer without diluting it too quickly
5. Old Friend
A delightful blend, this cocktail features elderflower liqueur and dry gin, balanced by pink grapefruit juice. Aperol adds a touch of bitterness, resulting in a layered, floral, and slightly tangy drink. This unique mix offers a refreshing twist, ideal for those looking for a modern cocktail with intriguing flavors.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by adding all of your ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, ensuring every component is well incorporated
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- Proceed to shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, or until you notice the exterior of the shaker has developed a frosted appearance, signaling it's nicely chilled
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- Once shaken to perfection, employ a fine strainer to pour the cocktail, capturing any unwanted ice chips or herb remnants, into a glass that's been pre-chilled to preserve the coolness of your drink
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- This process ensures your cocktail is smooth and refreshingly cold, ready for you to enjoy
6. Naked & Famous
A bold and contemporary drink, it mixes Aperol with mezcal, lime juice, and Yellow Chartreuse. The smoky notes from mezcal contrast with the herbal and citrus elements, making it an adventurous choice for cocktail enthusiasts. This cocktail showcases how Aperol can be paired with unconventional spirits for a unique experience.
Ingredients
Method
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- Start by placing all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice cubes
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- Securely close the shaker and then give it a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds or until the exterior of the shaker feels frosty to the touch
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- Once shaken, promptly strain the mixture into a glass that's been pre-chilled to ensure your drink stays cool longer
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- Enjoy your freshly made cocktail right away for the best taste and experience
7. Division Bell
This intriguing cocktail blends mezcal with Maraschino cherry, lime juice, and Aperol for a complex and bold flavor. The smoky, tart, and slightly sweet profile makes it an adventurous choice for those looking to explore unique and nuanced cocktails that offer more than just a straightforward taste.
Ingredients
Method
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- Start by combining all of your ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, ensuring a smooth blend
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- Vigorously shake the mixture for 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty, indicating it's well-chilled
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- Next, grab a glass from the fridge or freezer to preserve the cocktail's chill
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- Carefully strain the shaken mixture into this chilled glass, leaving any unwanted ice chips behind
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- Lastly, take a moment to admire your creation before taking the first sip of your perfectly crafted cocktail
8. Negroni Sbagliato
A delightful variation of the classic Negroni, this cocktail swaps gin for champagne or prosecco, adding a bubbly twist. The combination of red vermouth and Aperol maintains the bitter-sweet profile, while the sparkling wine lightens it up, making it perfect for celebratory occasions with a sophisticated flair.
Ingredients
Method
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- Start by adding ice to your glass to chill it
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- Then, carefully pour all of the ingredients directly over the ice
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- Give the mixture a gentle stir for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to combine everything well
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- Aim for a well-integrated blend without overly diluting the drink
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- Finally, taste and adjust if necessary, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced to your liking
9. Rome With a View
Featuring white vermouth, lime juice, and soda water, this cocktail is vibrant and easygoing. Aperol adds its characteristic bitterness, complemented by the sweetness of sugar syrup. This refreshing drink is perfect for a sunny day, embodying the lively spirit of its Italian roots with a contemporary twist.
Ingredients
Method
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- Begin by vigorously shaking the first four ingredients with ice in a shaker until the outside feels cold and frosty, typically around 10-15 seconds
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- Next, strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice, ensuring a smooth pour
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- Finally, gently top the drink with soda water, adding a fizzy touch to your cocktail
10. Enzoni
Combining dry gin, fresh grapes, and lemon juice, this cocktail is both refreshing and flavorful. Aperol’s bitterness is complemented by the slight sweetness of sugar syrup, making it a well-balanced drink. The use of fresh grapes adds a unique twist, making this cocktail stand out for its creativity and taste.
Ingredients
Method
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- Start by gently crushing the grapes at the bottom of your shaker to release their juices and flavors
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- Next, incorporate the remaining ingredients into the shaker with the muddled grapes
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- Vigorously shake everything together with ice for about 10-15 seconds, or until the shaker feels cold and frosted on the outside
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- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to ensure a smooth drink, directly into a glass filled with ice, ideally a large cube or chunk to slow dilution
Conclusion
In curating this list of top 10 Aperol cocktails, we considered a range of factors, including unique flavor profiles, ingredient harmony, and overall popularity.
Each cocktail earned its spot through a combination of compelling taste, historical significance, and the creative use of Aperol. These selections highlight the versatility of Aperol, showcasing its ability to enhance a wide array of spirits and mixers. We hope this guide inspires you to experiment with these recipes and discover new favorites among these quintessential Aperol cocktails.
More info
Want to discover more?
- View all the cocktails that contain Aperol where you can filter and search the list.
- View the dedicated ingredient page for Aperol
More about Aperol
What is the history and origin of Aperol?
Aperol was first introduced in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, Italy, marking its creation amid a thriving Italian culture of aperitivo—a time-honored tradition for relaxation and socializing before dinner. Aperol's unique blend of sweet and bitter oranges, rhubarb, and an assortment of herbs and roots gives it a distinctive flavor and color, making it a beloved ingredient for various cocktails. Over the years, it has grown in popularity, not only in Italy but also internationally, and is now a staple in many bars around the world, largely famous for its role in the iconic Aperol Spritz cocktail.
What can I use as a substitute for Aperol in a cocktail?
If you're looking to substitute Aperol in a cocktail, Campari is a popular choice due to its similar bitter and herbal flavor profile, though it's slightly more bitter and has a higher alcohol content. For a less alcoholic option, Select Aperitivo or Cappelletti can be used, both offering a comparable bittersweet taste. Bear in mind, each alternative may impart a slightly different color and bitterness level to your drink, so adjustments to the recipe might be necessary to match the desired taste.
How do you properly incorporate Aperol into cocktails?
Aperol can be easily incorporated into cocktails either by stirring or shaking, depending on the cocktail's other components. For light and refreshing drinks like the Aperol Spritz, gently stir Aperol with Prosecco and soda water over ice to maintain the carbonation. For cocktails that include a mix of spirits and ingredients, shaking Aperol with the other components can help to integrate flavors fully. When using Aperol in cocktails, it's important to balance its bittersweet flavor with the other ingredients to achieve a harmonious taste.
What are some popular cocktails that feature Aperol?
The Aperol Spritz is undoubtedly the most famous cocktail that features Aperol, known for its refreshing and light qualities. Another classic is the Negroni, where Aperol can be used instead of Campari for a slightly lighter and sweeter variation. The Aperol Sour is a delightful twist on the traditional sour, adding a bittersweet complexity. For a sparkling and fruity option, mixing Aperol with champagne creates a vibrant and elegant cocktail. Each drink showcases Aperol's versatility in creating a range of flavors from sweet and citrusy to bitter and refreshing.
Are there any non-alcoholic alternatives to Aperol for mocktails?
Yes, for a non-alcoholic version of Aperol, you can use Aperol-flavored syrups or non-alcoholic aperitif alternatives that mimic its bittersweet and herbal profile. Brands like Lyre's offer an Italian Orange spirit that closely replicates the taste of traditional Aperol without the alcohol content. You can mix these alternatives with sparkling water, a splash of orange juice, and garnish with an orange slice to create a refreshing non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz mocktail that enjoys the characteristic flavors of Aperol without the alcohol.