12 Popular Aperol Cocktails

Bubbly, citrusy, herbal, subtly bitter and lightly sweet…it’s the most classic Aperol cocktail of them all. Meet the Aperol spritz! Aka Spritz Veneziano, it's an Italian aperitif: a drink for before a meal. The spritz was invented back in the 1800’s in Italy as a way to water down sparkling wine. The Aperol version became a classic in the 1950's and people have been drinking it ever since.

Ingredients: Aperol, champagne, soda water

If you’re an avid homemade cocktail drinker, then here’s a must-make Aperol cocktail: the Paper Plane! This one is a brilliant study in balance and contrast. It’s bitter, sweet and tangy all at once, hitting a magical synergy between the bourbon and amaro. It features bourbon, Aperol and amaro, and was created in 2007 by bartender Sam Ross. 

Ingredients: Aperol, bourbon, amaro, lemon juice

Looking for an Aperol spin on the most classic Italian cocktail? Enter: the Aperol Negroni! It’s equal parts refreshing, bitter, and complex. The bright orange of the Aperol makes for a stunning jewel-tone statement of a drink. This 3-ingredient cocktail is easy to make because it uses 1 ounce of each of its three components.

Ingredients: Aperol, gin, sweet vermouth

The Naked and Famous cocktail is as impressive as its name…from first sip! This Aperol cocktail has only four ingredients but beautifully balanced, the perfect harmony of smoky, citrus, bitter and sweet. This modern cocktail was created in 2011 by bartender Joaquín Simó in New York City. But it’s got nods to the past alluding to a historic equal parts cocktail, the Last Word.

Ingredients: Aperol, mezcal, Chartreuse, lime

Here’s one of the easiest Aperol cocktails there is: the Spaghett! This fun cocktail is hardly a recipe at all, and it’s built right in a beer bottle. It’s a play on an Aperol spritz, with bubbles come from beer instead of Prosecco. It’s lightly sweet, zingy, and refreshing: here to revolutionize your summer cocktail repertoire.

Ingredients: Aperol, lemon juice, light beer

Aperol isn’t just for using in the mega-popular Aperol spritz! We’ve whipped up a modern classic-style cocktail that we think it even better than a spritz, if that’s possible! Mix Aperol with rum, lime and pineapple juice, and it comes out sweet tart, almost like grapefruit, almost tropical with a subtly bitter finish. 

Ingredients: Aperol, white rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup

Here’s a unique Aperol cocktail: the Aperol Garibaldi! This Italian cocktail has 2 ingredients, which makes it supremely easy to mix up. The original Garibaldi uses Campari: but why not substitute it with Aperol? It comes out balanced and refreshing, with bitter, sweet and tangy notes all intermingling in the perfect sip. 

Ingredients: Aperol, fresh orange juice

The cranberry Aperol spritz recipe is sweet tart, fruity, and even tastier than a standard Aperol spritz (we think)! It’s simple to make and looks stunning—the idea signature drink for parties or a cozy evening.

Here’s a fun modern classic drink to impress: try the Division Bell! This smoky, sultry and citrusy pairing of mezcal, Aperol and maraschino liqueur is bold and eye-catching. Each sip is intriguing and makes you both savor and immediately lean in for another. This cocktail is new to the scene, but riffs on a classic. It will have everyone talking!

Ingredients: Mezcal, Aperol, maraschino liqueur, and lime

What's better than combining this popular liqueur with everyone's favorite tequila drink? This spin on the margarita features bright citrus, Aperol, and tequila. Cheers to warm summer nights with this easy cocktail recipe! via The Cookie Rookie

Ingredients: Aperol, tequila, orange juice, pink grapefruit juice, lime juice

Here’s a light and refreshing classic cocktail that’s perfect for summer afternoons: the Americano! It’s bitter, complex and bubbly all at once! It's typically made with Campari, but swap in Aperol and it's both sophisticated and carefree at the same time.

Ingredients: Aperol, sweet vermouth, soda water

Why not make a frozen version of the popular spritz? This Frozen Aperol Spritz has a vibrant sunset-orange hue. It's filled with Aperol, orange juice, strawberries and Prosecco, then blended up into a frozen frothy cocktail.

Ingredients: Aperol, orange juice, frozen strawberries, Prosecco