Easy Aperol Soda- The Perfect Cocktail

This easy Aperol soda cocktail only uses 3 simple ingredients and is the perfect drink for any occasion.

I love simple cocktail recipes, like this skinny Topo Chico margarita, and this tasty Aperol cocktail has the perfect balance of Aperol and club soda making it great for happy hour or aperitivo hour.

Aperol Soda is a refreshing cocktail known for its vibrant orange color and bittersweet flavor. It is a light and low-alcohol beverage that has gained widespread popularity, especially during the summer months, both in Italy and internationally.

Aperol Soda is a perfect choice for those who enjoy a lighter and more refreshing aperitif, as it has a relatively low alcohol content, usually around 11-12%. It's a fantastic option for sipping on a warm afternoon or as a pre-dinner drink to stimulate the appetite, which is the traditional purpose of an aperitif. It's also a great alternative to the Aperol Spritz if you are looking to drink Aperol without prosecco.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Substitutions
• Step by step
• What is Aperol?
• What is the difference between Aperol soda and Aperol spritz?
• What is the difference between Campari and Aperol?
• Frequently asked questions
• Variations
• What mixes well with Aperol?
• Recipe

Ingredients

Substitutions

Aperol- If you can't find Aperol you can use Campari, but it has more of a bitter orange flavor than Aperol.

Club soda- You could use tonic water or mineral water instead of club soda.

Orange slice- You can use any slice of orange you like. I use blood oranges to give this Aperol cocktail a beautiful orange color. You can use a navel, cara cara, valencia, or sumo orange.

Step by step

1. Fill a cocktail glass or large wine glass with plenty of ice.
2. Add the Aperol to the glass.
3. Then top it with a soda water.
4. Mix everything together and serve with an orange wedge.

You can add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker, shake, and pour over the ice if you prefer.

What is Aperol?

Aperol is an Italian bitter apéritif, a type of alcoholic beverage typically consumed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. It is known for its bright orange color and bitter flavor. Aperol was originally created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, Italy. It has become a key ingredient in several popular cocktails, notably the Aperol Spritz and the Aperol Soda.

Aperol is widely available in liquor stores and is often used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, especially during the summer months on a hot day when aperitifs are popular. The Aperol Spritz, made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, has gained significant international popularity and has become a go-to choice for those seeking a refreshing and lightly alcoholic beverage.

What is the difference between Aperol soda and Aperol spritz?

Aperol Soda is different from the Aperol Spritz, another popular Italian cocktail. The Aperol Spritz is a combination of Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda water. An Aperol soda focuses more on the Aperol and soda water combination, resulting in a lighter, less alcoholic drink.

What is the difference between Campari and Aperol?

Aperol and Campari are Italian aperitifs used to make Italian cocktails, but they differ in flavor, alcohol content, and color.

Aperol has a bittersweet citrus flavor while Campari is a bitter liqueur with flavors of orange, cherry, spices, and herbs.

Their alcohol volume is very different. Aperol has an alcohol volume of around 11-12% while Campari has a higher alcohol volume of 20-28%.

Their coloring differs as well. Aperol is known for its bright orange color while Campari has a deep red crimson color.

Aperol is used to make a refreshing cocktail like the Aperol Spritz (which is 2 parts prosecco, 1 part Aperol, and a splash of club soda) and Aperal Soda. It is well-suited for warm-weather aperitifs and has a milder taste that a broader audience can enjoy. Campari is used in a lot of classic cocktails, such as the Negroni and the Americano. It is a more assertive and bold flavor, which adds complexity to cocktails but may not be to everyone's taste due to its pronounced bitterness.

Frequently asked questions

Variations

There are many ways you can jazz up this classic cocktail! You can experiment with these variations to create your own unique Aperol Soda drinks. Enjoy the flexibility of this cocktail and feel free to get creative with the ingredients you have on hand.

Here are a few creative twists for this perfect light drink.

• Spicy- Add a slice of jalapeno or serrano pepper for a nice spicy kick.
• Citrus twist- Along with your orange slice or peel, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lime juice. You could also do both lemon and lime.
• Herbal- You can muddle fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or mint in your glass before adding the ice, Aperol, and soda for a nice aromatic twist.
• Sweet- For a sweeter profile, add a little simple syrup or a splash of orange juice.
• Ginger fizz- Add a splash of ginger beer or ginger ale for a zesty kick.
• Fruity- Use seasonal fruits like watermelon, peaches, and pineapple to add a nice fruity flavor.

What mixes well with Aperol?

Aperol is a versatile Italian aperitif that pairs well with a variety of other ingredients to create delicious cocktails.

Here are some ingredients and spirits that mix well with Aperol:

• Prosecco- Prosecco and Aperol are a classic duo that's most commonly used to make an Aperol spritz.
• Soda water- Aperol and soda water are mixed together to make a light and refreshing low-alcohol cocktail.
• Gin- A classic Aperol gin cocktail is an Aperol Negroni. Which is made up of gin, sweet vermouth, and Aperol.
• Bitters- Adding a dash of aromatic or orange bitters to your cocktail is a great compliment to Aperol's bitterness.
• Tequila or mezcal- Combining tequila or mezcal with Aperol creates a unique and slightly smoky cocktail.
• Elderflower liqueur- Elderflower liqueur adds a delicate floral and sweet note when combined with Aperol.

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Recipe