What Does Aperol Taste Like? (Your Guide to the Famous Drink)

It’s a hot summer, and imagine yourself by the beach… What’s missing? Oh! A refreshing drink! You’re probably thinking of those sparkling and vibrant orange drinks you see everyone enjoying in oversized wine glasses.

It looks glamorous and quenching, perfect for keeping you cool from the heat. The Aperol Spritz drink is made from the tasty Aperol liqueur many people love. But wait! What does Aperol taste like anyway, and why do a ton of adults love this drink?

Sounds refreshing, eh?

We talk more about Aperol, so continue reading to learn about its flavors, aromas, and wonders of this liqueur.

What is Aperol?

If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, you can’t go wrong with Aperol! We enjoy this classic Italian liqueur as a digestif, created by Gaspare Campari and Luigi Mariani in 1919. (*)

• Fun fact: Aperol was first produced in Italy but is now sold in the USA, Sweden, Spain, and many other countries worldwide!

You probably know Aperol from the Aperol Spritz, a popular cocktail made from Aperol, dry Prosecco, and soda water with slices of oranges for garnish. It’s a tasty drink you can enjoy in this cocktail, in other mixed drinks, or even on its own.

We absolutely love Aperol because of its flavor and because it has a lower ABV, making it an excellent liqueur to serve if you want a chill day with loved ones.

It’s perfect for strolling on the beach with a glass of Aperol because you get that slight buzz without crawling on the sand from that strong kick of alcohol!

• Fun fact: Aperol contains only 11% ABV, compared to other hard liquors with over 30-40% ABV! You won’t get drunk from it unless you take it in large amounts or mix it with other liquors. That’s why Aperol makes a great aperitif.

Is The Aperol Spritz Unhealthy?

The Aperol Spritz is made of soda water, Aperol, and dry Prosecco, so it contains calories and high sugar content from using fructose. One Aperol Spritz drink has about five teaspoons of sugar!

So please don’t drink too many cocktails, which won’t only help your weight, but it prevents a nasty, drunken night and hangover.

Can Aperol Get You Drunk?

While Aperol does contain a small amount of alcohol, it isn’t enough to get you ‘drunk’ – unless you drink an enormous amount!

However, Aperol is the perfect addition to cocktails like a Negroni and Spritz that can certainly give you a light buzz. Enjoy responsibly!

What Does Aperol Taste Like?

So, you know what Aperol is, but what about its flavor and aroma? That’s the winning question because it’s the reason everyone loves this liqueur.

Aperol’s principal active ingredient is the bitter orange extract or rind oil, giving the liqueur its bitterness and refreshing citrus flavor.

Think of its flavor as a combination of Prosecco and Campari. It has a light, citrusy, and refreshing taste with subtle orange flavors on the finish.

For us, this liqueur has a pleasantly bitter orange taste and herbal tang with hinds of conchina and rhubarb. But don’t worry, even if we mention the word “bitter” a lot, it is not entirely bitter. There’s a slight sweetness to it that balances out the entire drink.

• Fun fact: Aperol uses a secret recipe that has never changed since the liqueur was created in 1919. While we don’t know the exact recipe, we know that Aperol is made of bitter and sweet oranges, bitter orange rind oil and extract, rhubarb, and various herbs and roots.

That said, we can’t gush about Aperol the entire time. While we love Aperol, especially when mixed with soda water, we recognize that everyone has different taste buds.

Some people describe Aperol as a strange cough syrup, tasting butter and sweet. The orange color might contribute to its similarity with medication!

To avoid the unpleasant experience, taste Aperol on its own a bit, and you can slowly get used to the flavor until you appreciate it.

You can also mix it with soda water or Prosecco to help dilute the bitterness.

For some, it’s an acquired taste. But for us, it’s an enjoyable drink.

Are Campari and Aperol The Same?

These are Italian aperitivo spirits but have significant differences.

Campari is crimson red with a bittersweet taste, having notes of cherry, clove, cinnamon, cascarilla, rhubarb, and orange peel. It also has an ABV of 24%.

On the other hand, Aperol has a bright orange hue with bitter herbs, rhubarb, and burnt orange notes. It also has a higher sugar content and 11% ABV.

Learn more: What Does Campari Taste Like?

Can You Drink Straight Aperol?

The answer is yes, though it’s not necessarily the most pleasant experience. Aperol is a light and bitter liqueur made primarily from oranges, rhubarb and gentian root. It has a sweet yet mildly astringent flavor and typically comes in an 80 proof (40% ABV) bottle.

Though some may enjoy sipping on Aperol neat, many find its flavor too intense to drink it by itself.

To minimize that intensity, people usually dilute it with tonic water or soda and top it off with an orange slice or twist for added flavor.

This makes the drink more refreshing and easier to drink quickly. Still, if drinking Aperol alone sounds like your cup of tea, then go for it – just be sure to sip slowly and savor every sip!

What Does Aperol Taste Good With?

Whether you want to sip it on its own or mix it into cocktails, there’s something special about Aperol that makes it taste great with just about anything.

First of all, Aperol pairs perfectly with classic Italian ingredients such as Prosecco and Campari.

The tartness of the Aperol cuts through the sweetness of the Prosecco, creating a refreshing mix that can be enjoyed neat or over ice.

Add a splash of soda water and an orange twist for garnish and you have yourself an unbeatable Aperol Spritz!

Another classic pairing is Aperol and orange juice, which makes for a tasty summertime refresher.

Mix equal parts Aperol and fresh squeezed orange juice over ice cubes and enjoy!

You can also take this combination one step further by including Campari in the mix for extra zest and flavor.

Finally, don’t forget about the classic Negroni – a timeless cocktail made with equal parts gin, Campari and Aperol. This concoction has been pleasing palates around the world since its creation in 1919 – so why not give it a go? Just stir one part each of these three liqueurs together over ice – top it off with an orange twist for garnish – then sit back and enjoy!

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Aperol – either on its own or combined with other ingredients. So why not experiment with different flavors today? Who knows what delicious discoveries await your tastebuds!

What Cocktails Can We Find Aperol In?

Did you know that you can actually drink Aperol neat, if you’re brave enough? Yes, it’s true! Though some find its flavor too intense to have by itself, others take on this challenge and enjoy every sip of their Aperol straight up.

But most people like to dilute Aperol with tonic water or soda and top it off with an orange slice or twist for added flavor. By doing so, they get a more refreshing beverage – plus, it makes sipping this strong liqueur much easier.

Here are a few classic recipes that feature Aperol:

The Aperol Spritz

This classic Italian cocktail consists of Prosecco, Aperol and soda water served over ice with an orange slice garnish. It has a light bittersweet flavor that’s perfect for any occasion!

The Negroni

The perfect balance of sweet, bitter and strong flavors come together in this classic cocktail. Start by mixing 1 part gin, 1 part Campari and 1 part Aperol over ice and stir well – then top it off with an orange twist for garnish.

Campari Orange Juice

For a refreshing summertime mix, simply mix equal parts Campari and fresh squeezed orange juice with some ice cubes. For extra zing, add a splash of Aperol to the mix and enjoy!

These are just some of the delicious cocktails you can make using Aperol as the main ingredient – feel free to experiment with your own creations to find what works best for you!

How to Make an Aperol Spritz?

For the perfect Aperol Spritz, start by adding 3 oz of Prosecco to a rocks glass. Next, pour 2 oz of Aperol over top.

Then, add a generous splash of soda water or tonic for a refreshing bubbly finish. If desired, you can also mix in a bit of orange juice for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Garnish with an orange peel and ice – and don’t forget to enjoy responsibly!

With this simple but delicious drink, you’ll be able to impress your guests and make any gathering truly special.

• Fun fact: You can find Aperol as an apres-ski cocktail, which helps skiers recover after an entire day on the slopes! It’s not just refreshing during the summer but also during the cold winter.

Wrapping It Up

Aperol is a well-loved liqueur by many drinkers worldwide. It has a bitter taste but is well-balanced by the slight sweetness and citrus herbal notes. Because of that, it’s best served as an aperitif or mixed with other ingredients to make a refreshing cocktail.

We hope we answered your question, “what does Aperol taste like?” If you have got to taste Aperol already, let us know your thoughts!