As the sun starts to shine and the temperature rises, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing drink to quench your thirst. And what better way to do so than with the iconic Italian liqueur, Aperol? With its vibrant orange hue and subtle bitter flavor, Aperol is the perfect ingredient to add some excitement to your summer cocktail game.
From classic spritzes to modern twists on old favorites, we’ve gathered 20 of the most delicious Aperol cocktail recipes that are sure to become your go-to drinks for the season. Whether you’re looking for something light and fruity or bold and complex, there’s an Aperol cocktail here to suit every taste.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these recipes, sharing the perfect blend of ingredients and techniques to create the ultimate summer sippers. So grab a glass, put on your sunglasses, and let’s get started!
Classic Aperol Spritz
A refreshing and iconic Italian cocktail, the Classic Aperol Spritz is a perfect blend of flavors to brighten up any occasion. With its unique combination of bitter and sweet notes, this drink is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 4 oz Prosecco
– 1 oz Soda water
– Splash of orange juice (optional)
– Slice of orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol and top with Prosecco.
3. Add a splash of soda water and stir gently.
4. If desired, add a splash of orange juice for extra flavor.
5. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cooking Time: None!
Aperol Sour with Egg White
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique Aperol Sour recipe, featuring the added richness of egg white. The silky texture and subtle flavor of the egg white perfectly complement the bitter-sweet notes of Aperol.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water, dissolved)
– 1 large egg white
– Ice
– Orange twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Aperol, orange juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Crack in the egg white and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and frothy.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Aperol Negroni Twist
Elevate your cocktail game with this innovative twist on the classic Negroni, featuring the vibrant flavors of Aperol.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz Gin
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– Orange twist or slice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol, gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Sparkling Aperol Lemonade
Brighten up your summer with this revitalizing drink that combines the sweetness of lemonade with the subtle bitterness of Aperol. Sparkling Aperol Lemonade is perfect for hot days and social gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup Aperol liqueur
– 1 liter sparkling water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Add Aperol liqueur to the mixture and stir gently.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, pour sparkling water into the pitcher and stir gently.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required.
Aperol Gin Fizz
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Aperol Gin Fizz, perfect for warm weather or any time you need a citrusy pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 oz club soda
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Aperol, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a no-cook recipe, perfect for a quick and easy drink.
Tropical Aperol Punch
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing tropical twist on the classic Aperol Spritz. Perfect for warm weather gatherings, this fruity and bubbly punch is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 liter Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1/2 cup Aperol
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup coconut cream
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of orange, lime, and pineapple for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine Prosecco, Aperol, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and orange juice.
2. Stir in simple syrup until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve over ice in tall glasses and garnish with slices of orange, lime, and pineapple.
Cooking Time: None needed! Simply assemble and serve.
Aperol Margarita
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic margarita, featuring Aperol’s bitter-sweet flavor profile. Perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz Aperol
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, Aperol, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel or slice.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Aperol Mojito
A refreshing twist on the classic mojito, this Aperol version combines the sweetness of orange with the tanginess of citrus and mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 1 oz white rum
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 oz)
– 2 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
– Club soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint sprigs with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the oils and flavor.
2. Add Aperol, white rum, and lime juice to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Aperol Paloma
This Italian-inspired twist on the classic Paloma cocktail combines the bitter-sweet flavors of Aperol with the tartness of grapefruit juice, perfect for warm weather sipping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Aperol
– 3 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add Aperol, grapefruit juice, and lime juice to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, strain, and enjoy.
Aperol Grapefruit Spritz
Perfect for warm days and gatherings with friends, this refreshing Aperol Grapefruit Spritz combines the tanginess of grapefruit with the subtle bitterness of Aperol.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 2 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
– Splash of soda water
– Slice of grapefruit for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol and grapefruit juice.
3. Top with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
4. Add a splash of soda water to create a subtle fizz.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Cooking Time: None! This spritz is ready in 5 minutes.
Aperol Berry Smash
Elevate your summer cocktails with this refreshing Aperol Berry Smash recipe, featuring the sweet and tangy flavors of Aperol, mixed berry juice, and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz Aperol
– 2 oz mixed berry juice (such as raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry)
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Aperol, mixed berry juice, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Aperol Mule
Experience the unique flavor of Italy with this innovative take on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring Aperol’s signature bitter-sweet taste.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Aperol
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 oz)
– Ice
– Lime wheel and sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the Aperol and squeeze in the lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a mixed drink!
Enjoy your Aperol Mule, a refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic cocktail.
Aperol Sangria
Aperol Sangria: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic
Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a unique twist on traditional sangria, this Aperol-infused drink is sure to delight. With the bitter sweetness of Aperol and the crispness of white wine, this recipe combines the best of both worlds.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of dry white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio work well)
– 1 cup Aperol
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 lime, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine and Aperol.
2. Add the sliced citrus fruits to the pitcher.
3. Stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved.
4. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This sangria is best served cold and can be prepared ahead of time.
Aperol Elderflower Collins
Refresh your spirits with this crisp and refreshing cocktail, perfect for warm weather or any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Aperol
– 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
– 3 oz lemon-lime soda
– Juice of 1 lime
– Splash of sparkling water (optional)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Aperol and elderflower liqueur.
3. Shake gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
6. Squeeze in the lime juice and drop the wheel into the glass.
7. If desired, add a splash of sparkling water for extra fizz.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (preparation), 0 minutes (chilling and serving)
Aperol Pineapple Cooler
Escape the heat with this revitalizing Aperol Pineapple Cooler! This sweet and tangy drink combines the flavors of Aperol, pineapple juice, and sparkling water for a perfect summer refresher.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 4 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup sparkling water
– Slice of fresh pineapple for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol and pineapple juice.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Enjoy your Aperol Pineapple Cooler on a hot summer day, or anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up!
Aperol Cucumber Refresher
Elevate your summer gathering with this refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. This Aperol Cucumber Refresher is perfect for hot days and outdoor gatherings, combining the tanginess of cucumber with the subtle bitterness of Aperol.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh cucumber slices
– 1/2 cup Aperol
– 1 cup Prosecco
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cucumber slices and Aperol.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, stir in the Prosecco and simple syrup.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Aperol Cucumber Refresher over the top.
5. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None
Aperol Champagne Cocktail
Elevate your champagne game with this refreshing twist on the classic bubbly cocktail. This Aperol-infused drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 oz Aperol
– 4 oz champagne
– Juice of 1 orange
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a champagne flute with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol and top with champagne.
3. Squeeze in the juice of 1 orange and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Aperol Basil Smash
Elevate your summer gatherings with this vibrant and flavorful cocktail that combines the warmth of Aperol with the brightness of basil. This Aperol Basil Smash is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and herbaceous notes.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3-4 leaves of fresh basil
– Ice
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. Muddle the basil leaves in a cocktail shaker with a splash of simple syrup to release their oils and flavors.
2. Add Aperol, lemon juice, and ice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with an additional basil leaf.
Cooking Time: None
Aperol Ginger Highball
Elevate your highball game with this refreshing Aperol Ginger Highball, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Aperol
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime
– Slice of fresh ginger (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Aperol and ginger beer.
3. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just 5 minutes.
Aperol Rosemary Spritz
As the sun sets on a warm day, there’s no better way to toast with friends and family than with a refreshing Aperol Rosemary Spritz. This Italian-inspired drink combines the bitter-sweet flavors of Aperol with the herbal notes of rosemary for a unique and revitalizing cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Aperol
– 4 oz Prosecco or sparkling wine
– 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 cup soda water
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Aperol and Prosecco.
3. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 oz).
4. Top with soda water to desired fizziness.
5. Garnish with two sprigs of rosemary, tied together with a toothpick or twine.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Summary
Stay cool this summer with these refreshing Aperol cocktail recipes! From classic twists to fruity fusions, there’s something for everyone. Try the Classic Aperol Spritz, a simple yet elegant mix of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. Or, shake things up with the Aperol Sour with Egg White, featuring a silky-smooth texture. With 20 unique recipes to choose from, you’ll never get bored. Whether you prefer sweet and tangy or bold and citrusy, these Aperol cocktails are sure to quench your thirst on a hot summer day.