You’re familiar with the classic Aperol spritz, but is there anything else the Italian aperitivo is good for? Don’t let that bottle collect dust on your bar cart just yet. With these 15 Aperol cocktails in your repertoire (including margaritas, palomas and negronis), you’ll finally understand how versatile the beverage really is.
15 Aperol Cocktails That Go Beyond the Classic Spritz
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Published Mar 1, 2023
What Are the Flavor Notes of Aperol?
Aperol is a bitter liqueur that’s flavored with gentian (a bitter-tasting root), cinchona (a type of bark that also gives tonic water its characteristic flavor) and rhubarb, among other botanicals. It tastes bitter, sweet and herbal, with notes of citrus and vanilla. At 11 percent ABV, it’s also relatively low in alcohol, making it easy to sip.
- Time Commitment: 3 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, prosecco
Love it or hate it, the classic spritz is popular for a reason: It’s oh-so-drinkable. If you find this cocktail too sweet or bland, might we suggest adding a squeeze of lemon?
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, tequila, orange liqueur
Adding bitter Aperol to a refreshing, tart paloma gives it a surprising edge that’s irresistible. For the fullest flavor, use freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice instead of grapefruit soda.
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, prosecco
Remember frosé? This is like the Aperol version. It’s one part boozy, two parts refreshing and 100 percent going on our pool party menu.
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, sparkling rosé
Swap the usual prosecco for sparkling rosé and suddenly your spritz is the most popular girl in the room. Using frozen peaches as ice cubes will only win her more brownie points.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, prosecco
This big-batch cocktail is like a cross between an Aperol spritz, sangria and mulled cider. It has spice, sweetness and a touch of bitterness, so it’s ideal for any season. (Bonus, you can make it ahead.)
6. Frozen Aperol Peach Margarita
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, tequila, orange liqueur
When a plain old margarita just won’t cut it, break out the blender and make these over-the-top drinks. The spicy Tajín rim will keep you coming back for another sip.
7. Hibiscus Berry Aperol Moscow Mule
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, vodka
This tart beverage is like if agua fresca and a mule met at the bar (and Aperol joined the party). Serve it in a Collins glass with a lime twist for the full effect.
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, beer
Meet the easiest drinking (and easiest to make) cocktail ever. This three-ingredient concoction is bubbly and refreshing with just the right amount of lowbrow thanks to light beer. Go ahead and make it directly in the bottle if you want.
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, prosecco
We don’t blame you for associating Aperol with summertime, but it plays just as nice with cold weather ingredients too. Ginger beer, apple cider and pomegranate soda make this punch sweater weather ready.
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, mezcal
For a drink that’s a little more potent that the traditional Aperol spritz, yet still entirely sippable, try combining freshly squeezed orange juice, smoky mezcal and the aforementioned aperitivo.
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, bourbon, amaro
Have you heard of this modern classic? It’s bittersweet and perfectly sour (aka our ideal cocktail), not to mention extremely easy to make at home. All you need are four ingredients in equal parts.
12. Tropical Rosé Aperol Spritz
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, sparkling rosé
We’re suckers for anything tropical, so this tart passionfruit cocktail is going on our to-make list ASAP. Even better, it can be made in a big batch if you’re serving a crowd.
13. Aperol Negroni
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth
Can we all be honest for a second? Negronis are so bitter…and we don’t blame you if you don’t like ’em. But by swapping the usual Campari for lighter Aperol, you can cut some of the bitterness without losing the essence of the drink.
14. Watermelon Ginger Aperol Spritz
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, prosecco
Think of this spicy, refreshing spritz as an even more summery take on the classic. For the sweetest results, pick a ripe watermelon to make the juice base.
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Types of Alcohol: Aperol, rum, Velvet falernum
A swizzle is a classic tiki drink that always includes rum, along with a mix of fruit juices, citrus and flavored syrups (like Velvet falernum, a sweet-spiced liqueur). The Aperol isn’t the starring flavor in this version, but its bitterness balances out all the other sweet and sour notes nicely.
Katherine Gillen is PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City restaurants. She used to sling sugary desserts in a pastry kitchen, but now she’s an avid home cook and fanatic baker.
