What does Aperol taste like?
Aperol tastes like bittersweet orange: sweet up front, a gentle bitter edge behind it, with a little rhubarb and herb, and only about 11% alcohol.
Aperol
bittersweet orange, easy going
Aperol is an Italian aperitivo, a drink made to wake up your appetite before dinner. The first sip is orange candy, then a soft bitterness creeps in, like the pith of the peel. It's gentler and sweeter than Campari, its louder cousin, which is why people who think they hate bitter drinks still like it. On its own over ice it's a little syrupy. Topped with prosecco and soda, it turns into the easiest drink on any patio.
Where you’ll see it
Almost always as an Aperol spritz: Aperol, prosecco and a splash of soda over ice with an orange slice. You'll also see it in sours, in a Paper Plane, and on happy hour lists everywhere.
Order it if you want something light, fizzy and a little bitter before dinner.
Quick questions
- Is Aperol the same as Campari?
- No. Both are Italian bitter orange aperitivos, but Aperol is sweeter, lighter and about half the alcohol. Campari is darker red, more bitter and closer to 24%.
- Is Aperol strong?
- Not really. It is about 11% alcohol, less than most wine, and a spritz waters it down further with prosecco and soda.