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Give your happy hour a special twist with these delicious and easy-to-make Aperol cocktails. From classic spritzes to elevated concoctions, there’s something for every taste and occasion!
We all know and love the classic Aperol Spritz – it’s like summer in a glass, right? But here’s the thing: Aperol has way more to offer than just being combined with prosecco and soda water!
This bright orange Italian aperitif plays well with all sorts of other boozy friends. There are so many cocktails out there that go beyond that basic spritz! Spritzes are still amazing and wil always have a special place in my heart ever since our 2019 trip to Venice, but let’s expand your Aperol horizons, shall we?
I’ve rounded up some killer Aperol drink recipes that’ll have you looking at that bottle in a whole new light. We’re talking drinks that are perfect for sipping on the patio, impressing your friends at your next dinner party, or just treating yourself on a random Tuesday night. Because why not?
So, if you’re ready to take your Aperol game to the next level, stick around. I promise these recipes will have you feeling like a master mixologist in no time. You’ll love these cocktail recipes so much you’ll feel like you are sipping them in Italy somewhere.
aperol cocktails
Aperol Soda
A vibrant Aperol Soda will quench your thirst this season! This classic flavor combination is an effervescent delight, combining the zesty bitterness of Aperol with refreshing soda water and a touch of simple syrup. Every sip will transport you to a sunny Italian terrace!
Aperol Spritz
An Aperol Spritz a day keeps the blues away! The bubbly combination of prosecco, Aperol, and club soda is one that is always a winner. It’s a classic for a reason!
Aperol Negroni
Learn how to make the perfect Aperol Negroni with this simple recipe. The refreshing and delicious combination of Aperol, gin, and sweet vermouth is always a hit. Enjoy it for an evening cocktail or as the signature drink for your next gathering!
Aperol Sour
An Aperol Sour is a refreshing drink that combines the zesty tang of lemon juice with the unique bitterness of Aperol. The balance of flavors is the perfect way to enjoy a taste of Italian-inspired relaxation. It’s a new modern classic!
Spaghett Drink
A Spaghett drink is a refreshing twist on the classic Aperol Spritz, perfect for casual summer sipping. This beer cocktail combines the bitterness of Aperol with the crispness of beer, creating a tasty poolside companion.
Blood Orange Margarita
Escape the winter blues with this vibrant blood orange margarita, enhanced with a splash of Aperol. The combination of citrus and bitter orange notes creates a cocktail that’s both refreshing and sophisticated.
Sparkling Strawberry Basil Cocktail
This Sparkling Strawberry Basil Cocktail with prosecco is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes, ideal for summer gatherings. The fresh strawberries and aromatic basil complement the bubbly prosecco, resulting in a light and fruity drink.
Bourbon Aperol Cocktail
For bourbon lovers who aren’t fans of sparkling wine, this Bourbon Aperol Cocktail offers an alternative to the traditional spritz. The rich, warming notes of bourbon beautifully balance the bittersweet flavors of Aperol, creating a sophisticated sipper.
Blended Aperol Spritz
Beat the heat with this frosty twist on a classic: the Blended Aperol Spritz. This slushy version maintains the cocktail’s signature orange flavor, making it perfect for summertime.
Summer Manhattan
The Summer Manhattan puts a light, effervescent spin on the classic cocktail by swapping rye whiskey for Aperol and Prosecco. This bubbly variation is perfect for those who enjoy a Manhattan but crave something more refreshing for summer months.
Winter Cranberry Spritz
This festive Winter Cranberry Spritz Aperol is a combination of tart cranberry and bittersweet Aperol. It’s a balanced and seasonally festive cocktail.
Aperol Margarita
The Aperol Margarita is a unique fusion of two beloved cocktails, combining the bitter complexity of Aperol with the sweet-and-salty profile of a classic margarita. This inventive drink offers a new experience for both Aperol enthusiasts and margarita aficionados.
my must-haves for aperol cocktails
Of course, the first thing you should be grabbing is a bottle of Aperol! Note that you can also make these cocktails with Campari if that’s your preferred alcohol of choice.
Make sure you have the classic ingredients on hand like fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, amaro, gin, tequila, and more.
For barware, we are always reaching for our jigger to pour, cocktail shaker to shake (or a cocktail mixing glass), cocktail spoons, and a cocktail strainer to strain.
When it comes to glasses, grab your favorites! We really love these Gatsby glasses, aperol spritz glasses, and stemless wine glasses. Or just turn to your favorite wine glass or rocks glass that you already have on hand.
our favorite glassware
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Looking for some tasty bites to serve as an appetizer for your happy hour or aperitivo aperol cocktails? Check out our vast archive of appetizer recipes. We’ve got everything there, but here are some of our more Italian-themed favorite recipes:
Crispy prosciutto is ready in just 15 minutes and is the perfect snack, addition to a charcuterie spread, or garnish for soups and salads.
We love having these marinated mozzarella balls in the refrigerator at all times! They are an easy appetizer that always wow’s the crowd.
Caprese bruschetta is the ideal combination of a caprese salad and crunchy bread slices.
Air fryer ravioli are ready in only 20 minutes! They are golden and crunchy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside.
Golden baked crab cakes are the easy way to make fresh crab cakes, without a bunch of filler and frying. They are really easy and are sure to impress.
