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Aperol

Aperol is an Italian bitter aperitif liqueur best known for its bright orange colour and bittersweet flavour.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Aperol is an Italian bitter aperitif liqueur best known for its bright orange colour and bittersweet flavour. It was created in Padua in 1919 by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri and is commonly used as the base for an Aperol Spritz. Its alcohol content is typically 11% ABV.

History

Aperol was created in Padua, Italy, in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers. It became associated with aperitif culture and later gained global recognition through the Aperol Spritz.

Composition and flavour

Aperol is made from an infusion of herbs, roots, citrus, and botanicals. Sources consistently identify gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona among its ingredients, while its taste is described as bittersweet, orange-forward, and lightly herbal.

Use in cocktails

Aperol is most commonly used in the Aperol Spritz, a mixed drink made with Prosecco and soda water. It is also used as an aperitif before meals and in other low-alcohol cocktails.

Alcohol content and classification

Aperol is a low-alcohol liqueur at 11% ABV. It is often classified as an aperitif or amaro-style bitter liqueur, although it is lighter and less bitter than many other Italian bitter spirits.

Key facts

  • Aperol is an Italian apéritif and bitter liqueur made with botanicals.
  • Its flavour is widely described as bittersweet, with orange and herbal notes.
  • Aperol is usually sold at 11% ABV.
  • It is the signature ingredient in the Aperol Spritz cocktail.
  • The recipe has remained secret since its creation in 1919.
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Canadian context

Aperol is widely sold and used in Canada as a cocktail ingredient, especially in summer and patio drinks, and is a familiar part of North American bar culture.

Frequently asked questions

What is Aperol?
Aperol is an Italian bitter aperitif liqueur, originally created in Padua in 1919, and best known for its bright orange colour and use in cocktails.
What does Aperol taste like?
Aperol tastes bittersweet, with orange, citrus, and herbal notes. It is generally less bitter and lighter than Campari.
What is Aperol made of?
Aperol is made from an infusion of herbs, roots, and botanicals. Publicly identified ingredients include gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, while the full recipe remains secret.
How much alcohol is in Aperol?
Aperol is typically 11% alcohol by volume (ABV).
What is Aperol spritz?
An Aperol Spritz is a cocktail made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, usually served over ice and garnished with orange.
Is Aperol gluten free?
Aperol is generally regarded as gluten free, but its official public information in the provided sources does not clearly state a gluten-free certification.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aperol
    Supports: Italian bitter aperitif; ingredients gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona; orange colour; etymology.
  2. Aperol — https://www.aperol.com/en-us/faq/about-aperol/
    Supports: Aperol as an Italian bitter apéritif; infused with orange, gentian, chinchona, herbs and spices; 11% alcohol.
  3. Aperol — https://www.aperol.com/our-products/aperol/
    Supports: Bright orange aperitivo; secret recipe; infused blend of fruit, herbs and roots; 11% ABV.
  4. BBC Travel — https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230829-why-aperol-spritz-is-the-drink-of-the-summer
    Supports: Aperol Spritz composition; invention in Padua in 1919; ingredients including sour orange peels, gentian root, rhubarb, and spices.
  5. Delish — https://www.delish.com/kitchen-tools/a44476624/what-is-aperol/
    Supports: History, amaro/aperitivo classification, and named ingredients.