Aperol Soda Cocktail • Keeping It Simple Blog

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Aperol and soda is a wonderfully light and delicious Aperol cocktail that requires just a few simple ingredients. This recipe is an Aperol spritz without prosecco and it makes the perfect cocktail on hot evenings or as a light drink before dinner as an aperitif and it is so easy to make.

Aperol and soda in glass — Aperol and soda

Why You Should Make Your Own Aperol Soda

Classic Aperol liqueur is an Italian aperitif similar to Campari and it is made with rhubarb and Gentian root and was invented in Italy by two Italian brothers in the early 1900s. In Italy, you can buy Aperol sodas at the store, that are already bottled and ready to drink.

I decided after a trip there, why buy this when you can make it at home. The version in the store is a light orange color but my version is a beautiful crimson red since I add more Aperol than soda. This version also has extra flavor from the lemon and simple syrup and more of a cocktail flavor.

What does this taste like? Because this liquor is made with rhubarb, it has hints of orange and it tastes slightly sweet at the beginning of a sip and then slightly bitter flavors at the end making it perfect for a sipping cocktail.

This cocktail makes a great aperitif to serve before dinner (which the Italians love to do for aperetivo hour) and it is so easy to make. This cocktail has a low alcohol content and is perfect as a lighter cocktail.

Aperol and soda in glass with lemon wedge

How To Make An Aperol & Soda Cocktail

You only need a few simple ingredients (full recipe below)

Aperol: Measure out Aperol and pour into a low-ball glass full of ice.
Fresh squeezed lemon and simple syrup: add these to the glass
Soda water or tonic water: Add a splash of club soda to the glass.
Stir: Give it a light stir with a spoon.
Add Lemon Garnish: You can use lemon or a slice of orange for the garnish. I prefer lemon when I make this.

If you want to make this drink sweeter naturally, you can use our honey simple syrup recipe.

Pro-Tip: I make this Aperol and soda drink so often that I don't even measure it out. If you do not have a jigger, just use the count method for this and count to two while pouring (one, two, done). It is equal parts Aperol to soda so just eyeball it and it will work perfectly!

Recipe Faqs

What is the best soda water to use?

The best mixer (soda water) to use for this Aperol recipe is your favorite brand of soda water, any brand will do. Club soda, which is different from soda water can also be used. We also enjoy using tonic water if that is what we have on hand. You can also use sparkling water.

What does Aperol taste like?

Aperol has a slightly sweet rhubarb flavor with a mildly bitter finish.

Is Aperol the same as Campari?

Aperol and Campari are similar but different liquors. Aperol is a little sweeter than Campari and less bitter.

What is the difference between this and an Aperol spritz?

An Aperol spritz has Prosecco while this Aperol cocktail is a simplified version.

What other cocktails can I make with Aperol?

Aperol makes a great addition to so many cocktails. Use it in sangria or martinis, or even add it to sparkling wine.

Variations

Switch up the garnish: Add an orange slice or lime for an additional flavor.
Make it into a martini.
Add ginger beer: Aperol and ginger beer are actually very tasty and the ginger with the fruity notes of the Aperol is a great match.
Add wine: Aperol and wine are great together. I love making an Aperol sangria this way and serving it up in a wine glass.
Add rhubarb: Like in this vodka rhubarb gin fizz.
Add herbs: Herbs like rosemary or mint go really well with this cocktail.
Add more citrus flavors

Storing

Aperol has alcohol so it is fine to store at room temperature for a little bit. Because Aperol has a low alcohol content and a high sugar content, it is best to refrigerate if you don't plan to use it often (within 6 months) which will lengthen its shelf life.

Now that I have told you all about Aperol and how delicious and versatile it is, I hope you are ready to give this Aperol cocktail a try. No bar setup should be without this delicious liquor from Italy and I know once you try it you will agree.

More Aperol Cocktail Recipes

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5 from 3 votes

Aperol Soda Cocktail Recipe

Aperol and soda is a wonderfully light and delicious Aperol cocktail that requires just a few simple ingredients. This Aperol soda recipe makes the perfect cocktail on hot evenings or as a light drink before dinner as an aperitif and it is so easy to make.

Prep Time2

Total Time2

Servings: cocktail

Author: Melissa Oleary

Ingredients

2 ounces Aperol roughly 2 shots
3-4 ounces soda water or tonic water
2 tablespoon Lemon juice
1 tablespoon simple syrup
1 lemon quarter for garnish
ice

Instructions

Fill a rocks glass with ice.
ice
Pour your Aperol, lemon juice, simple syrup and soda water over ice.
2 ounces Aperol, 2 tablespoon Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon simple syrup, 3-4 ounces soda water or tonic water
Garnish with a lemon wedge (if using.)
1 lemon quarter
Lightly stir.
Enjoy!

Nutrition