Aperol Cocktails: 12 Refreshing Drinks to Make at Home

Aperol is a classic aperitif enjoyed chilled on its own, but it truly shines in cocktails. This collection highlights a variety of Aperol drinks—from bold, spirit-forward mixes with bourbon or gin to lighter, bubbly sippers perfect for warm afternoons. Whether you prefer a tart, citrus-driven cocktail or a low-alcohol spritz, you’ll find refreshing and balanced recipes here.

Paper Plane Cocktail

One of the most popular Aperol cocktails, the Paper Plane marries a bourbon backbone with an earthy amaro and Aperol’s sweet-bitter orange profile, finished with a bright lemon note. It’s balanced, bold, and easy to sip.

Aperol Cosmopolitan

A modern, grown-up take on the 90s classic: the Cosmopolitan swaps cranberry juice for Aperol, giving the drink a more complex, bittersweet orange character while maintaining its vibrant, cocktail-bar charm.

Photo Credit:
www.cocktailcontessa.com

Best Ever Aperol Sour

The Aperol Sour pairs the structure of a classic sour with Aperol’s bittersweet citrus. This version adds bitters and a touch more spirit to create a lively, well-rounded cocktail with bright acidity and frothy texture.

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ramshacklepantry.com

Aperol Americano Cocktail

This delicious spin on the classic Americano substitutes Aperol for Campari, producing a gentler, more balanced bitterness that pairs beautifully with sweet vermouth and sparkling water.

Aperol Spritz

A timeless favorite, the Aperol Spritz is light, fizzy, and perfectly suited to warm-weather sipping. It’s a versatile porch or brunch drink that complements salads, pizza, and simple appetizers.

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saltandwind.com

Aperol Paloma Cocktail

A creative Paloma riff, this grapefruit-forward Aperol cocktail balances bright citrus with Aperol’s bittersweet orange notes for a refreshing, well-rounded drink.

Even more Aperol Drinks you might enjoy:

  • Aperol Cocktail from A Couple Cooks: a bright, tropical-leaning Aperol mix with lime, pineapple, and rum.
  • Aperol and Rhubarb Fizz: a refreshed riff on a gin and tonic with floral, tangy rhubarb notes.
  • Bourbon Aperol Cocktail: a spritz-inspired drink given depth and warmth with a bourbon twist.