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First Sip, First Summer
The first time I tasted Aperol was on a trip to Rome, the sun just dipping behind terracotta buildings. I didn’t know it then, but I had stumbled into a ritual. My husband handed me a glass of something bright orange, sparkling, with a slice of orange floating on top. One sip, and I was hooked. Slightly bitter, lightly sweet, effervescent, the Aperol Spritz was summer in a glass. But it also raised a question I’ve been asked countless times since: What is Aperol?
Aperol’s Origin Story
Aperol is an Italian apéritif, meaning it’s designed to be enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, it stayed under the radar until Italy’s post-war café culture caught up with its casual charm. With its signature sunset hue and low alcohol content (11%), Aperol became a staple of the early evening aperitivo hour, a tradition that lives on in bars from Milan to Manhattan.
Behind the Bright Orange Cocktail
So, what is Aperol made of? While the exact recipe is a tightly held secret, the known ingredients include bitter orange, rhubarb, gentian, and a mix of herbs and roots. The result is a balanced profile that’s not aggressively bitter, but not sweet either, making it a more approachable introduction to apéritifs for the uninitiated.
What Does Aperol Taste Like?
Aperol has a unique, bittersweet flavor that’s hard to forget once you’ve tried it. It opens with bright notes of orange zest and rhubarb, followed by subtle herbal undertones and a gentle bitterness that lingers on the finish. Unlike its bolder cousin Campari, Aperol is softer and more citrus-forward, with just enough complexity to keep things interesting. Its low alcohol content (only 11%) makes it light and refreshing, perfect for slow sipping on warm afternoons.
The Rise of the Spritz
Though it existed for decades, Aperol’s popularity skyrocketed with the global rise of the Aperol Spritz. The now-iconic cocktail, Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda water, became a warm-weather favorite. Its photogenic color helped too, turning it into Instagram’s unofficial drink of summer. But don’t mistake it for just a pretty face: it’s refreshingly complex and endlessly customizable.
How to Drink Aperol
If you’re wondering what to do with that bottle of Aperol after spritz hour, don’t worry—it’s surprisingly versatile. Beyond the classic Spritz, Aperol pairs beautifully with gin and tonic for a floral twist, or with sparkling wine and grapefruit juice for a breezy brunch cocktail. And of course, there’s our very popular Paper Plane cocktail, a perfectly balanced blend of Aperol, bourbon, Amaro, and lemon juice that hits all the right notes: bitter, boozy, and bright. Some even use Aperol in desserts or vinaigrettes. It’s a team player, and that’s part of its charm.
Last Bite of Wisdom
So, what is Aperol? It’s more than just a drink, it’s a mood, a ritual, and a symbol of slowing down with friends as the day cools off. Whether you’re sipping on a patio or mixing it into your next cocktail experiment, Aperol invites you to pause and enjoy.
For recipes, pairing tips, and more behind-the-scenes cocktail content, follow us on social media @love_food_feed, cheers to brighter evenings ahead.
