What Is Aperol?

Aperol is an Italian apéritif that has become increasingly popular in recent years and forms the foundation of many apéritif cocktails. It has a bright orange color and bitter-sweet flavor, with notes of rhubarb, gentian, and other herbs. 

What Is Aperol

We took a closer look at just what aperol is, where it is commonly found, and the surprising benefits that it can offer your overall health and well-being!

What Is Aperol?

Aperol is an Italian apéritif made from a mixture of bitter and sweet ingredients like rhubarb, gentian, and cinchona. It usually has an alcohol content of 11% and is known for its bright orange color.

Its flavor profile is slightly bitter and sour with hints of orange, herbs, and spices. Over the years, it has become increasingly popular as a pre-dinner drink, as well as a key ingredient in some of the most popular cocktails around the world.

What Is An Apéritif?

An apéritif is an alcoholic beverage that is usually served before a meal. It can be used to stimulate your appetite and increase the enjoyment of food. Common apéritifs include wine, champagne, vermouth – and, of course, spirits like Aperol.

These drinks are generally light in alcohol content and contain herbs and spices that give them their unique flavor profiles.

When Was Aperol Created?

Aperol was first created in 1919 by the Barbieri Brothers. The brothers wanted to create a unique, light, and refreshing apéritif that could be enjoyed before meals.

They experimented with different combinations of herbs and spices until they came up with the perfect recipe for Aperol.

It quickly became popular throughout Europe and North America, where it is still enjoyed today. In addition to being a pre-dinner drink, Aperol is also used to make a variety of cocktails and other drinks, making it an incredibly versatile spirit.

Where Can You Find Aperol?

You can find Aperol in most liquor (see also: What Is Malt Liquor?)stores, bars, and restaurants across Europe and North America. It is also widely available online from a number of retailers. Due to its increasing popularity, it is becoming easier to find, so keep

What Flavors Are Included In Aperol?

Aperol is a unique blend of flavors that make it stand out from other spirits and liqueurs. It contains a mixture of bitter and sweet ingredients, including:

Gentian

Gentian is a bitter herb that gives Aperol its signature flavor – it is also a key ingredient in many other spirits, such as Campari.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb adds a tart flavor to Aperol, making it slightly sour and giving it its orange hue.

Cinchona

Cinchona is a herb that has a bitter flavor and can also give the drink a slightly sweet aftertaste.

Orange Peel

A key element in the recipe, orange peel adds a citrusy and refreshing flavor to Aperol.

The combination of bitter, sweet, and sour ingredients in Aperol gives it a unique taste that makes it a great pre-dinner drink.

The bitterness of the gentian and cinchona is balanced by the sweetness of the rhubarb, while the orange hue adds a refreshing brightness to the flavor.

What Are The Benefits Of Aperol?

Aperol may offer some surprising benefits to your overall health and well-being.

Low-Calorie Drink

A key advantage of aperol is that it has a low-calorie content, with an average of only 99 calories per 100ml. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone watching their calorie intake.

What Is Aperol (1)

Low Alcohol Content

Aperol has a low alcohol content of 11%, which is much lower than many other spirits and wines. As such, it can be enjoyed without the worry of drinking too much alcohol.

Source Of Antioxidants

Aperol contains antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. This can be beneficial for your overall health.

How To Enjoy Aperol

One of the most popular ways to enjoy Aperol is in the classic Italian apéritif cocktail, the Aperol Spritz. This involves combining Prosecco, Aperol, and sparkling water over ice, garnished with an orange slice.

Another popular way to enjoy it is as a pre-dinner drink or at happy hour. You can also add it to other cocktails and drinks to create interesting flavor combinations, and some of our favorite options include:

Negroni Cocktail

A negroni cocktail is a classic Italian drink that combines Aperol, gin, and sweet vermouth. This combination creates a refreshingly bitter taste with herbal and citrus flavors.

Gin Fizz Cocktail

A Gin Fizz is another popular cocktail that combines Aperol with gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. This has a light and refreshing flavor that can make it an ideal choice for a summer day.

Aperol Spritz

The classic option, an Aperol Spritz, is a refreshing and light drink that combines Aperol with Prosecco (see also: What Is Prosecco?)and sparkling water. This is often garnished with an orange slice to add some extra flavor.

Are There Any Downsides To Aperol?

There are a few disadvantages to Aperol, and these can include:

High Sugar Content

Aperol has a relatively high sugar content, with around 11g per 100 ml. This can make it unsuitable for those on a low-sugar diet.

High Acidity

Aperol can also be quite acidic, and this can cause some people to experience heartburn or indigestion if consumed in large quantities.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Aperol is a unique and delicious spirit that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

With its low calorie, low alcohol, and high antioxidant content, it can be a great choice for those looking to enjoy a tasty drink without the worry of drinking too much alcohol.

Kaitlyn James
Scroll to Top