aperol

Aperol is an Italian bitter liqueur produced by the Campari Group. Noted for its bright orange color, the liqueur has an alcohol by volume of 11%. It is made from a blend of bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb, gentian, cinchona and other herbs; the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret. Aperol is marketed as an aperitif.

Aperol was created in 1919 in Padua, Italy, by the Barbieri brothers. The brand name was chosen to reflect the product’s intended role as an aperitif. The liqueur achieved steady domestic popularity in the mid- to late 20th century, and its worldwide profile rose with the spread of the Aperol Spritz, a cocktail associated with the Veneto region.

In 2003, Aperol became part of the Campari Group and has since been distributed internationally. The most famous use of Aperol is the Aperol Spritz, typically prepared with three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol, and one part soda water, served over ice with an orange slice. Aperol can also be consumed on its own or as an ingredient in other cocktails; its bitterness is balanced by sweetness and a fruity orange character.

Aperol is available in several bottle sizes, with the standard 70cl bottle remaining common in many markets. The brand remains closely identified with Italian aperitivo culture and is widely available in bars and retail outlets around the world.