When it comes to bitter aperitifs, Aperol is a standout. An Italian bitter made with an unmistakable orange-red color, Aperol is made from a proprietary blend of ingredients that includes orange oil, gentian, rhubarb and cinchona. Produced by the same group that makes Campari, another red-hued bitter, Aperol has less alcohol content and is less bitter than Campari. So, if you’re new to bitters and not sure how you feel about the flavor, Aperol is a great introduction. 

Bitters are useful as a cocktail ingredient because they balance out the sweet flavors in cocktails, such as the sweetness of fruit juices, liqueurs and syrups. One of the more famous Aperol cocktails is the Aperol Spritz, a simple cocktail combining Aperol with Prosecco. We made our own refreshing version of an Aperol Spritz—the Bourbon Spritz—incorporating our Straight Bourbon. We’ve also incorporated Aperol into a variety of other tasty cocktails over the years, and we wanted to share our top 8 favorite Aperol recipes utilizing Mad River spirits here.

BOURBON SPRITZ
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.5 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-1 oz. of Aperol
-3/4 oz. of fresh lemon juice
-Prosecco, Sparkling Wine or Club Soda
-orange wheel

Instructions:
In a large wine glass, add all ingredients over ice. Top off with bubbles. Add an orange wheel for garnish.

BIGLIETTO
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.5 oz. of Revolution Rye
-1.5 oz. of Aperol
-1/2 oz. of Bigallet China China
-1/4 oz. of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass. Add ice, then stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

PAPER PLANE
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-3/4 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-3/4 oz. of Aperol
-3/4 oz. of Amaro Nonino
-3/4 oz. of fresh lemon juice

Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker with lots of ice. Shake hard until frost appears on the shaker tin. Double strain into a coupe or martini glass.

CYNARA
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.5 oz. of Revolution Rye
-1/2 oz. of Cynar Amaro
-1/2 oz. of Aperol
-Angostura ice cube

Instructions:
Build this cocktail right in a large rocks glass. First, add an Angostura ice cube to the glass. Pour the Revolution Rye over the ice cube, followed by Cynar Amaro then Aperol. Twist an orange peel over the top of the glass, then add as a garnish.

To make an Angostura ice cube, add 2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters to water, and freeze in a large ice cube mold. Note that adding more bitters may prevent freezing.

RYE CIDER SPRITZ
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1 oz. of Revolution Rye
-1/2 oz. of Aperol
-3 oz. of Apple Cider
-1/2 oz. of fresh lemon juice
-2 drops of orange bitters
-Hard Dry Cider

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Instructions:
Combine all ingredients, except for the hard cider, in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain into a Collins or Highball glass. Top with hard cider. Garnish with 2-3 apple slices.

THE BASIL DAISY
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-2 oz of Rum 44
-1/2 oz. of Aperol
-1 oz. of simple syrup
-1 oz. of fresh lemon juice
-4 basil leaves for garnish
-lemon wedge garnish

Instructions:
In a shaker, add all ingredients with ice. Shake for 15 seconds, then strain into a glass over fresh ice. Add a lemon wedge and fresh basil for garnish.

THE RENDEZVOUS
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-2 oz. of Vanilla Rum
-3/4 oz. of fresh lime juice
-1/2 oz. of Aperol
-1/2 oz. of grapefruit simple syrup

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake for about 30 seconds, then double strain into a coupe glass.

SPRING FLING
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1 oz. of First Run Rum
-1 oz. of fresh lemon juice
-1 oz. of cinnamon and strawberry infused Aperol
-1 oz. of Amaro Nonino
-3-4 dashes of El Guapo Summer Berries Bitters
-Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit
-lemon twist garnish

Instructions:
In a shaker, combine one ounce each of the infused Aperol, First Run Rum, fresh lemon juice and Amaro Nonino. Add 4-6 dashes of El Guapo Summer Berries Bitters. Add ice to the shaker, then shake for 15-30 seconds. Double strain shaker into a highball glass filled with ice. Top the cocktail with Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit. Add a twist of lemon for garnish.

To make the cinnamon and strawberry infused Aperol, add a cinnamon stick to one bottle of Aperol. Give it a shake, then let it sit for one day. After one day, remove the cinnamon stick. In a Mason jar, combine the cinnamon-infused Aperol with a handful of rinsed strawberries. Shake once daily for one week. Strain out the strawberries using a cheesecloth, then the Aperol is ready to use.

Now that you have a variety of cocktail recipes you can make incorporating Aperol, it’s easy to see why it makes for a great staple bitter to have in your home bar. Not only does it add a beautiful color to any cocktail you make, it also adds incredible flavor and balance. As always, if you find yourself in need of supplies such as Angostura Bitters, orange bitters, simple syrups, or any of our spirits, be sure to stop by our Burlington Tasting Room. Cheers!

Written and published by Brianne Lucas on June 9, 2025.