Aperol Soda Recipe for A Refreshing Happy Hour
This easy Aperol Soda recipe is refreshing and full of flavor, and takes just minutes to make! With a bittersweet flavor that pairs perfectly with bubbly club soda, this low-alcohol drink is perfect for sipping any time.
One of the easiest Aperol cocktails you can make!
Aperol and Soda is so easy! Not only is the flavor super tasty and you don’t need any special skills to make it, but I feel like once you get a handle on a liquor + soda cocktail base, you can get creative and layer in flavors to create something more unique.
You know I like to keep my home bar small and efficient so everything in there needs to be able to make several different recipes.
You may have bought the Aperol to make the trendy Aperol Spritz but trust me, there are so many other easy Aperol cocktails you can make.
Related: Aperol Gin and Tonic
With a squeeze of fresh lemon, Aperol and soda water is like a cool shower after a hot day in the sun.
If you like bitters, you’ll really enjoy the flavor of Aperol. I like to sip one of these while I’m making dinner or if I’m wanting to pre-game before a night out.
What is Aperol
Aperol is an aperitif liqueur and has a bittersweet flavor. Think orange peel mixed with roots and herbs and you get a quick idea of what this might taste like.
It’s not overly sweet which I think makes it a refreshing option for making mixed drinks at home.
It’s relatively low in alcohol making this Aperol and Soda drink a great one for sipping throughout a pool day or enjoying while you are making dinner.
I can’t take credit for any of these 2-ingredient cocktails. But I think it’s important to share them with you so you can see just how simple cocktail recipes can be.
Tequila Soda is my go-to drink when I’m not drinking wine. But this Aperol Soda cocktail is one that feels festive enough to share with friends when they come over.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for quantities.
Make use of that bottle of Aperol you have in the cupboard by pairing it with club soda and some fresh lemon!
Fresh lemon gives it a nice brightness but you can skip it if you don’t have it. Aperol has a complex flavor so there will be enough going on in the drink that you won’t miss it.
Instructions
Step 1
Add ice to a short cocktail glass then add the Aperol.
Step 2
Top it off with club soda.
*Hint: You can make this stronger by pouring equal parts of Aperol and club soda.
Step 3
Give the drink a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Then stir.
If you are serving to guests, consider garnishing with a lemon wheel. When I’m sipping one on my own, I usually skip the garnish.
I also like to add a sprig of rosemary since it pairs really well with the flavors in the Aperol. You could even muddle rosemary into the drink if that appeals to you.
Variations
When a recipe is so simple, you can change it up to make it more exciting.
- Spicy – muddle jalapeno slices into the glass with the lemon juice before adding ice to give this drink some heat!
- Boozy – Make this drink a little more boozy with a shot of gin or vodka.
- Liqueur– Add more layers of flavor by using another liqueur like elderflower or ginger.
- Fruit – Muddle some fresh blackberries or raspberries into the glass to give it a jolt of fruit flavor.
- Herbs – Muddle the fresh lemon juice and fresh herbs like rosemary, basil or mint in the glass before adding ice and the rest of the ingredients. YUM.
- Another Soda – Swap out the club soda and try ginger beer, lemon-lime (like Sprite), Coke or grapefruit soda instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure. I prefer to cut it with club soda or another mixer but you can sip it over ice. The flavor might be a little bitter for some, but it’s refreshing when cold.
Yes. Once you open the bottle of Aperol, you should store it in the refrigerator. I wouldn’t keep it longer than 3 months. So get to mixing those Aperol cocktails!
Yes. Sparkling water is fizzy like club soda. The biggest difference is when they add the minerals during manufacturing. They are naturally occurring in sparkling water whereas they are added to club soda. The flavor differs slightly but they are pretty interchangeable.
If you love an Aperol Spritz, you love this Aperol Soda too. It’s quicker to make, has that same great bitter orange flavor and has fewer calories. Try this Aperol drink this weekend!
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New to Making Cocktails?
Check out these posts to help you set up a bar that won’t take over your home!
- The starter liquor you need for your home bar.
- What mixers to keep on hand so you can make lots of delicious recipes.
- The bar tools I think are essential.
- How to rim a glass (3 different ways!)
More Aperol drink ideas
- Malibu Daiquiri with Aperol
- Tropical Spiced Rum Aperol Cocktail
- Aperol Margarita
- Watermelon Vodka Cocktail with Aperol
Aperol and Soda Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 oz club soda
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
Instructions
- To a cocktail glass with ice, add Aperol, club soda and lemon juice.
- Stir gently and enjoy
- Optional: garnish with a lemon wheel and sprig of fresh rosemary.
