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Aperol Soda Recipe

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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. It’s also the perfect way to drink Aperol without Prosecco!

An Aperol and Soda cocktail in a cocktail glass with lemon wedge and rosemary sprig.
Let’s make a simple Aperol Soda recipe.

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. It’s a brilliant aperitif with a bittersweet orange flavor with drone herbal notes. And as it’s not overly sweet and it is quite low in alcohol Aperol deserves to be enjoyed in more than just one famous drink!

Related: Aperol Gin and Tonic

With a squeeze of fresh lemon, this Aperol club soda 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.

If you love an Aperol Spritz, you’ll 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!

Ingredients

Ingredients to make an Aperol Soda on a counter.
What you need to make an Aperol Soda cocktail.

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.

Be sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full recipe and ingredient list.

Instructions

Woman measuring Aperol in a jigger next to a cocktail glass.

Step 1

Add ice to a short cocktail glass then add the Aperol.

Woman adding club soda to a cocktail glass.

Step 2

Top it off with club soda.

*Hint: You can make this stronger by pouring equal parts of Aperol and club soda. Experiment to find the Aperol and soda ratio that suits you!

Woman squeezing lemon into a cocktail on a counter.

Step 3

Give the drink a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Then stir.

Woman adding lemon slice as a garnish to a cocktail.

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.

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.

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. An Aperol Vodka and Soda is perfect if you’re looking for more of a cocktail, rather than a grown up aperitif.
  • 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. Aperol Sprite would be delish!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink Aperol on its own?

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.

Should Aperol be refrigerated after opening?

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!

Can I use sparkling water instead of club soda?

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. Honestly, I’m not even sure I’d be able to tell the difference between an Aperol Soda water or Aperol and seltzer!

Is there a substitute for Aperol?

Aperol is very unique but you can use another bitter aperitif, like Campari. It will have a bit of a different flavor but will still have that complex, bittersweet note.

Overhead shot of an Aperol Soda cocktail.

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More Aperol Drink Ideas

More 2-Ingredient Drink Ideas

An orange cocktail in a cocktail glass with rosemary sprig.

Aperol and Soda Cocktail Recipe

With just 3 ingredients this easy Aperol Soda drink is full of flavor and super refreshing. Ready in just minutes, it's perfect for sipping any time.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: cocktails
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Calories: 178kcal
Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

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.

Notes

To make this boozier, use equal parts Aperol and club soda.
Always taste the drink and adjust per your taste preferences. 
To make it spicy – muddle jalapeno slices into the glass with the lemon juice before adding ice.
To make even boozier – Add an ounce of gin or vodka.
To make it more complex – Add an ounce of liqueur like elderflower or ginger, muddle some fresh blackberries or raspberries into the glass to give it a jolt of fruit flavor. 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.
Switch the soda – Swap out the club soda and try ginger beer, lemon-lime or grapefruit soda instead.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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