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    Home » Cocktails » Aperol Soda Recipe for A Refreshing Happy Hour

    Published: Aug 8, 2022 · Updated: Aug 8, 2022 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Aperol Soda Recipe for A Refreshing Happy Hour

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Cocktail glass with Aperol Soda with text that says "easy aperol soda recipe".

    Refreshing and full of flavor, this easy Aperol Soda recipe 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.

    An Aperol and Soda cocktail in a cocktail glass with lemon wedge and rosemary sprig.

    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. I usually only grab the Aperol to make the trendy Aperol Spritz!

    In an effort to get more use out of this unique, bright orange liquid, I'm exploring other ways to use it. And this recipe couldn't be easier.

    Jump to:
    • What is Aperol
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Related Recipes
    • Aperol and Soda Cocktail Recipe

    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.

    Why This Recipe Works

    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.

    With a squeeze of fresh lemon, it's 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.

    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. But I know you'll like this drink as is too.

    Woman holding a cocktail shaker with text next to it.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients to make an Aperol Soda on a counter.

    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!

    Instructions

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

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

    Woman adding club soda to a cocktail glass.

    Top it off with club soda.

    *Hint: You can make this stronger by pouring equal parts Aperol and club soda.

    Woman squeezing lemon into a cocktail on a counter.

    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.

    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 or grapefruit soda instead.

    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.

    Overhead shot of an Aperol Soda cocktail.

    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!

    Pin to save this recipe for later!

    Make sure you don’t lose this recipe by saving it for later! Also, for more recipes make sure you’re following me on Pinterest, Instagram and like my page on Facebook. If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and tag me in your pictures!

    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!)

    Related Recipes

    • Bitters and Soda is another low-alcohol drink that is super refreshing!
    • Vodka Soda with San Pellegrino is my favorite pool drink. You won't believe how much flavor it has!
    • Vodka and Coke is one of my most popular recipes! The people love it!
    • Of course, you also need to try an Aperol Spritz if you haven't already!
    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.
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    Course: cocktails
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 3 minutes
    Total Time: 3 minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 178kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Ingredients

    • 2 oz Aperol
    • 3 oz club soda
    • ½ 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.

    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
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

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    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

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