12 Easy Aperol Cocktails to Make if You Always Order a Spritz

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updated May 18, 2020

Aperol spritz might be the drink of summer. While it has been an Italian staple since its creation in Padua in 1919, Aperol remained relatively under the radar in the U.S. until 2018. Now, it's everywhere.

What Is Aperol?

Aperol is a classic Italian bitter apéritif made of gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, among other ingredients. It has a vibrant orange hue and is often popular in the summer.

There's more to Aperol than the popular spritz, though. The red-orange aperitif can be served frozen like a granita, combined with tequila and grapefruit juice for a twist on the classic margarita, or mixed with hibiscus syrup and ginger beer in a mule. The following Aperol cocktail recipes are the perfect summer update that'll have you saying, "What spritz?"

Read on for our 12 favorite Aperol cocktail recipes to whip up this summer.

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Grapefruit Aperol Sparkling Cocktails

If you love tangy, refreshing, and light cocktails, then this bright orange drink recipe by Platings + Pairings is the right pick for you. It takes less than five minutes to put together and pairs well with summertime BBQs or an afternoon by the pool.

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Summer Break Aperol Punch

Made with fresh strawberries, vodka, Aperol, blood orange juice, seltzer water, and oranges, this bright, sparkly cocktail from Salt & Wind pairs beautifully with a thoughtfully put together cheese board.

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Watermelon Ginger Aperol Spritz Cocktail

There's nothing like a fresh fruit-based cocktail to wow the crowd at your next garden party. Made with fresh watermelon juice, fresh ginger, chilled Prosecco, a splash of ginger juice, and of course, Aperol, this bright red drink by Salt & Wind has summer written all over it.

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Cranberry Aperol Spritzer

Looking for a fuss-free cocktail recipe using Aperol? We've got you covered. While cranberry juice is the main ingredient, the bitter orange peels elevate the flavors in this delicious drink by Hello Glow. While it works well for summertime drinking, it also makes a wonderful cocktail for the fall season.

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Hibiscus Berry Aperol Moscow Mule

Looking for a delicious vodka-based cocktail to serve at your next gathering? This hibiscus leaf-infused and berry drink from Salt & Wind is citrusy and summery with a splash of hibiscus berry syrup and a lemon twist for garnish.

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Apple Orchard Punch

We'll take apple cider in any form, but it's especially good when paired with Aperol. This apple orchard punch recipe from How Sweet Eats is the perfect transition drink between summer and fall. Make a big batch, because it'll go fast!

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Frozen Rosé Aperol Spritz

When you want your cocktail to also serve as a dessert, this delicious frosé recipe from Salt & Wind is perfect. Reach into your fruit basket for fresh strawberries and oranges, and pair it with chilled rosé wine and Aperol. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn until you get a slushy, delicious mixture.

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Apple Cider Spritz

The classic spritz gets a fall makeover with this apple cider spritz recipe by How Sweet Eats. Combine apple cider, Aperol, prosecco, soda, and cinnamon and you'll have a refreshing cocktail to sip all season long.

Garnish with fresh apple wedges for some crunch and to pretty up the drink presentation.

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Sparkling Sangria

You know what your sangria has been missing? Aperol. This recipe from I Am A Food Blog adds it into the classic big-batch drink, and once you try it, you'll never go back. Once you finish the pitcher, you can snack on the boozy fruit!

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Lingonberry Aperol Spritz

You may not have tried lingonberry before, but it's definitely worth adding to your cocktail rotation. It adds the perfect sweetness to this Aperol spritz recipe by Sugar & Charm and compliments the orange in it, making it taste more berry-like.

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Elderflower Aperol Spritz

This Sugar & Cloth recipe is as pretty as the name suggests. Elderflower liqueur adds a floral note to the bitter cocktail. Combined with bubbly, it's a refreshing cocktail you'll want to sip all summer long (and one that is perfect for a bridal shower or garden party!).

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Paper Plane Spritz

Sugar & Cloth's paper plane spritz recipe is perfect for your next party. The fun cocktail combines Aperol, bourbon, Amaro, lemon juice, and sparkling wine. The orange drink is topped off with a mini paper plane for garnish. It's a definite crowd-pleaser!

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