How To Make The Perfect Aperol And Soda

There’s something about the warmer weather that just screams cocktail time.

Whether you’re sitting out on the patio with friends after work, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or winding down at the end of the day with a cocktail on the couch, it’s a soothing ritual that can be so fun!

Aperol is one of those liqueurs that seems to go hand-in-hand with these scenarios, but most people immediately think of an Aperol Spritz as the best or only way to enjoy this drink.

However, this aperitif has such a beautiful flavor it can be enjoyed with little to no mix.

One cocktail I love to make that really allows the Aperol to shine is an Aperol and soda.

The soda water doesn’t overwhelm the dry, citrusy flavor of the Aperol and it tastes super light and refreshing, especially with a little twist of lemon or orange.

If you’ve never tried this spin on an Aperol cocktail, it’s the perfect light drink for summer evenings. And so simple to make!

So, how do you make the perfect Aperol and Soda? You will want to use a ratio of Aperol to soda water of 1:1 or 1:2, add a splash of simple syrup or fruit juice, serve it in a rocks glass over ice, and add a twist of lemon or orange as a final garnish.

Keep reading to learn what Aperol actually is, where it came from, how to make the perfect Aperol and soda, and more!

What Is Aperol?

Aperol is an amazing liqueur to bust out in the summer months.

It’s made out of rhubarb, gentian, cinchona bark, and oils from both sweet and bitter orange peels.

The exact recipe is a secret, but it is an incredibly complex and beautifully flavored Italian aperitif.

An aperitif is a type of alcohol that is served before meals to help stimulate the appetite.

It is generally a little bitter or dry as opposed to sweet like an after-dinner drink. It was originally created in 1919 by Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in Italy.

Aperol didn’t become popular until after 1945, but now it is a top choice for cocktail hour, pre-dinner drinks, patio hangouts, or lazy afternoons in the sunshine.

It has a relatively low alcohol content at only 11%, which makes it good for mellow cocktails.

It’s also a beautiful orange color, which makes any cocktail really pop, especially if you’re out for drinks with your friends and want to share the moment on social media.

The flavor starts off sweet as you sip and then has a finishing note that is slightly bitter and dry.

There are hints of orange and most people find that it isn’t nearly as bitter as Campari, though both are now owned by the same company.

What’s The Best Ratio For The Perfect Aperol And Soda?

When it comes to making a perfect Aperol and soda, the key is to let the Aperol really shine. It’s got such a complex and refreshing flavor, that you don’t need to mess around with it too much or dilute it with an excessive amount of soda.

There are a couple of ratios that you can play with until you find the perfect balance for your palate.

I’ll outline both below and then you can start with the smaller ratio and add an extra bit of club soda until you find the flavor that makes your taste buds sing.

Perfect Strong Aperol And Soda Ratio

To make a stronger tasting Aperol and soda, you will need 4 ingredients: Aperol, club soda/soda water, some simple syrup, and a twist of lemon or orange.

Basically, you can start with a ratio of 1:1 Aperol to club soda. A basic measurement for the perfect strong Aperol and soda is below:

• 2 parts Aperol (2 ounces)
• 2 parts club soda (2 ounces)
• 1 tsp. or a quick splash of simple syrup*
• 1 twist of lemon or orange
• A few ice cubes

*You could also try your favorite fruit juice. Try to stay within the citrus family and use only a splash so you don’t overwhelm the Aperol flavor.

If you really enjoy the flavor of Aperol and want it to shine, I suggest starting with this stronger version of the Aperol and soda cocktail.

You can always add more soda or syrup if you want, but you can’t take it away once it’s been mixed.

Perfect Milder Aperol And Soda Ratio

When I say mild Aperol and soda, it still has a pretty balanced flavor, it’s just more diluted than the ratio above.

This ratio is best for people who maybe haven’t had much Aperol or other aperitif bitters before and are just starting to get used to the flavor.

A basic ratio for this milder version of the Aperol and Soda is a 1:2 ratio of Aperol to soda water. I’ve outlined a basic measurement for the perfect milder Aperol and soda below:

• 2 parts Aperol (2 ounces)
• 4 parts club soda (4 ounces)
• 1 tsp. or a splash of simple syrup*
• 1 twist of lemon or orange
• A few ice cubes

*Another option is to sub simple syrup for your favorite fruit juice. Try to stay within the citrus family and use only a splash so you don’t overwhelm the Aperol flavor.

What’s The Best Glass To Serve The Perfect Aperol And Soda In?

To enjoy a classic Aperol and soda, you will want to use a rocks glass, since there isn’t a ton of mix in this drink.

Aperol really shines on its own and doesn’t need much messing with to create a delicious cocktail. That’s why a rocks glass works great (this rocks glass set is our absolute favorite).

You might also see this glass called an Old Fashioned glass (thanks to that classic cocktail!), a lowball glass, or a short tumbler.

This style of glass is short and wide with a heavy bottom. It was designed mostly to serve spirits, like whiskey, neat or with ice.

However, it also makes the perfect glass for an Aperol and soda, since it won’t allow you to dilute the flavor with too much ice or mixer.

So if you want to make a beautiful Aperol and soda cocktail that’s got a bright, fresh taste, pick up a couple of rocks glasses for your next cocktail night.

What Are The Best Garnishes For The Perfect Aperol And Soda?

When it comes to choosing the best garnishes for your Aperol and Soda, citrus is typically the way that most people go.

With that being said, I think there are a couple other garnishes that could complement the flavors really nicely. Check them out below:

• Blood orange slices
• Navel orange slices
• Lemon slices
• Yuzu slices (if you want to get creative!)
• Grapefruit slices
• Fresh strawberries
• Frozen blueberries
• Pomelo slices
• Tangelo slices
• Meyer lemon slices

Easy Recipe For The Perfect Aperol And Soda

Now that we’ve learned all about the perfect ratio for an Aperol and soda, which glass to serve it in, and the garnishes that go best with the flavor profile, it’s time to get down to the business of making the perfect Aperol and soda.

Follow these instructions to make the perfect bright, fresh, and flavorful Aperol and soda!

Ingredients

• 3-4 ice cubes
• 2 ounces of Aperol
• 2-4 ounces of soda water, depending on preference
• 1 tsp. or a splash of simple syrup or your favorite citrus-forward fruit juice
• A twist of orange or lemon

Directions

1. Add your ice cubes to your rocks glass.
2. Pour your Aperol, soda water, and simple syrup over the ice and into the glass.
3. Squeeze your lemon or orange slice into your drink.
4. Give your cocktail a gentle stir.
5. Sip and enjoy the fresh flavors!

What Is An Aperol Spritz?

An Aperol Spritz is another classic cocktail made with Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda water.

You can garnish it with an orange slice (I like blood oranges for their vibrant color) or one of the other garnishes I listed above to make it more exciting.

Unlike the Aperol and soda, an Aperol Spritz doesn’t have any simple syrup, but you can always add a little splash if you want to round out the bitter notes a little more.

Sometimes, depending on the prosecco you use, it can highlight the bitterness of the Aperol, so a little spash of syrup can help balance out the flavors.

One thing to remember is that since this cocktail combines Aperol and prosecco, it’s going to be a bit stronger!

How Do You Make An Aperol Spritz?

Making an Aperol Spritz is pretty easy! You’ll want to serve it in a stemless wine glass for the prettiest cocktail, but any wine glass will do. Follow these instructions for a tasty cocktail!

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 3 ounces of Aperol
• 3 ounces of prosecco
• 1 ounce of club soda
• A blood orange slice to garnish

Directions

1. Add your ice to your wine glass so that it is about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full.
2. Pour in your Aperol and top it off with an equal amount of prosecco.
3. Add an ounce (or just a splash) of club soda.
4. Squeeze in your orange slice and add it to the glass.
5. Gently mix everything together and enjoy!

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