Light & Refreshing light, citrusy aperitivo
Aperol
Italian aperitif with bright orange character
Historical Context
Created in Padua, Italy in 1919, aperitivo staple
What Does Aperol Taste Like?
Lightly bitter and citrus-forward, with bitter orange and rhubarb over a soft herbal base. Low in alcohol and gently sweet, it finishes clean and refreshing — the approachable end of the aperitivo spectrum.
Flavor Evolution
Allow 30-60 seconds between each stage to experience the flavor evolution.
Aroma Assessment
Nosing reveals the aromatic complexity. For liqueurs, take time to appreciate the bouquet - it's more developed than concentrated bitters.
Palate Evaluation
Sip and let the liqueur coat your palate. Notice the balance of bitter, sweet, and herbal notes that define the style.
Finish Analysis
After swallowing, pay attention to the lingering flavors. The finish reveals the most complex and lasting impressions.
Nose
(aroma)Palate
(taste)Finish
(aftertaste)Recipes with Aperol
Guides
FAQ
What is Aperol made of?
Aperol is an orange-red aperitivo built on bitter and sweet oranges, gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona bark. The botanicals are infused and blended with sugar syrup, leaving it light at 11% ABV — gentler and sweeter than Campari. The Barbieri brothers created it in Padua in 1919, and it is the base of the Aperol Spritz.
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