As the weather warms up, I'm ready for refreshing, easy-to-make cocktails like this Aperol Soda! It comes together in just a few minutes and is also a great lower-alcohol cocktail option (Aperol is the only spirit included in this recipe). An Aperol Soda is great to enjoy as an apéritif before a meal, or with appetizers!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- An Aperol Soda is a light and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for Spring or Summer sipping!
- Aperol is the only alcohol in the cocktail, making this a lower-alcohol beverage option.
- This cocktail is easy to make and will be ready in just a few minutes!
- The Aperol gives this cocktail a beautiful color that looks great in festive drinkware.
- Looking for other cocktail recipes? Check out this Blood Orange Old Fashioned, Watermelon Mint Cocktail, and this Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail.
Ingredients
There are only a few ingredients you'll need to bring this cocktail together.
- Aperol: Aperol is a bitter, low-alcohol Italian apéritif with a vibrant red / orange hue. This is the only alcohol in this recipe, which makes this a lower-alcohol cocktail option. I recommend using a cocktail jigger to measure the spirits.
- Club soda: Club soda has a more neutral flavor than tonic water. In a pinch, you can also use regular sparkling water.
- Orange Simple Syrup: I use Orange Simple Syrup in this recipe for an extra hint of orange flavor, but you could also make this with regular simple syrup, or another flavored simple syrup of your choice.
- Orange: Use an orange slice to garnish the cocktail. Smaller oranges work better than larger oranges (and they tend to not have seeds). You can also use blood oranges!
See full recipe below for detailed directions.
Subsitutions & Variations
This is a very adaptable recipe; below are a few variations to try.
- Make it more or less sweet: If you'd like for your cocktail to be sweeter, add more simple syrup. If you're looking for a less-sweet cocktail, reduce the amount of simple syrup (or leave it out completely).
- Change the garnishes: Rather than using an orange slice, try a blood orange, a lemon, or even fleshy fruits like strawberries or peaches.
- Change the simple syrup: This recipe uses Orange Simple Syrup for an additional hint of orange flavor. You can also use regular simple syrup or another flavored simple syrup of your choice.
How to Make an Aperol Soda
You'll be ready to sip this cocktail in just a few minutes! The full recipe with detailed directions is at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Fill a lowball glass with ice.
- Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon of orange simple syrup (or simple syrup of your choice).
- Step 3: Add 2 oz. Aperol.
- Step 4: Top with 3 oz. club soda. Garnish with a fresh orange slice and enjoy!
Storage
Since this recipe uses club soda, these cocktails are best made fresh and should not be made ahead of time (the soda will become flat). Enjoy making the drink as part of your cocktail experience!
Recipe FAQs
An Aperol Spritz includes prosecco, whereas an Aperol Soda only includes Aperol, club soda, and simple syrup.
Aperol has 11% ABV. It is the only spirit used in this recipe, which makes it a good lower-alcohol cocktail option.
You can make your own orange simple syrup (I highly recommend it - it's easy and very flavorful), or you can buy orange simple syrup at many grocery and liquor stores.
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
If you tried this Aperol Soda or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you! Happy Baking!
Aperol Soda
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces club soda
- 1 teaspoon orange simple syrup
- orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a lowball glass with ice. Add 1 teaspoon orange simple syrup*.
- Add 2 ounces Aperol to the glass, then top with 3 ounces club soda. Garnish with an orange slice and serve immediately.
Jessica Vogl says
This is the perfect spring or summer cocktail! I love that it's a lower-alcohol option and is so easy to make.