What Can You Substitute for Aperol in a Spritz?

Aperol is a popular choice for spritz cocktails, but what if you’re looking for alternatives? At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we help you explore fantastic Aperol substitutes that can add unique flavors and complexity to your spritz, ensuring you find the perfect match for your taste. Discover exciting options, from herbal liqueurs to non-alcoholic alternatives, and elevate your cocktail experience with ease and confidence. Get ready to explore Aperol alternatives and bitter flavors that will enhance your drinking pleasure.

1. Sorel Artisanal Liqueur

What makes Sorel comparable to Aperol? Sorel Liqueur, crafted with hibiscus, clove, ginger, and nutmeg, offers a unique and complex twist to the classic spritz, providing depth and character.

Tiffanie Barriere of The Drinking Coach suggests Sorel as an excellent Aperol substitute. This hibiscus-based Jamaican drink, a modern update on a 500-year-old recipe, adds a vibrant red hue and aromatic bouquet to elevate the traditional spritz. According to Food and Wine, Sorel was founded by James Beard finalist Jackie Summers.

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Barriere recommends a splash of grapefruit to complement the Sorel Spritz.

2. Cocchi Americano

Why is Cocchi Americano a good alternative to Aperol? Cocchi Americano, made from white wine fortified with alcohol and botanicals, provides a lighter and more nuanced base for a spritz, with floral and citrus-driven notes.

Matt Baczor, bar manager of Traveling Mercies in Colorado, notes that Cocchi Americano is a lighter aperitif made from wine rather than a neutral spirit, offering a more nuanced base with less sugar and a boost of citrus. Panji Wisrawan, head mixologist at Apéritif Bar in Bali, appreciates its high quinine and gentian content, which adds a pleasant bitterness and floral note. According to Food and Wine, Cocchi Americano is made in the Piedmont region of Italy.

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Wisrawan serves his Cocchi Spritz with soursop and Genmaicha tea. Try it with a grapefruit twist and a squeeze of citrus.

3. Martini Vibrante Non-Alcoholic Aperitif

Looking for a non-alcoholic substitute for Aperol? Martini Vibrante Non-Alcoholic Aperitif offers a vibrant red, highly fragrant alternative made with botanicals like bergamot, delivering grapefruit, orange, and sage flavors without the alcohol.

Simon Sebbah, beverage director at Grand Tour Hospitality, uses Martini Vibrante in the Jablonski Spritz, paired with French Bloom, a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. This zero-proof vermouth undergoes a dealcoholization process, retaining delicate flavors while removing alcohol. According to ReserveBar, the non-alcoholic aperitif is vibrant red and highly fragrant.

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This is an excellent option for those cutting back on alcohol.

4. Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto

How does Italicus compare to Aperol? Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, flavored with bright bergamots from Calabria, provides a hyper-floral and citrus-driven alternative with notes of orange oil, lavender, chamomile, and rose petal.

Benjamin Spinney, bar manager of Post 1917 in Reading, MA, recommends Italicus for an Aperol Spritz riff. Crafted by Italian barman Giuseppe Gallo, Italicus celebrates the historic ‘Rosolio’ style of coastal aperitivo. According to Rosolio Italicus, the liqueur is flavored with bright ripe bergamots harvested on the Calabrian coast.

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Spinney suggests skipping the soda for a European-style drink that isn’t overly diluted.

5. Campari

Is Campari a suitable substitute for Aperol? Campari, though more bitter and higher in alcohol content, can be swapped for Aperol in a spritz, offering a bolder and longer-lasting aftertaste.

Panji Wisrawan suggests Campari as an alternative when Aperol is unavailable. While both brands are owned by the Campari Group, Campari is more bitter and has a higher alcohol content (28% ABV) compared to Aperol (11% ABV). According to Food and Wine, Aperol is slightly sweeter and less bitter than Campari.

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Spinney points out that using Campari has historical precedence in the Americano cocktail, which includes sweet vermouth to balance the bitterness.

6. Cappelletti Aperitivo

How does Cappelletti compare to Aperol in terms of flavor? Cappelletti Aperitivo offers a similar crimson color and bitterness to Aperol, with a slightly higher ABV, and starts with a base of Italian wine rather than neutral alcohol.

Gabe Sanchez, cocktail expert at Midnight Rambler in Dallas, recommends Cappelletti as a close alternative to Aperol. It has a similar color and bitterness but with a slightly higher ABV. According to Food and Wine, Cappelletti starts with a base of Italian wine, unlike Campari, which uses a neutral alcohol base.

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Sanchez suggests trying it with just soda and a slice of citrus for a rich and refreshing drink.

7. Lillet Blanc

Why consider Lillet Blanc as an Aperol alternative? Lillet Blanc, a fortified French aperitif wine made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes, offers floral, exotic fruit, and honeysuckle flavors, with a firm, bitter backbone that holds up well in a spritz.

Cedric Nicaise, sommelier and co-owner of The Noortwyck in New York City, suggests Lillet Blanc as a lighter, dryer substitute for Aperol. Made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes, it has floral and exotic fruit flavors with a bitter backbone. According to Food and Wine, Lillet Blanc is a fortified French aperitif wine.

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Nicaise recommends mixing equal parts Lillet with club soda and sparkling wine, garnished with fruit.

8. St. Agrestis Paradiso Aperitivo

What makes St. Agrestis Paradiso Aperitivo a good substitute? St. Agrestis Paradiso Aperitivo, made with Cortese wine and citrus-driven botanicals, offers bright citrus notes that subdue the sweetness, making it an easy and refreshing alternative.

Marshall Minaya, head bartender at Lolita, Madame George, and Valerie in New York City, recommends St. Agrestis Paradiso Aperitivo as a favorite substitute in an Aperol spritz. It has bright citrus notes that balance the sweetness, making it refreshing. According to Food and Wine, the all-natural blend starts with Cortese wine sourced from Piedmont.

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Minaya also suggests using it in a Margarita or Paper Plane cocktail.

9. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur

How does St-Germain enhance a spritz compared to Aperol? St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, with notes of white flower, apple, pear, and orange blossom, adds a crowd-pleasing complexity and delicate sweetness to sparkling wine, creating a light and refreshing cocktail.

Sarah Elizabeth, lead bartender at Hotel Swexan in Dallas, Texas, suggests St-Germain as a favorite Aperol Spritz riff. Made from elderflowers, it adds a delicate sweetness to sparkling wine. According to Food and Wine, St-Germain has notes of white flower, apple, pear, and orange blossom.

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Elizabeth notes that it balances floral sweetness and citrusy brightness, making it a sophisticated twist.

Aperol Alternatives Comparison Table

Here’s a quick comparison of the Aperol alternatives discussed:

Aperol Alternative	Flavor Profile	Alcohol Content (ABV)	Key Notes	Suggested Use
Sorel Artisanal Liqueur	Rich, complex	Varies	Hibiscus, clove, ginger, nutmeg	Sorel Spritz with grapefruit
Cocchi Americano	Lighter, nuanced	Varies	Floral, citrus, bitter orange, juniper	Cocchi Spritz with soursop, Genmaicha tea, grapefruit twist
Martini Vibrante	Vibrant, fragrant (Non-Alcoholic)	0%	Bergamot, grapefruit, orange, sage	Jablonski Spritz with French Bloom
Italicus Rosolio	Hyper-floral, citrus-driven	Varies	Bergamot, orange oil, lavender, chamomile, rose petal	Italicus Spritz with dry sparkling rosé
Campari	Bolder, bitter	28%	Bitter herbs, citrus	Swapped in for Aperol in a spritz, Americano cocktail
Cappelletti Aperitivo	Similar to Aperol	Slightly Higher	Bitter-herbal, Italian wine base	With soda and citrus slice
Lillet Blanc	Lighter, dryer	Varies	Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon grapes, floral, exotic fruit, honeysuckle	Equal parts Lillet, club soda, and sparkling wine, garnished with fruit
St. Agrestis Paradiso	Bright citrus notes	Varies	Cortese wine, citrus-driven botanicals	Aperol spritz substitute, Margarita, Paper Plane
St-Germain Elderflower	Crowd-pleasing complexity	Varies	White flower, apple, pear, orange blossom	Hugo Spritz, adds sweetness to sparkling wine

Understanding Aperol and Its Characteristics

What exactly is Aperol, and what are its key characteristics? Aperol is an Italian aperitif known for its vibrant orange color, bittersweet flavor, and relatively low alcohol content, making it a popular choice for spritzes and other cocktails.

Aperol is an Italian aperitif created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua. It’s made from gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, among other ingredients. Its bright orange hue and unique bittersweet taste make it a staple in many bars and homes. Aperol has an alcohol content of 11% ABV, making it lighter than many other liqueurs. Its gentle bitterness and subtle sweetness make it incredibly versatile and appealing, especially in refreshing cocktails like the Aperol Spritz, which typically includes Prosecco and soda water.

Why Look for Aperol Substitutes?

Why might someone want to find a substitute for Aperol? People may seek Aperol substitutes due to availability issues, a desire for different flavor profiles, alcohol content preferences, or simply to experiment with new tastes in their cocktails.

Availability: Sometimes, Aperol may not be readily available in certain regions or stores.
Flavor Preference: While many enjoy Aperol’s bittersweet taste, others might prefer something more bitter, floral, or less sweet.
Alcohol Content: Aperol’s 11% ABV might be too low for some or too high for others, leading them to seek alternatives with different alcohol levels.
Experimentation: Cocktail enthusiasts often look for substitutes to experiment with new flavors and create unique drinks.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Aperol Alternative

What should you consider when selecting an alternative? When choosing an Aperol alternative, consider flavor profile (bitterness, sweetness, floral notes), alcohol content, color, and how well it pairs with other ingredients in your desired cocktail.

Flavor Profile:
- Bitterness: Aperol has a mild bitterness. Consider how bitter you want your substitute to be.
- Sweetness: Aperol is subtly sweet. Decide if you want something sweeter, less sweet, or equally sweet.
- Other Notes: Consider if you want floral, citrus, herbal, or spicy notes.
Alcohol Content: Aperol has 11% ABV. Decide if you want something higher, lower, or similar.
Color: Aperol’s orange color is part of its appeal. Consider if you want a similar color or are open to something different.
Mixability: Think about how the substitute will mix with other ingredients like Prosecco, soda water, gin, or other spirits.

Exploring Different Flavor Profiles

What are some different flavor profiles you might want in an Aperol alternative? Depending on your preference, you might want an alternative that is more bitter, more floral, more citrusy, or has a unique herbal or spicy profile compared to Aperol.

More Bitter: If you prefer a more intense bitter flavor, consider Campari or St. Agrestis Paradiso.
More Floral: For a floral twist, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto or St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur are excellent choices.
More Citrusy: Cocchi Americano and St. Agrestis Paradiso offer vibrant citrus notes.
Herbal and Spicy: Sorel Artisanal Liqueur provides a unique herbal and spicy profile with its blend of hibiscus, clove, ginger, and nutmeg.

How to Use Aperol Substitutes in Classic Cocktails

How can you use these substitutes in Aperol-based cocktails? You can typically substitute Aperol alternatives in a 1:1 ratio in classic cocktails like the Aperol Spritz, adjusting other ingredients to balance the flavors as needed.

Aperol Spritz:
- Original Recipe: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda water.
- Substitution: Use the same proportions, replacing Aperol with your chosen alternative. Adjust the amount of soda water or Prosecco to balance the bitterness or sweetness.
Other Cocktails:
- In cocktails calling for Aperol, start with a 1:1 substitution ratio. Taste and adjust other ingredients to achieve the desired balance. For example, if using Campari, you might want to add a touch of sweetness to offset the increased bitterness.

Tips for Experimenting with Aperol Alternatives

What are some tips for experimenting? Start with small amounts, taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust the proportions to find the perfect balance for your palate.

Start Small: When trying a new substitute, start with a small amount in your cocktail to see how it affects the overall flavor.
Taste as You Go: Continuously taste your cocktail as you add ingredients to ensure the flavors are balanced to your liking.
Adjust Proportions: Don’t be afraid to adjust the proportions of other ingredients to complement the substitute. For example, if you use a more bitter alternative, you might want to add a little more sweetener.
Keep Notes: Keep track of your experiments by writing down the ingredients and proportions you use. This will help you recreate your favorite combinations in the future.
Explore Garnishes: Experiment with different garnishes to enhance the aroma and flavor of your cocktail. Citrus peels, herbs, and olives can all add interesting dimensions to your drink.

Non-Alcoholic Options

What are good non-alcoholic options to replace Aperol? Martini Vibrante Non-Alcoholic Aperitif is an excellent choice, offering a vibrant and flavorful alternative without the alcohol.

Martini Vibrante Non-Alcoholic Aperitif stands out as a top choice. Its vibrant red color and fragrant botanical profile make it a convincing substitute in spritzes and other cocktails. You can also explore other non-alcoholic aperitifs available on the market, keeping in mind the flavor profiles discussed earlier.

Where to Buy Aperol Substitutes

Where can you purchase these Aperol substitutes? Aperol substitutes can be found at well-stocked liquor stores, online retailers, and specialty beverage shops.

Liquor Stores: Most well-stocked liquor stores will carry a variety of aperitifs and liqueurs that can be used as Aperol substitutes.
Online Retailers: Websites like ReserveBar, Wine.com, and Total Wine offer a wide selection of aperitifs and deliver to many locations.
Specialty Beverage Shops: Local specialty beverage shops often carry unique and hard-to-find aperitifs.

User Reviews and Recommendations

What are users saying about these substitutes? User reviews often highlight the unique flavors and versatility of these substitutes, with many praising their ability to add a new dimension to classic cocktails.

Sorel Artisanal Liqueur: Users appreciate its complex blend of spices and its ability to add depth to cocktails.
Cocchi Americano: Many users enjoy its lighter, more nuanced flavor profile and its floral and citrus notes.
Martini Vibrante Non-Alcoholic Aperitif: Users appreciate its non-alcoholic nature without sacrificing flavor.
Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto: Users love its hyper-floral and citrus-driven flavor.
Campari: Users enjoy its bolder, more bitter flavor and its ability to add complexity to cocktails.
Cappelletti Aperitivo: Users appreciate its similar color and bitterness to Aperol.
Lillet Blanc: Users enjoy its lighter, dryer flavor profile and its floral and exotic fruit notes.
St. Agrestis Paradiso: Users appreciate its bright citrus notes and its refreshing flavor.
St-Germain Elderflower: Users love its delicate sweetness and its ability to add complexity to cocktails.

Recipes Using Aperol Alternatives

Can you share some recipes using these alternatives?

Sorel Spritz

2 oz Sorel Artisanal Liqueur
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz Soda Water
Grapefruit slice for garnish

Instructions: Combine Sorel and Prosecco in a wine glass filled with ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Cocchi Americano Spritz

2 oz Cocchi Americano
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz Soda Water
Grapefruit twist for garnish

Instructions: Combine Cocchi Americano and Prosecco in a wine glass filled with ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

Martini Vibrante Spritz (Non-Alcoholic)

2 oz Martini Vibrante Non-Alcoholic Aperitif
3 oz Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine
1 oz Soda Water
Orange slice for garnish

Instructions: Combine Martini Vibrante and non-alcoholic sparkling wine in a wine glass filled with ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with an orange slice.

Italicus Spritz

2 oz Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto
4 oz Dry Sparkling Rosé
Olive spear for garnish

Instructions: Combine Italicus and sparkling rosé in a wine glass filled with ice. Garnish with an olive spear.

Campari Spritz

1.5 oz Campari
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz Soda Water
Orange slice for garnish

Instructions: Combine Campari and Prosecco in a wine glass filled with ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with an orange slice.

Cappelletti Spritz

2 oz Cappelletti Aperitivo
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz Soda Water
Orange slice for garnish

Instructions: Combine Cappelletti and Prosecco in a wine glass filled with ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with an orange slice.

Lillet Blanc Spritz

2 oz Lillet Blanc
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz Soda Water
Berries for garnish

Instructions: Combine Lillet Blanc and Prosecco in a wine glass filled with ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with berries.

St. Agrestis Paradiso Spritz

2 oz St. Agrestis Paradiso Aperitivo
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz Soda Water
Orange slice for garnish

Instructions: Combine St. Agrestis Paradiso and Prosecco in a wine glass filled with ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with an orange slice.

St-Germain Spritz

1.5 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
4 oz Prosecco
2 oz Soda Water
Mint leaves and lime wedge for garnish

Instructions: Combine St-Germain and Prosecco in a wine glass filled with ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with mint leaves and a lime wedge.

FAQ: Aperol Substitutes

1. What is the closest substitute for Aperol?

Cappelletti Aperitivo is often considered the closest substitute for Aperol due to its similar crimson color and bitterness.

2. Can I use Campari instead of Aperol?

Yes, you can use Campari instead of Aperol, but keep in mind that Campari is more bitter and has a higher alcohol content, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients in your cocktail to balance the flavor.

3. What is a non-alcoholic alternative to Aperol?

Martini Vibrante Non-Alcoholic Aperitif is a great non-alcoholic alternative to Aperol, offering a vibrant and flavorful option without the alcohol.

4. What does Aperol taste like?

Aperol has a bittersweet taste with notes of orange, herbs, and a slightly bitter finish.

5. Is Aperol similar to Campari?

Aperol and Campari are similar in that they are both Italian aperitifs with a bittersweet flavor, but Aperol is less bitter and has a lower alcohol content than Campari.

6. Can I use Lillet Blanc in a Spritz?

Yes, Lillet Blanc can be used in a Spritz for a lighter, dryer alternative to Aperol, offering floral and exotic fruit notes.

7. What is Sorel Liqueur?

Sorel Liqueur is a hibiscus-based Jamaican drink with a rich blend of flavors including clove, ginger, and nutmeg, offering a unique twist to cocktails.

8. What is Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto?

Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto is an Italian liqueur flavored with bergamot, offering a hyper-floral and citrus-driven flavor profile.

9. What are the key ingredients in Aperol?

Aperol is made from gentian, rhubarb, cinchona, and other herbs and ingredients.

10. How can I make a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz?

To make a non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz, substitute Aperol with Martini Vibrante Non-Alcoholic Aperitif and use non-alcoholic sparkling wine instead of Prosecco.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Aperol Alternative

Finding the perfect Aperol substitute depends on your personal taste preferences and what you’re looking for in a cocktail. Whether you prefer something more bitter, floral, or non-alcoholic, there are plenty of great options to explore. So go ahead, experiment, and discover your new favorite spritz!

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