With warmer days ahead, this Aperol Soda is the kind of bright, easy cocktail I reach for. It takes only minutes to make and is a lower-alcohol choice since Aperol is the only spirit used. Serve it as an apéritif before dinner or enjoy with light appetizers.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- An Aperol Soda is a light, refreshing cocktail perfect for spring and summer.
- Because Aperol is the only alcohol, this is a lower-alcohol drink option.
- Simple to prepare — ready in just a few minutes.
- The vibrant orange color looks beautiful in any glass.
Ingredients
Just a handful of ingredients are needed to make this cocktail.
- Aperol: A bitter, low-alcohol Italian apéritif with a bright orange-red hue. It’s the only alcohol in this recipe, which keeps the cocktail light.
- Club soda: Use club soda for a neutral, bubbly finish. Sparkling water can be used in a pinch.
- Orange simple syrup: Adds a gentle orange sweetness; plain simple syrup or another flavored syrup will also work.
- Orange slice: For garnish; smaller oranges or blood oranges work well.
See the full recipe card below for exact amounts and step-by-step directions.
Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is flexible—try these variations to suit your taste.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more simple syrup for a sweeter drink or omit it for a drier cocktail.
- Alternate garnishes: Try blood orange, lemon, strawberries, or peaches for a different look and flavor.
- Swap the syrup: Use plain simple syrup or another flavored syrup if you prefer.
How to Make an Aperol Soda
You’ll have this cocktail ready in minutes. Follow the simple steps below.
- Step 1: Fill a lowball glass with ice.
- Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon orange simple syrup (or regular simple syrup).
- Step 3: Add 2 oz Aperol.
- Step 4: Top with 3 oz club soda, garnish with an orange slice, and serve immediately.
Storage
Because this cocktail uses club soda, it’s best made fresh. Soda will go flat if prepared in advance, so assemble drinks just before serving.
Recipe FAQs
An Aperol Spritz includes prosecco; an Aperol Soda is Aperol, club soda, and optional simple syrup for sweetness.
Aperol is 11% ABV and is the only alcoholic ingredient in this recipe, so the cocktail is relatively low in alcohol compared to many mixed drinks.
You can make orange simple syrup at home for fresh flavor or purchase it from many grocery and specialty stores. Using homemade syrup gives the best citrus character.
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
- Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail
- Watermelon Mint Cocktail
- Orange Simple Syrup
- Blackberry Old Fashioned
If you try this Aperol Soda or another recipe from the site, please leave a star rating and share your experience in the comments — I’d love to hear how it turned out.
Aperol Soda
Jessica Vogl
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Cocktail jigger
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Lowball glass
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Cocktail pick (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces club soda
- 1 teaspoon orange simple syrup
- orange slice for garnish
Instructions
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Fill a lowball glass with ice. Add 1 teaspoon orange simple syrup.
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Pour in 2 ounces Aperol, top with 3 ounces club soda, garnish with an orange slice, and serve immediately.