Want to Escape to Italy? Try an Aperol Cocktail

We're always seduced by the bright, gorgeous color of Campari—plus the fact that it makes us feel like we could be on a yacht in the Mediterranean—but we don't really love the strong, bitter taste. Enter Aperol, a muted version that has the same sexy look without the bite. Try this recipe for a Rhubarb Aperol Cocktail or click below for more ideas...

Aperol came to the US a few years ago, after it was bought by the same company that markets Campari. Like Campari, it's an Italian apertif with a relatively low alcohol content and a bitter orange flavor. But Aperol is milder, with hints of rhubarb and a softer finish.

We've only drunk Aperol mixed with champagne and a splash of seltzer, a common mix (click on the recipe for the Aperol Spritz, below), but it would be good in any drink where you'd use Campari. And we love the recipe (and beautiful photo) of the Pretty in Pink cocktail from the food blog Pictures & Pancakes, which has gin and grapefruit juice. Mmm.

• Aperol Spritz, from Gourmet (pictured above)
• Pretty in Pink Cocktail, from Pictures & Pancakes

• Buy Aperol, $23.99 for 750 mL at K&L Wines

Related: All About Apertifs

(Images: K&L Wines; Romulo Yanes for Gourmet)

Comments (3)

MMMm! Sounds so good and refreshing for summer! I love Campari, so I'll probably love Aperol.

posted by LauraEvrard on July 13th 2009 at 4:02pm
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I want some because that color and that bottle are so enticing.

posted by Kate (NC) on July 13th 2009 at 5:24pm
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I have had 'Spritz' in Venice and there they make it with simple white wine and sparkling water plus an olive. And they pour it in simple water glasses.

One of my favorite drinks of all time! Not too sweet and very refreshing.

posted by Nina79 on July 14th 2009 at 3:33am
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