Aperol & Soda

The Aperol & Soda is the lighter, crisper sibling of the world-famous Aperol Spritz. By swapping Prosecco for club soda, it creates a less sweet and more straightforwardly bitter-orange drink that truly allows the Aperol to shine. It's an incredibly refreshing aperitif, perfect for whetting the appetite without being overly alcoholic or complex. Its vibrant orange hue makes it as visually appealing as it is thirst-quenching, embodying the Italian spirit of "la dolce vita" in its simplest form.
Aperol & Soda

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Aperol & Soda is classified as a classic Italian aperitif, designed to be enjoyed before a meal. It also falls into the highball category, which consists of a spirit or liqueur mixed with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served in a tall glass over ice. Its simplicity and refreshing nature make it a quintessential example of both styles.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a highball or large wine glass, this is a light, low-alcohol drink. The large glass allows for plenty of ice and soda water, keeping it perfectly chilled and refreshing.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 5-7% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While the Aperol Spritz gained global fame, the simple mix of Aperol and soda has long been a favorite in Italy, especially in the Veneto region. It's a classic example of a simple Italian aperitivo, designed to stimulate the palate before a meal. This version predates the widespread popularity of the Prosecco-based spritz and remains a go-to for those who prefer a less sweet, more direct taste of Aperol's signature bitter orange and herbal notes.
Origin
Italy, early to mid-20th century. This style of drink became popular shortly after Aperol's creation in 1919 as a simple and common way to enjoy the aperitif.

Aperol & Soda

The drink is most commonly known as Aperol & Soda. It is sometimes shortened to Aperol Soda, particularly in Italy where this simple mix is a common aperitivo. The name directly describes its two primary ingredients, making it straightforward and easy to remember.
Original name
Aperol & Soda
Alternative name
Aperol Soda

Characteristics overview

This drink has a vibrant orange appearance and a zesty aroma of orange peel, leading to a crisp, bittersweet flavor profile dominated by bitter orange and subtle herbs. Its bubbly texture and clean, bitter finish make it exceptionally refreshing, especially in warm seasons.
Flavor
Bitter orange, rhubarb, herbal, crisp, light, bittersweet
Aroma
Orange peel, slightly herbal, fresh, zesty
Taste balance
Bittersweet, leaning bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, short, pleasantly bitter, crisp
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent, sparkling
Color appearance
Vibrant orange, clear, transparent
Texture
Light, watery, bubbly, thin
Seasonality
Highly refreshing, summery, perfect for warm weather

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink's flavor is defined by a pleasant bitterness and fruity orange notes, with very low sweetness and no saltiness or creaminess. It is highly carbonated and has a very light alcohol presence, making it an easy-drinking aperitif.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple highball requires only two main ingredients: Aperol for its signature bittersweet flavor and chilled soda water for fizz and dilution. A fresh orange slice is highly recommended as a garnish to enhance the aroma and flavor.
  • Aperol60 ml / 2 oz
    An Italian bitter aperitif with a vibrant orange hue and a bittersweet taste.
  • Soda Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Must be well-chilled to maintain maximum fizziness and refreshment. Club soda or seltzer works perfectly.
  • Orange Slice1 slice(optional)
    A fresh slice of orange complements the drink's citrus notes and adds to its visual appeal.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed beyond a jigger for accurate pouring and a bar spoon for a quick, gentle stir. This drink is built directly in the glass, making it incredibly easy to prepare.
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Bar spoon for stirring

Instructions

This drink is built directly in the serving glass. Simply fill a glass with ice, add Aperol, top with chilled soda water, give it a gentle stir, and garnish with an orange slice.
1. Take a highball or large wine glass and fill it completely with cubed ice.
2. Measure and pour 60 ml (2 oz) of Aperol directly over the ice.
3. Top the glass with approximately 120 ml (4 oz) of chilled soda water, leaving a little space at the top.
4. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
5. Garnish by dropping a fresh orange slice into the glass.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Garnishing

A single slice of fresh orange is the classic garnish. It complements the Aperol's orange notes and adds a touch of visual flair to the drink's vibrant color.
  • Orange Slice: A fresh slice of orange dropped directly into the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is also suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, and contains no caffeine.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, with most of its calories, carbohydrates, and sugars coming directly from the Aperol liqueur. The soda water adds no nutritional value.
Calories
Approximately 125 kcal / 523 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 15 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is the quintessential pre-dinner drink or aperitivo, perfect for stimulating the appetite. Its light and refreshing nature makes it ideal for warm weather, summer parties, and casual afternoon sipping. It is an excellent choice for happy hour or any relaxed social gathering.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Happy Hour
  • Summer party
  • Casual get-together
  • Alfresco dining
  • Brunch

Pairing suggestions

As an aperitif, the Aperol & Soda pairs wonderfully with classic Italian "stuzzichini" or appetizers. Salty and savory items like olives, cured meats, light cheeses, and salty snacks complement its bittersweet profile perfectly. The drink's bitterness cuts through rich and fried foods, cleansing the palate beautifully.
  • Salty snacks like potato chips or pretzels
  • Marinated olives
  • Light cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese
  • Charcuterie and cured meats
  • Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes
  • Fried seafood (fritto misto)

Aperol & Soda: The Essence of Italian Simplicity

The Aperol & Soda is a brilliantly simple yet satisfying cocktail that captures the essence of Italian aperitivo culture. With just two ingredients, it delivers a complex bittersweet flavor profile that is both refreshing and stimulating to the palate. It's a lower-alcohol, less sweet alternative to the Aperol Spritz, making it a perfect choice for casual sipping, especially before a meal or on a warm afternoon. Easy to make and universally appealing, it's a timeless classic for a reason.

Variations

Aperol Spritz

The most famous variation. It typically follows a 3-2-1 ratio of Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water, making it sweeter, more alcoholic, and more celebratory.

Aperol Sour

A shaken cocktail combining Aperol with lemon juice, simple syrup, and often egg white for a frothy texture. It's a sour-style drink rather than a highball.

Similar Cocktails

Americano

A related classic that combines Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. It's more complex, bitter, and herbal than an Aperol & Soda.

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