How Much Alcohol Is in Aperol? Everything You Need to Know

Aperol has taken the world by storm, especially as the main ingredient in the ever-popular Aperol Spritz. This vibrant, orange-hued liqueur is known for its bittersweet taste, light nature, and refreshing finish. But one of the most common questions people have is: How much alcohol is actually in Aperol?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the alcohol content of Aperol, how it compares to other popular aperitifs and spirits, and how its alcohol level affects its usage in cocktails. We’ll also provide tips on how you can adjust the strength of your Aperol-based drinks to suit your preferences.

What Is Aperol?

Aperol is an Italian aperitif that was first introduced in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in the Italian city of Padua. Its unique flavor profile is a harmonious blend of bitter oranges, gentian root, rhubarb, cinchona, and other secret ingredients.

Aperol’s appeal lies in its balance of bitterness and sweetness, making it a versatile ingredient for light, refreshing cocktails. Its moderate 11% ABV (Alcohol by Volume) makes it a favorite for those who prefer a low-alcohol option.

For those curious about how Aperol compares to other aperitifs like Hugo Spritz, check out this guide to Aperol vs. Hugo Spritz for an in-depth comparison.

How Much Alcohol Is in Aperol?

Aperol has an ABV of 11%, which means that 11% of its volume is pure alcohol. In the world of spirits and liqueurs, this places Aperol on the lower end of the spectrum. To put this into context, here’s how it compares to other popular spirits and aperitifs:

Campari: Another Italian aperitif with a stronger, more bitter flavor, has an ABV ranging from 20.5-28.5%, depending on the region it’s sold in.
Gin and Vodka: Both typically have ABVs ranging from 35-50%, significantly stronger than Aperol.
Tequila: Generally ranges from 35-40% ABV.

Aperol’s moderate alcohol content makes it perfect for creating cocktails that are light and easy to drink, like the beloved Aperol Spritz.

For a comparison between Aperol and stronger liqueurs, check out this article on stronger alternatives to Aperol.

Why Does Aperol Have a Low Alcohol Content?

Aperol was intentionally crafted as a low-alcohol aperitif, designed to be consumed before meals. The tradition of aperitivo in Italy is centered around enjoying light, low-alcohol beverages that stimulate the appetite without overwhelming the senses.

Unlike stronger spirits like gin or vodka, which are often used as the base in cocktails, aperitifs like Aperol are meant to enhance the flavors of food and prepare your palate for a meal. Aperol’s lower alcohol content aligns perfectly with this purpose, allowing people to enjoy a drink (or two) without feeling too intoxicated before dinner.

Aperol Spritz: How Aperol’s Alcohol Content Affects Cocktails

The Aperol Spritz is undoubtedly one of the most popular cocktails made with Aperol. The drink combines:

3 oz Prosecco (a sparkling Italian wine with a slightly higher ABV, around 12-13%)
2 oz Aperol
1 oz Club soda

This mix of ingredients results in a cocktail that is not particularly strong. The alcohol content of a standard Aperol Spritz is approximately 8-10% ABV, depending on the exact proportions used. This is significantly lower than cocktails like:

Margarita: Made with tequila, usually containing around 20-25% ABV.
Negroni: A robust cocktail with 24% ABV due to the combination of gin, Campari, and vermouth.
Gin and Tonic: Depending on the ratio, this cocktail often has an ABV between 10-15%.

The Aperol Spritz is ideal for those who prefer a lighter, more refreshing cocktail without a strong alcohol bite.

To read more about how the Aperol Spritz compares to other cocktails in terms of strength, visit this article on Aperol Spritz strength.

Adjusting the Strength of Aperol-Based Drinks

If you enjoy the flavor of Aperol but want a drink with a bit more kick, there are several ways to adjust the alcohol content of your Aperol-based cocktails. Here are some tips:

1. Use Less Club Soda

Reducing the amount of club soda in your Aperol Spritz will increase the alcohol content of the drink. Since the soda dilutes the cocktail, using less will allow the Aperol and Prosecco to shine more.

2. Increase the Prosecco-to-Aperol Ratio

Prosecco typically has a higher ABV (around 12-13%) than Aperol, so by increasing the amount of prosecco relative to Aperol, you can slightly increase the overall alcohol content of the drink. This maintains the bubbly, refreshing nature of the Aperol Spritz while adding more alcohol.

3. Add a Dash of Stronger Spirits

For a stronger cocktail, consider adding a splash of vodka, gin, or even tequila. This won’t alter the overall flavor too much but will increase the drink’s alcohol content significantly. This technique is often used in variations of the Aperol Spritz, such as the Gin Aperol Spritz.

For other ways to make your cocktails stronger, take a look at what is stronger than Aperol.

Other Cocktails You Can Make with Aperol

While the Aperol Spritz is the most famous Aperol-based cocktail, there are several other drinks that showcase Aperol’s versatility. Here are a few examples:

Aperol Negroni: This is a lighter version of the traditional Negroni, replacing Campari with Aperol for a less bitter and more approachable cocktail.
Paper Plane: A modern cocktail that features Aperol, Amaro Nonino, bourbon, and lemon juice. This cocktail is complex and richer than a typical Aperol Spritz.
Aperol Sour: Combining Aperol, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white, the Aperol Sour is a refreshing cocktail that balances bitterness and sweetness.

These cocktails demonstrate how Aperol can be used in a variety of drinks beyond the classic spritz.

FAQs About Aperol’s Alcohol Content

1. How much alcohol is in Aperol?

Aperol contains 11% ABV, making it a lighter option compared to stronger spirits and aperitifs like Campari or Amaro Nonino.

2. Is Aperol considered a strong alcohol?

No, Aperol is relatively light with an 11% ABV. It’s not considered strong compared to liqueurs like Campari or spirits like gin and vodka, which have much higher alcohol contents.

3. How much alcohol is in an Aperol Spritz?

The alcohol content of an Aperol Spritz typically ranges from 8-10% ABV, depending on the ratio of Aperol, prosecco, and club soda used in the recipe.

4. Can I make my Aperol Spritz stronger?

Yes, you can increase the strength of your Aperol Spritz by reducing the amount of club soda, increasing the prosecco ratio, or adding a stronger spirit like gin or vodka.

5. What is the difference between Aperol and Campari?

Aperol is lighter and sweeter with an 11% ABV, while Campari is more bitter and has a higher ABV of 20.5-28.5%. The two are often compared because of their use in similar cocktails, but they provide different flavor profiles and strengths.

Conclusion: Understanding Aperol’s Alcohol Content

Aperol, with its 11% ABV, is a light, refreshing aperitif that’s perfect for casual, daytime drinking. Its lower alcohol content makes it ideal for creating cocktails like the Aperol Spritz, which can be enjoyed without the worry of overindulgence. However, if you prefer stronger drinks, there are many ways to adjust your Aperol-based cocktails to suit your preferences.

Whether you want a light, bubbly spritz or a more potent variation, Aperol’s versatility makes it an indispensable ingredient for any cocktail enthusiast. By experimenting with different ratios and ingredients, you can create the perfect Aperol drink for any occasion.

For more detailed comparisons, recipes, and tips, explore Aperol vs. Hugo Spritz and what is stronger than Aperol to expand your knowledge on Aperol and its many uses.

Chef Billy

I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.

How Much Alcohol Is in Aperol? Its ABV and How to Adjust It