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Aperol is an iconic Italian aperitif that has become a symbol of summer, freshness, and social moments. Its bright orange color and distinctive bitter-sweet taste set it apart from other liqueurs and make it an indispensable part of Italian bar culture.

The brand's history dates back to 1919, when it was launched in Padova by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri. Their family owned a distillery, and after World War I, they decided to bring something new – a drink that would be lighter and more accessible than traditional Italian bitter liqueurs. The result was Aperol with an alcohol content of only 11% ABV, which was exceptionally low for that time. The name "Aperol" comes from the French word apéro, which means aperitif, and from the beginning referred to its main purpose – to stimulate appetite and create a pleasant atmosphere before meals.

The recipe for Aperol remains a closely guarded secret. It is known only that the base consists of bitter and sweet orange, various herbs and spices (such as rhubarb, gentian, or cinchona) and other botanical ingredients. The taste of Aperol is fresh, slightly bitter, citrusy sweet with a light spicy finish.

The brand's greatest expansion came thanks to the Aperol Spritz cocktail, which originated in northern Italy. The combination of prosecco, Aperol, and soda with ice and a slice of orange created a drink that became not only an Italian but gradually a global icon. As early as the 1950s and 60s, Spritz was popular in Venice and its surroundings, but it wasn't until later that it became a mass phenomenon worldwide.

In 2003, the brand was acquired by the Campari Group, which transformed it into a global symbol of sociability and lifestyle. Marketing campaigns targeted mainly young people and friendly gatherings, which definitively elevated Aperol to the big leagues. Today, it is sold in more than 50 countries worldwide and is among the fastest-growing brands of the Campari Group.

Interestingly, in the 1950s, Aperol was even promoted as a "healthier" aperitif and appeared in advertisements featuring athletes and gymnasts. During the brand's centenary in 2019, the largest Aperol Spritz in the world was served in Italy and Austria – a huge celebration of this phenomenon.

Aperol is now more than just an aperitif. It is a cultural phenomenon that combines family tradition, Italian love for aperitifs, and modern lifestyle. It symbolizes joy, summer, and friendly moments over a glass of refreshing Spritz, which has become an integral part of social life around the world.

Read more in our articles:

Aperol: the story of the orange phenomenon that changed aperitivo culture
#mixathome Aperol Spritz
How to prepare "Aperol" at home