Spritz Up Your Summer With Aperol Cocktails

Summertime and the livin’ is easy…or it will be as soon as you try some of these refreshing drinks! We’re always happy to share new recipes with you, and these Aperol cocktails are definitely sip-worthy.

Related: Summer Sipping: 10 Cocktails to Enjoy This Summer

While it’s best known for its use in a classic Aperol Spritz (think Prosecco, Aperol and a splash of sparkling water), this Italian liqueur is actually quite versatile. The aperitif, which was created by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in the early 20th century, offers the perfect combination of bitter and sweet from an infusion of oranges, herbs and roots. There are countless ways to incorporate Aperol into your summer cocktails, so check out a few of our favorites below.

Bourbon Aperol Cocktail: 1 ounce of Aperol, 1.5 ounces of Bourbon, 3 ounces of Sparkling Wine, and 0.5 ounces of simple syrup. Squeeze in an orange wedge, garnish with a twist of orange peel, and enjoy!

Grapefruit Aperol Margaritas (makes a pitcher): 4 ounces of Aperol, 16 ounces of Tequila, 12 ounces of grapefruit juice, 4 ounces of lime juice, 8 ounces of Triple Sec, and 4 ounces of simple syrup. Garnish with grapefruit and lime wedges, and don’t forget salt for the rims!

Classic Negroni: 1 ounce of Aperol, 2 ounces of Gin, and 1 ounce of Sweet Vermouth. Garnish with raspberries and a twist of orange peel.

Summer City Spritz: 0.5 ounces of Aperol, 1.5 ounces of Rum, 0.75 ounces of watermelon juice, 0.5 ounces of lemon juice, and 0.5 ounces of simple syrup. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Descanso Beach Smash: Muddle 4 lemon slices and 5 mint leaves in the bottom of a glass. Top with 0.75 ounces of Aperol, 2 ounces of rye whiskey, and 0.25 ounces of simple syrup. Garnish with orange wedges and a sprig of mint leaves.

We’ve greatly expanded our cocktail section this year, so stop by soon and shop our bitters, rimmers, Bloody Mary ingredients and mixers.

Related: Bitters and Spirits and Cocktails, Oh My!

New Castle Liquors is located just off I-70, exit 105, in beautiful New Castle, Colorado. We’re open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. 2019 Locals’ Choice Award winner!