Aperol is an Italian bitter apéritif first created in 1919 by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in Padua, Italy. It is made with a secret blend of ingredients including gentian root, rhubarb, cinchona bark, and orange, which give it a bittersweet, citrus-led flavor with a distinctive bright orange color
. Aperol has an alcohol content of 11%, which is relatively low compared to similar apéritifs like Campari, making it lighter and sweeter with less bitterness. It is classified as an aperitivo, meaning it is traditionally consumed before meals to stimulate the appetite
. The most famous cocktail made with Aperol is the Aperol Spritz, which combines Aperol with prosecco and soda water to create a refreshing, slightly bitter, and bubbly drink popular in Italian aperitivo culture
. In summary, Aperol is a bittersweet, low-alcohol Italian apéritif known for its bright orange hue and citrus-herbal flavor, commonly enjoyed in cocktails like the Aperol Spritz.
