This Aperol soda is one of the simplest drinks on the site and one of the most refreshing. Aperol, fresh lime juice, a splash simple syrup, and soda water over ice. It takes about two minutes to make and is really good.
About this recipe
This is a low-ABV aperitivo style drink. It has Aperol over ice with fresh lime juice and soda water. Aperol is only 11% alcohol so this is a lovely light drink, perfect for an early evening or when you want something refreshing without a lot of alcohol. There’s a bit of simple syrup in there too but to add something bit different I add rosemary syrup. It’s optional but it adds a slighht the herby note that works really well with the bitter orange of Aperol. My homemade rosemary simple syrup takes about ten minutes to make and keeps in the fridge for two weeks.
Fresh lime juice is important here. The Aperol is quite sweet on its own and the lime is what stops the drink tasting flat. A small amount makes a real difference. For more cocktail ideas browse my Aperol cocktail recipes.
Key ingredients and why
- Aperol: Bittersweet with a distinctive orange flavor and only 11% alcohol. The base of the drink.
- Fresh lime juice: Cuts through the sweetness of the Aperol and keeps the drink fresh and balanced. Always fresh.
- Rosemary syrup: Optional but really good. The herby note works beautifully with the bitter orange of Aperol.
- Soda water: Keeps it light and fizzy. Tonic water works too if you want something slightly more bitter.
Method
- Fill a double rocks glass with ice.
- Add the Aperol, lime juice, and rosemary syrup. Top with soda water and stir very gently once or twice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Tips
- Rosemary syrup is optional but worth making. Full recipe at rosemary simple syrup.
- Tonic water instead of soda. Swapping soda for tonic adds a pleasant extra bitterness that works well with Aperol.
- Stir gently after adding the soda so it stays fizzy.
- Ginger beer instead of soda. For a spicier, more intense version try my Aperol ginger beer fizz.
Aperol Soda
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Aperol
- 1/4 oz simple syrup or rosemary simple syrup
- 1/4 oz lime juice fresh
- 3-4 oz soda water
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a double rocks glass halfway with ice.
- Add the Aperol, lime juice, and syrup.
- Top with soda water and stir very gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
