Barbieri 'Aperol' Spritz, Veneto, Italy

Barbieri's 'Aperol' Spritz, Italy, is an iconic Italian aperitif that has defined aperitivo culture for over a century. With its unmistakable bright orange hue and vibrant bittersweet flavor, Aperol is the essential ingredient behind one of the world’s most beloved cocktails: the Aperol Spritz. Light in alcohol and bursting with zesty citrus and herbal complexity, this timeless liqueur is your invitation to savor sunshine, celebration, and the joy of shared moments, anywhere, anytime.

Product Details:

• Type: Aperitif Liqueur
• Region: Italy
• ABV: 15%
• Key Botanicals: Rhubarb, gentian, bitter orange, cinchona bark, secret herbs and roots
• First Created: 1919 by Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in Padua

Sensory Description:

Aperol opens with vivid aromas of orange zest, herbal spice, and rhubarb. The palate is bittersweet yet exceptionally smooth, with notes of orange marmalade, subtle baking spice, and a touch of quinine bitterness. Its flavor is balanced and approachable, never too intense, making it a perfect gateway into the world of bitter aperitifs. The finish is dry, lingering with orange and gentian for a refreshing close.

Distiller's Background:

Created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, Aperol was envisioned as a light, low-alcohol aperitif that could bring people together. After years of experimentation, they perfected a now-legendary secret recipe blending citrus, herbs, and roots. Aperol gained popularity in post-war Italy and became a staple of café culture in the Veneto region. Its cultural moment exploded in the 1950s with the invention of the Aperol Spritz, a simple, joyful cocktail that continues to define social gatherings across the globe. Now part of Gruppo Campari, Aperol remains a global ambassador for Italian conviviality and style.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Aperol Spritz:
  • 6 cl Prosecco
  • 4 cl Aperol
  • 2 cl soda water
  • 4 ice cubes
  • Garnish: orange slice
• Build directly in a wine glass over ice. Stir gently and serve.
• Alternative pairings:
  • Add to tonic, soda, or grapefruit juice for a bright, bitter twist
  • Mix into cocktails like a Paper Plane, Margarita, or even a beer shandy
  • Serve chilled (50–55°F) as an aperitif or light digestif

Why Barbieri's 'Aperol' Spritz?

A globally celebrated classic with deep Italian roots, Barbieri's 'Aperol' Spritz offers an approachable introduction to bitter liqueurs with its vivid citrus character, refined bitterness, and low alcohol. It’s the heart of summer in a glass, effortlessly cool, refreshingly complex, and perfect for any festive occasion.