Bourbon Aperol Cocktail Recipe
This bourbon Aperol cocktail recipe is delicious all year long. This easy drink combines bourbon, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice. Top it off with sparkling mineral water to smooth out the flavor and it’s a refreshing cocktail for any party.
I was inspired by a drink called the Paper Plane, which has similar ingredients but calls for Amaro. Enter this bourbon Aperol cocktail recipe that’s on repeat all summer.
The sweetness of the bourbon is balanced by the bitter qualities of the Aperol. Then fresh lemon juice wakes up the cocktail, and a few ounces of Pellegrino gives it a smooth effervescent finish.

This cocktail is ideal for serving at happy hour or pre-dinner drinks. It’s quick and easy to make and goes great with party food.
Make it year round. It’s refreshing for summer parties, backyard cookouts & bbq’s. But the bourbon also makes it a great drink for a game day party or for fall gatherings with friends.
It makes a fantastic aperitif for themed dinner parties, too.

How to Make It
You only need 4 simple ingredients for this cocktail recipe. Bourbon is a bar staple, and Aperol has become a must-have as well. Keep a bowl of lemons in the fridge and a stash of Pellegrino and you can make this any time the mood strikes.
- Just use equal parts bourbon and Aperol, and add to a short glass filled with ice.
- Add fresh squeezed lemon juice, and strain the seeds.
- Then top it off with chilled sparkling mineral water.
- Give it a stir and garnish with lemon or orange peel.
Aperol vs. Campari
Although they are similar, Aperol has a lower alcohol content (11%) than Campari (24%). They have the same sugar content, but Aperol tastes less bitter and Campari is darker in color.

FAQ’s
As I mentioned above, Aperol is an Italian aperitif which means “to stimulate the appetite.” It’s made with rhubarb, oranges, and many herbs and roots. The recipe is a secret that hasn’t changed since 1919.
Aperol has an interesting taste. When it first hits the tongue it’s sweet with orange notes. But then it finishes with a complex variety of herbs and a bitter after taste. A little goes a long way. That’s why it’s a good match for bourbon – the balance of sweet and bitter.
Once you’ve opened the bottle you should store it in the refrigerator. According to an article in Self, it’s good for about 3 months. However, I will tell you that I did keep a bottle in the coldest part of the refrigerator for nearly a year and it was fine to drink. So use your best judgement.
More Drinks With Bourbon
Try these other tasty drinks that use bourbon as an ingredient.
If you want to make more recipes using Aperol, try the classic Aperol Spritz or the tasty Paper Plane.
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Bourbon Aperol Cocktail recipe
A refreshing drink with Aperol and bourbon. Enjoy this cocktail for happy hour or an aperitif.
Ingredients
- 4 oz bourbon
- 4 oz Aperol
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 4-6 oz sparkling mineral water (Pellegrino)
Instructions
- Add bourbon and Aperol into a glass over ice.
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice
- Top with sparkling mineral water and give a quick stir to combine.