Out of Aperol, one case
Aperol spritz substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Campari + simple syrup
Same amount as the Aperol
With ¼ oz simple syrup
The best substitutes for Aperol in a Spritz are Campari (with added sweetness), Aperitivo Select, or a homemade blend of orange liqueur with bitters. Each maintains the bitter-sweet profile essential for an authentic Spritz experience.
- Best for —
- spritz cocktails
One casethe full Aperol card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Aperol |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Campari + simple syrupspritz cocktails | Same amountWith ¼ oz simple syrup |
| 2 | Aperitivo Selectspritz cocktails | Same amount |
| 3 | Orange liqueur + orange bittersspritz cocktails | 3:1 orange liqueur to bittersWorks |
| 4 | Cynar + orange juicespritz cocktails | 2:1 Cynar to orange juice |
| 5 | Non-alcoholic aperitif + orange juicemocktail spritzes | Same amountWith splash of orange juiceWorks |
Campari + simple syrup
very similar · similar texture
Campari with added sweetness to match Aperol's profile
- Best for
- spritz cocktails, aperitifs, bitter-sweet drinks
Add simple syrup to balance Campari's extra bitterness.
Aperitivo Select
very similar · similar texture
Italian aperitif with similar flavor profile to Aperol
- Best for
- spritz cocktails, aperitifs, Italian cocktails
Closest commercial substitute with similar sweetness and bitterness.
Orange liqueur + orange bitters
similar taste and texture
Homemade blend using triple sec or Cointreau with orange bitters
- Best for
- spritz cocktails, custom drinks, experimental cocktails
Add a splash of simple syrup and grapefruit juice for complexity.
Cynar + orange juice
different but good · similar texture
Artichoke-based bitter with added orange for sweetness
- Best for
- spritz cocktails, herbal drinks, complex aperitifs
More herbal than Aperol but creates an interesting spritz variation.
Non-alcoholic aperitif + orange juice
similar taste and texture
Alcohol-free aperitif alternatives for mocktail spritzes
- Best for
- mocktail spritzes, non-alcoholic drinks, daytime drinking
Look for brands like Lyre's or Seedlip for alcohol-free options.
The longer answer
About this case
The Aperol Spritz is one of Italy's most beloved cocktails, but when you don't have Aperol on hand, several excellent substitutes can recreate its distinctive bitter-sweet orange flavor and refreshing effervescence.
How it behaves in this recipe
The Aperol Spritz is one of the most popular aperitifs in the world, and finding the right substitute is crucial for recreating its distinctive flavor. The key is maintaining the bitter-sweet orange profile while ensuring the drink remains refreshing and effervescent.
Notes on Aperol
Classic Aperol spritz
Ingredients: 3 oz prosecco, 2 oz Aperol, 1 oz soda water, Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice
- Add Aperol
- Top with prosecco
- Add soda water
- Garnish with orange slice
- Stir gently and serve
Campari spritz (Aperol substitute)
The simple syrup balances Campari's extra bitterness to match Aperol's profile
Ingredients: 3 oz prosecco, 2 oz Campari, ¼ oz simple syrup, 1 oz soda water, Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice
- Add Campari and simple syrup
- Top with prosecco
- Add soda water
- Garnish with orange slice
- Stir gently and serve
Homemade Aperol spritz
This homemade version captures Aperol's essential flavor profile
Ingredients: 3 oz prosecco, 1½ oz triple sec, ½ oz orange bitters, ¼ oz simple syrup, 1 oz soda water, Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice
- Combine triple sec, orange bitters, and simple syrup
- Add to glass
- Top with prosecco
- Add soda water
- Garnish with orange slice
- Stir gently and serve
Select spritzSame as Aperol Spritz
Using Aperitivo Select instead of Aperol
- Taste
- Very similar to original
Cynar spritz2 oz Cynar, 1 oz orange juice, 3 oz prosecco
Using Cynar for a more herbal, complex spritz
- Taste
- More herbal and complex
Non-alcoholic spritz2 oz non-alcoholic aperitif, 3 oz sparkling water, 1 oz orange juice
Alcohol-free version using non-alcoholic aperitifs
- Taste
- Similar profile without alcohol
- Prosecco
- Dry prosecco works best - avoid sweet sparkling wines
- Soda water
- Club soda or sparkling water for effervescence
- Ice
- Large ice cubes prevent dilution
- Glassware
- Wine glass or large rocks glass
- Garnish
- Orange slice or wheel for visual appeal
- Ratio
- 3:2:1 prosecco to aperitif to soda water
- For sweeter spritzes, add more simple syrup or use sweeter prosecco
- For more bitter spritzes, reduce simple syrup or add more bitters
- For stronger drinks, increase the aperitif ratio
- For lighter drinks, increase prosecco and soda water
- For more citrus flavor, add orange juice or orange zest
- For herbal complexity, add a sprig of fresh herbs
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for Aperol in a Spritz?
Campari with added simple syrup is the closest substitute, followed by Aperitivo Select. Both maintain the bitter-sweet profile essential for an authentic Spritz experience.
Can I make an Aperol Spritz without Aperol?
Yes! Use Campari with simple syrup, Aperitivo Select, or make a homemade blend using orange liqueur, orange bitters, and simple syrup. The key is maintaining the bitter-sweet balance.
What's the difference between Aperol and Campari in a Spritz?
Aperol is sweeter and less bitter than Campari. In a Spritz, Aperol creates a more approachable, refreshing drink, while Campari makes a more intense, bitter cocktail.
Can I use triple sec instead of Aperol in a Spritz?
Yes, but you'll need to add orange bitters and simple syrup to recreate Aperol's bitter-sweet profile. Triple sec alone is too sweet for an authentic Spritz.
What's the good ratio for an Aperol Spritz?
The classic ratio is 3:2:1 prosecco to Aperol to soda water. This creates the good balance of effervescence, bitterness, and sweetness that makes the Spritz so refreshing.