Aperol is the defining bitter Italian liqueur in an Aperol Spritz.
The modern drink is commonly made with prosecco, Aperol, and soda water, often served over ice with an orange slice. Its vivid orange color comes from the liqueur, which has a relatively low alcohol content and a bittersweet flavor built around orange and herbal notes.
The recipe became strongly associated with northern Italy, especially the Veneto region. The name “spritz” refers to the addition of a splash of water or soda to wine, a practice linked to the Austrian presence in northeastern Italy during the nineteenth century. Campari can also be used in spritz-style drinks, but it is not the defining ingredient of an Aperol Spritz. The two liqueurs differ in color, bitterness, and alcohol strength, making substitution change the drink’s character.