That sunset-orange bottle behind the bar at Camp West is Aperol, the easygoing Italian aperitivo that practically invented the modern happy hour. With its low ABV and bittersweet bitter-orange character, it is the gentle, approachable end of the Italian bitters family. At our cabin-inspired cocktail bar in West Seattle, Aperol is the obvious starting point for an afternoon on the patio or a slow build into dinner. We pour it most often in the famous Aperol Spritz, but it also stands on its own over ice when you want something bright and refreshing rather than boozy.
About the Producer
Aperol was created in 1919 by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in Padua, Italy. Today it is produced by the Campari Group, the same Italian house behind Campari and several other classic aperitivi. While the full recipe stays in the family, the brand has built its reputation over more than a century on consistency and that unmistakable orange glow.
Style & Flavor
Aperol is an Italian aperitivo, bottled at a low 11% ABV that makes it ideal for daytime and pre-dinner drinking. Its blend draws on bitter and sweet orange along with botanicals such as rhubarb, gentian, and cinchona. The result is a liqueur that is bitter enough to be interesting but sweet and citrus-forward enough to stay easy to drink.
Tasting Notes
Expect a vivid orange color and an aroma of fresh orange peel and herbs. On the palate it is bittersweet, with juicy orange, a touch of rhubarb tartness, and a light, clean, faintly bitter finish. It is bright and zesty rather than heavy.
How to Enjoy It at Camp West
The classic move is the Aperol Spritz: Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda over ice with an orange slice, low in alcohol and endlessly refreshing. We also pour it neat or on the rocks as a light aperitivo, or work it into other cocktails when we want a bittersweet citrus lift. A pour of Aperol at Camp West is $10.
FAQ
Is Aperol strong? No. At 11% ABV it is one of the lightest spirits on our back bar, which is exactly why it shines in a spritz.
What does Aperol taste like? Bittersweet bitter orange with a hint of rhubarb and herbs, more refreshing than intense.
Ready to try it? Book a table, browse our liqueurs & amari list, or see the full beverage menu.