15 Best Aperol Winter Cocktails

I love exploring new cocktail recipes, especially during the chilly winter months. Aperol, with its bright orange color and unique bittersweet taste, can add a special touch to many drinks. It’s not just for summer spritzes anymore.

Winter cocktails with Aperol can warm you up and lift your spirits. These drinks blend the bitter orange notes of Aperol with cozy winter flavors like cinnamon, cranberry, and ginger.

I’ve found 15 great recipes that show how versatile Aperol can be in cold-weather drinks. From hot toddies to frozen slushies, there’s an Aperol winter cocktail for every taste.

1. Aperol Negroni

I love the Aperol Negroni for winter sipping. It’s a twist on the classic Negroni that swaps Campari for Aperol.

This change makes the drink less bitter and more fruity. The Aperol adds nice orange and herbal notes that warm me up on cold nights.

I mix equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Aperol. A twist of orange peel is the perfect garnish.

2. Winter Aperol Spritz

I love the Winter Aperol Spritz. It’s a cozy twist on the classic cocktail.

This drink mixes Aperol with Prosecco and cranberry juice. The cranberry adds a festive touch perfect for cold days.

It’s easy to make and looks beautiful in a glass. I enjoy it at holiday parties.

3. Aperol Hot Toddy

I love this cozy twist on a classic winter drink. The Aperol Hot Toddy blends the bittersweet orange notes of Aperol with warming spices and honey. It’s perfect for chilly nights by the fire.

To make it, I mix hot water, Aperol, whiskey, lemon juice, and honey. A cinnamon stick and star anise add extra flavor and aroma.

4. Aperol Mulled Wine

I love making Aperol Mulled Wine on cold winter nights. It’s a cozy twist on traditional mulled wine. I mix red wine with Aperol, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange slices.

The Aperol adds a nice bitter-orange flavor that complements the spices. I simmer it gently to let the flavors meld. It’s perfect for warming up by the fire.

5. Cranberry Aperol Sour

I love mixing up this tart and refreshing cocktail. It’s a fun winter twist on the classic Aperol Spritz.

To make it, I shake Aperol, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Then I strain it into a glass over fresh ice.

The cranberry adds a festive touch and balances the bittersweet Aperol perfectly. It’s a great choice for holiday parties.

6. Aperol Ginger Smash

I love the Aperol Ginger Smash for its spicy kick. It mixes Aperol with ginger beer and fresh ginger.

The drink is perfect for cold nights. Its warmth comes from the ginger, while Aperol adds a nice bitter-sweet touch.

To make it, I muddle ginger and add Aperol, lemon juice, and ice. Then I top it with ginger beer and stir.

7. Aperol Margarita

I love mixing up an Aperol Margarita for a winter twist on the classic cocktail. It combines tequila, Aperol, lime juice, and a splash of orange juice.

The Aperol adds a unique bittersweet orange flavor that pairs well with the tequila. I rim the glass with salt and garnish with an orange slice for a festive touch.

8. Aperol Whiskey Sour

I love mixing Aperol into classic cocktails for a unique twist. The Aperol Whiskey Sour is a perfect example. It combines whiskey, Aperol, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

The result is a tangy, slightly bitter drink with a smooth finish. It’s great for sipping on cold winter evenings.

9. Aperol Eggnog

I love adding Aperol to classic eggnog for a unique winter twist. The bitter orange flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy, spiced base. I mix 1 part Aperol with 4 parts eggnog and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg. It’s a festive treat that warms me right up on cold nights.

10. Blood Orange Aperol Martini

I love this twist on a classic martini. It mixes Aperol with blood orange juice and vodka. The result is a bright, citrusy cocktail perfect for winter.

The blood orange gives it a beautiful red color. It’s refreshing but still cozy enough for cold nights.

11. Aperol Manhattan

I love mixing up an Aperol Manhattan when I want a cozy winter drink. It’s a twist on the classic cocktail that adds a hint of citrus and bitterness.

I use rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a splash of Aperol instead of bitters. The result is smooth and warming, perfect for chilly evenings.

12. Holiday Aperol Punch

I love making Holiday Aperol Punch for winter gatherings. It’s simple and delicious. I mix Aperol with cranberry juice and prosecco. Then I add orange slices and cranberries for a festive touch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings cheer to any holiday party.

13. Aperol Cinnamon Mule

I love this twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It combines Aperol, vodka, ginger beer, and a dash of cinnamon syrup.

The cinnamon adds warmth and spice that’s perfect for winter. I serve it in a copper mug with ice and garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.

14. Aperol Old Fashioned

I love putting a twist on classic cocktails. The Aperol Old Fashioned is a great winter drink that combines the bittersweet flavor of Aperol with the warmth of whiskey.

To make it, I mix bourbon, Aperol, and a dash of orange bitters. I stir it with ice and strain it into a rock glass over a large ice cube.

15. Pomegranate Aperol Bellini

I love this festive twist on a classic Bellini. It mixes Aperol, pomegranate juice, and prosecco for a bright, bubbly winter cocktail. The pomegranate adds a tart sweetness that pairs perfectly with Aperol’s orange-bitter notes. It’s an easy, elegant drink for holiday gatherings.