Top Aperol Brands for Spirited Enjoyment

Aperol, a vibrant Italian aperitif known for its bittersweet and citrusy flavor, has become a staple in cocktails around the world, most notably in the beloved Aperol Spritz. For enthusiasts looking to enjoy an authentic taste, selecting the right brand can make all the difference. Brands like Aperol itself, produced by Campari, are synonymous with this iconic drink, offering a unique blend of rhubarb, gentian, and cinchona that creates its distinct taste. Additionally, exploring other reputable brands such as Gamondi Bitter, Select Aperitivo, and Luxardo Aperitivo can offer a twist on the classic flavor profile. For those eager to find out how these brands stand out and what makes each one special, read on to discover more about the finest aperitifs for your next cocktail creation.

Illustration of aperol

Best brands of aperol in 2025

Aperol

Aperol, created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers after seven years of experimentation, is a renowned Italian aperitif with a unique bittersweet taste derived from a secret recipe, featuring gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, and an 11% alcohol content, which is lower than that of Campari; its bright orange hue and refreshing flavor makes it perfect for the popular Aperol Spritz cocktail, and has become a social drink enjoyed by millions worldwide since its creation, especially after the 1950s. You can find more information about the product.

Campari

Campari Group, established in 1860, is a leading Italian beverage company and the producer of Aperol, which was created in 1919 and acquired by Campari in 2003. Aperol has become one of their top brands, contributing to 26% of the company's sales in 2024 and experiencing a 23% growth in 2023. The brand holds a strong market position, especially in Europe and the US, producing approximately 460 million bottles annually. For more information about Aperol, visit their official website.

Select Aperitivo

Select Aperitivo, created in Venice in 1920 by the Pilla brothers, is a renowned Italian aperitif with a 17.5% ABV, crafted from a blend of 30 botanicals including juniper berries and rhubarb root, offering a complex bittersweet flavor profile with notes of vanilla and spice. Its unique recipe involves maceration, heating, and distillation processes to achieve its distinct taste, making it a key ingredient in the Original Venetian Spritz, a classic cocktail often garnished with an olive. Select is enjoyed in over 50 countries, known for its less sweet and more bitter profile compared to Aperol, establishing itself as a popular choice in the aperitivo scene, particularly in Venice and the Veneto region.

Luxardo Aperitivo

Luxardo, established in 1821, crafts its renowned Aperitivo using a unique infusion of herbs, roots, and citrus, resulting in a vibrant bittersweet flavor profile. This Italian aperitivo, with its 11% ABV, is a versatile choice for classic cocktails like the Spritz or served simply over ice with a slice of orange. Unlike some other aperitifs, Luxardo's distinct recipe provides a less sweet, more complex taste, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated experience. The rich history and meticulous process of production solidify Luxardo as a top-tier producer in the aperitivo category. To explore more about their offerings, visit Luxardo's official website.

Contratto Aperitif

Contratto Aperitif, established in 1867, offers a sophisticated, all-natural alternative to Aperol, crafted from a 1935 recipe using 28 infused botanicals and Italian brandy, boasting a vibrant color from carrot and beetroot extracts and a 13.5% ABV. This makes it a balanced and less saccharine option for cocktails, with the original recipe dating back to 1935. They use a cold maceration process, making it a natural choice for those looking for a unique taste. For more information, visit Contratto's official website.

Cappelletti Aperitivo

Cappelletti Aperitivo, a vibrant red Italian liqueur crafted with a wine base and infused with herbs and botanicals since 1909, offers a unique bittersweet flavor profile, using natural carmine for its color, and is considered one of the oldest aperitivo brands, predating Campari by nearly 50 years, making it a great choice for Spritz cocktails with its 17% ABV. The family-owned business produces around 250,000 bottles per year, maintaining its traditional methods of production. You can find more information at their official website.

Starlino Rosso Aperitivo

Starlino Rosso Aperitivo, crafted in Torino, Italy by distillers with over 20 years of experience, is a premium aperitivo with a 17% ABV, offering a complex blend of natural herbs and fruits, including orange, vanilla, and clove; the Rosso is aged for 30 days in bourbon barrels for a unique, spicy flavor, making it a versatile choice for classic cocktails like Negronis, and also enjoyable on its own or as a spritzer, with a range that includes the fresh Rosé and Arancione options.

Gancia Aperitivo Originale

Gancia Aperitivo Originale, with its 14.5% alcohol content, is a classic Italian aperitivo, crafted with a unique blend of herbs and white wine, that was established in 1850, making it a respected brand with a long history; it is known for its bitter taste and refreshing character, often enjoyed on the rocks or in cocktails. Gancia’s aperitivo is considered a traditional Italian specialty based on a natural wine base with a secret blend of herbs, fruits, and plants. Learn more about their offerings on their official website.

Meletti 1870

Established in 1870 in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, the Meletti 1870 brand produces a traditional, 25% ABV bitter aperitivo, crafted with three separate distillates of sweet orange, bitter orange, and a spice and herb infusion, offering a complex flavor profile that is often compared to Campari but with a slightly more bitter and less sweet taste, making it an excellent substitute in cocktails like Negronis and Americanos.

Galliano L'Aperitivo

Galliano L'Aperitivo, a vibrant Italian bitter liqueur with 24% ABV, is crafted with Mediterranean citrus like oranges, bergamots, and grapefruits, along with herbs and spices, macerated for at least two weeks. It has earned 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and a 100-point score from PROOF awards, making it a top-rated aperitivo. This liqueur offers a bittersweet flavor profile, perfect for aperitif cocktails and spritzes, and is produced by Maraschi e Quirici distillers near Turin, Italy since 1896. You can find out more on their official website.