Aperol Lemon Soda

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A minimalist, low-calorie cocktail that highlights Aperol's bittersweet essence with crisp lemon and sparkling water for a clean, refreshing finish. This Italian-inspired recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together Aperol, Sparkling water, Fresh lemon juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 95 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Italian cuisine 95 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 oz Aperol and 1 oz fresh lemon juice in a chilled glass, stirring until fully integrated.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 oz sparkling water and stir once to mix without flattening the bubbles.
  3. Step 3: Garnish with a thin lemon slice, pressing it against the glass rim to release citrus oils before placing it on the rim.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol Lemon Soda take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Aperol Lemon Soda?

Refrigerate any leftover aperol lemon soda in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol Lemon Soda?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Aperol Lemon Soda for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Aperol Lemon Soda?

Italian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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