Aperol was created in 1919 in Padua, Italy, by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, who spent seven years perfecting a lighter, more approachable alternative to traditional bitter liqueurs. Their goal was to craft an aperitif that was refreshing, gently bitter, and low in alcohol - ideal for stimulating the appetite without overwhelming the palate. When Aperol was launched at the Padua International Fair, it stood out for its vivid orange hue and balanced bittersweet profile, offering a modern take on Italy’s long tradition of herbal aperitifs. More than a century after its creation, Aperol continues to define what a modern aperitif can be - light, social, stylish, and rooted in Italian tradition. It bridges generations, appealing to both longtime fans of classic Italian drinks and new audiences discovering aperitivo culture for the first time.
From its historic beginnings in Padua to its role as the heartbeat of the Aperol Spritz movement, Aperol remains a timeless icon of refreshment, ritual, and relaxed sophistication.
