Aperol

Aperol was created in 1919 in Padua by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, who set out to make a lighter, more approachable aperitivo unique to their city. It first appeared at the Padua International Fair that year and slowly built a following long before it became the global name it is today. The brand is now owned by Italian drinks group Campari, though the closely guarded recipe and bright orange colour have stayed the same since the beginning.

The colour and bittersweet character come from a blend of bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb, gentian, and a handful of herbs and roots known to only a few people at the company. At just 11% ABV, it sits at the lighter end of the spirits world, which is part of why it works so well topped with prosecco and a splash of soda for the classic Aperol Spritz, the centrepiece of Italian aperitivo hour.