Aperol is a bittersweet Italian apéritif liqueur created by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in 1919 after spending many years perfecting the recipe. Specifically, Aperol falls into the Italian amaro family, which is a bitter herbal liqueur. Traditionally, you enjoy an apéritif -- or aperitivo as they say in Italy --before dinner to help stimulate your appetite, but you don’t have to save it for that one occasion. At just 11 percent ABV, Aperol is a light sipper, which is why it’s so great for a pre-dinner drink as well as a happy hour or brunch cocktail.