Aperol is a liqueur, not a liquor. The distinction between liquor and a liqueur lies in the alcohol content and the sweetness level. Liqueurs are alcoholic beverages made from a distilled spirit base and are sweetened with added sugars and often infused with various flavors. Liqueurs typically have a lower alcohol content than liquors.They are often used in cocktails or enjoyed on their own as digestifs.
Liquors, on the other hand, are alcoholic beverages produced through distillation. They have a much higher alcohol content than liqueurs, usually ranging from 40% to 50% ABV or even higher. Common examples of liquors include vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, tequila, and brandy.
Aperol falls into the category of liqueurs because it has a relatively low alcohol content, typically around 11%, and is sweetened and flavored with various botanicals, particularly bitter and sweet oranges, to create its distinctive taste.
