Fizzy, boozy and with a bitter yet sweet orange flavor, the Aperol Gin Cocktail is just as refreshing as it looks.
I’m a Campari person. My partner is not. So whenever I get a craving for something a little bitter, a little sweet and with a nice bite, I know they’re not going to want to have what I’m having. My cocktails always looked so appetizing and welcoming, though, they’d say. Despite not being a fan of the deep red Italian liqueur, they’d try to enjoy a tipple anyway. Presentation isn’t everything, but almost.
Enter Aperol! This brightly colored aperitif is often considered the more easygoing cousin to Campari. With citrusy notes of orange, Aperol still has some bitter and sweet flavor in there as well, they’re just not as distinct and heavy as in its red counterpart. This is what makes it a popular alternative for folks, like my partner, who find Campari just a little too strong for their palate. Aperol also has less alcohol than Campari, so your cocktails will be lighter in more ways than one.
The cocktail we’re making tonight, however, is more potent than most of the Aperol cocktails I’ve had. Upon first glance, the recipe might remind you of a Tom Collins. The ingredients and prep are close, but not quite. For a start, the addition of lime juice instead of lemon gives the cocktail a nice and fresh tartness that really cuts through. And of course, there’s the Aperol that brings some orange tang to the table, as well as some floral undertones. On their own, these ingredients make a great Sour variation, but the addition of the club soda topper evens out some of the more intense aspects of the mixture. When they’re all put together, the ingredients become a thirst-quenching cocktail with a satisfying kick.
What is Aperol?
The name Aperol comes from the word apero, Italian slang for “aperitif”, which is what this Italian liqueur is. While it has a similar aroma and taste to Campari, it features about half the alcohol content. It is also less bitter and sports a brighter, orange hue. After seven years of trial and error, brothers Silvio and Luigi Barbieri created this legendary aperitivo in 1919, but it didn’t grow in popularity until after the Second World War. It has remained so ever since.
What is the best gin to use in an Aperol Gin Cocktail?
A good, strong London Dry gin is always a mainstay in my home bar, but so are a few others. There’s a California distilled gin that I love, infused with seaside botanicals, and it mixes brilliantly in cocktails like a Negroni, Gimlet or a Gin Fizz. I made a few Aperol Gins with this particular spirit and was amazed by how fresh it made everything taste. I’ve recently discovered the joys of Japanese gins as well, with their hints of cherry blossom and green teas a delicious complement to the citrus and juniper that are usually present. Most of the gins I enjoy are pretty potent, usually clocking in between 88 and 94 proof.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Aperol
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces soda water
- 1 lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine Aperol, gin, lime juice, and simple syrup over ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top the cocktail with soda water and gently stir to integrate.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Nutrition
What type of glassware and garnish are used?
Fill up a rocks glass with ice and pour your Aperol Gin into it, garnished with a twist or a wedge of lime for that extra zip of tartness.
What is an aperitif?
Usually, an alcoholic drink that is enjoyed before a meal. The word itself is of French origin and is used to describe cocktails that help stimulate the appetite.
Similar Drinks to the Aperol Gin Cocktail
Sweet, tangy, bitter, tart… these are words that describe some of my very favorite drinks. And if they make your mouth water too, and you enjoyed a few Aperol Gin Cocktails and want more, you’ve come to the right place. Twist & Toast has just about any recipe you might be curious about. And that curiosity can easily be satiated with a few of these delicious recipes below. After you’ve tried a few of these, browse our site and find a few more new favorites.
- Aperol Spritz – The classic Aperol-based cocktail is always a welcome guest at any poolside party.
- Aperol Negroni – A slightly sweeter and less bitter take on the iconic drink.
- Americano – Bubbly, bitter, and with the right amount of sweet, this Campari and vermouth concoction will cool down any hot afternoon.
- Negroni Sbagliato – Make your Negroni with prosecco instead of gin to get this effervescent and enticing elixir.
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