6 of the Best Gin and Aperol Cocktails to Sip this Summer

May 15, 2024 by

Aperol gin cocktails are on everyone’s lips, and not only because it’s the most summery combo imaginable—it’s also completely divine! And while it’s no secret that we are slightly obsessed with the iconic Aperol Spritz here at The Mixer, we also enjoy experimenting with different flavors. That’s why we love gin—its botanical notes complement Aperol’s bitter-orange flavor to a T, setting the scene for a harmonious balance.

So, to get you ready to be the host with the most this season, we’re sharing a cherry-picked selection of our favorite Aperol gin cocktail recipes.

GET THE SCOOP!

Aperol Brand Ambassador, Loris Contro gave us some great tips on how to use Aperol in cocktail making and insights on the latest trends:

“Aperol is an exciting bitter liqueur to use in cocktails because it not only adds additional fruity and floral notes, but also herbaceous notes which enhance all the other flavors and a pleasant mouthfeel due to its higher density.”

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1. Aperol Gin Sour

This zesty riff on the classic Whiskey Sour is as classy as it comes. To make an Aperol Gin Sour, combine 1.5 oz Aperol, 1.5 oz gin, 0.75 oz lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of simple syrup, and 1 egg white in a cocktail shaker without ice. Give it a good shake to combine, then add some ice and shake it again. Double-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass and serve.

Make it with: Aperol

2. Aperol Negroni

The Aperol Negroni is the little brother of the Campari classic. It’s sweeter and lower in alcohol but still comes to the party with plenty of flavor. The bright, bittersweet orange flavor of Aperol melds seamlessly with the zesty gin and floral vermouth to create an aperitivo hour cocktail to match any Mediterranean sunset.

Make it with: 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso

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3. Aperol Gin Fizz

A Ramos Gin Fizz is a thing of beauty, and we love this Aperol-inspired twist on the time-honored recipe. To make an Aperol Gin Fizz, add 1 oz gin, 1 oz Aperol, 1 oz lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, and double strain it into a serving glass. Top off with 2 oz club soda, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve.

Make it with: Bulldog Gin

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4. Aperol Gin Spritz

If you love an Aperol Spritz or a Hugo Cocktail, the Aperol Gin Spritz is going to be right up your alley. To make one, simply add 1.5 oz Aperol, 1 oz gin, and 2 oz Prosecco to a wine glass with ice. Stir gently, garnish with an orange slice, and serve.

Also see: 9 Spritz Cocktails to Sip On this Summer

5. Aperol Gin and Tonic

Sometimes all you need to do to liven up a tried-and-tested drink recipe is the inclusion of one ingredient. This is very much the case when it comes to the Aperol Gn and Tonic cocktail. To make this simple yet satisfying sipper, add 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz Aperol, and 6 oz tonic water to a Collins glass with ice. Stir gently and serve.

More inspo: The Best 28 Aperitif Cocktails for Any Occasion

6. Aperol French 75

The classic French 75 is a dainty-looking drink with a fair amount of heft, and the Aperol French 75 is an equally darling-yet-dapper drink with even more pizzaz. To make one, combine 1 oz lime juice, 0.5 oz ginger simple syrup, 1.5 oz gin, and a splash of Aperol in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, then strain into a Champagne coupe, topping it off with 1.5 oz Prosecco and 1.5 oz club soda for a bit of sparkle.

Tips and tricks for perfecting gin & Aperol cocktails

Keen to create your own gin and Aperol creations? By all means, have fun and experiment! Here are a few insider tips to use as a springboard for your creativity.

Check your proportions

Balance is key. Aperol leans towards the citrusy end of the flavor spectrum, so a London Dry gin like Bulldog balances it well. Start with a 1:1 ratio (1 oz Aperol, 1 oz gin) and adjust to taste.
A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice adds a refreshing tartness to an Aperol-based cocktail. Aim for 0.75 oz for a subtle note or 1 oz for a pronounced pucker.
Simple syrup helps to balance tartness. Start with half a teaspoon and add more in small increments if needed.

Glassware selection

Coupe glasses or rocks glasses are perfect for stirred cocktails.
Use highball glasses for spritzes with club soda.
Pre-chill your glasses for an extra refreshing drink.

Garnishing techniques

Citrus zest: A twist or an expressed peel adds a burst of citrus aroma.
Fruity flair: Use a thin orange slice, or a luxe maraschino cherry for a smidge of fruitiness.
Edible flowers: Pansies or violets add a touch of elegance (and a surprising pop of flavor!)

Customization options

Play with gin: Experiment with different botanical profiles. A floral gin complements Aperol’s orange notes, while a juniper-forward gin adds a drier touch.
Seasonal twists: In summer, muddle fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist. Fall calls for apple or pear slices. Winter? Try a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick.
Sparkling fun: Top your drink with Prosecco or sparkling mineral water for a more festive touch.

BONUS! Aperol syrup recipe

Create a homemade Aperol syrup by combining equal parts of Aperol, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Heat the mixture gently until the sugar dissolves, then allow it to cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use this syrup to create cocktails with a lower ABV.

There you have it—six amazing Aperol gin cocktail recipes to try at home, and a few pro tips to take it to the next level. Visit the Aperol and Bulldog Gin websites for even more recipe inspiration and remember to subscribe to our newsletter for more hosting tips and trends.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Aperol and Campari are both Italian aperitifs, but they differ in flavor profile and intensity. Aperol is lighter and sweeter, with hints of orange, making it an ideal choice for spritzes and lighter cocktails. In contrast, Campari is more bitter and complex, featuring herbal and citrus notes. It's often used in classic cocktails like the Negroni. While both are great for adding depth to drinks, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile.

If you're out of Aperol, you can substitute it with another liqueur to maintain the cocktail's balance. Try using Campari for a more bitter twist or Grand Marnier for a sweeter alternative. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences. It is important to note that while you can substitute Aperol with similar liqueurs, it has a very unique taste that can't be exactly replicated. Its distinct blend of bitter orange, herbs, and sweetness contributes to its iconic flavor profile. So, while alternatives can mimic certain aspects, nothing quite matches the original.