5 Aperol Gin Cocktails That Will Make Your Tastebuds Happy

I recently wrote about Aperol cocktails. During my research, I found so many flavorful Aperol gin cocktails that I wanted to share them. I think the flavor combination of the slightly bitter Aperol, an amaro, and the botanical flavors of gin work perfectly together. And with the addition of a couple other ingredients, they create very refreshing drinks. Plus, I own so many delicious gins that I need to find more ways to feature their uniqueness in different drinks. (I tell my husband they are all in the collection for a reason!) These cocktails are perfect for any occasion and are listed here in order of lightest to boldest in flavor.

1. Aperol Gin and Tonic

While the recipe of a standard gin and tonic is rather simple, the flavors can still be impressive. For this version, I chose a gin with some salinity which balances the drink perfectly. The overall flavor is light and refreshing while the tonic water provides excellent carbonation and dryness. If you like a bolder flavor, either double the amount of Aperol or decrease the amount of tonic water. Also, I get a lot of compliments on these glasses. You can find similar ones here.

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Aperol Gin & Tonic

Keyword: aperol, gin

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 0.5 oz Aperol
• 6 oz tonic water

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a Collins glass with ice.
• Stir gently and serve.

2. Gin Aperol Spritz

Likely the most famous Aperol cocktail is the Aperol Spritz. It’s the perfect thirst quencher and the color is divine. For a slightly boozier version of the classic recipe, I like to add in gin for a higher ABV drink. I also love the clear ice balls from Fountain City Ice and this was the perfect use for them. This is one my favorite Aperol gin cocktails.

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Gin Aperol Spritz

Keyword: aperol, gin

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Aperol
• 2 oz prosecco
• 1 oz gin
• 1 splash soda water

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a wine glass with ice and stir gently.
• Garnish with an orange slice (optional).

3. Aperol Gin Sour

Personally, I love an egg white cocktail. Some people don’t like them because of the slight smell of the eggs and others for dietary reasons. (Although there is a great vegan alternative that I share more about in this post.) This one is great served as an apéritif (before the meal). The flavors are bright and definitely makes you hungry for dinner. The balance of bitterness and sweetness is really lovely in this Aperol gin cocktail.

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Aperol Gin Sour

Keyword: aperol, gin

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Aperol
• 1.5 oz gin
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 1 tsp simple syrup
• 1 egg white

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a shaker with 1-2 ice cubes.
• Shake well for 30-45 seconds and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Garnish with an edible flower and serve.

4. Aperol Negroni

The Aperol Negroni is also known as the “Contessa”. This version replaces two of the ingredients found in a Negroni. Dry vermouth stands in for sweet vermouth, and Aperol is used instead of Campari. The result is a less bitter version than a traditional Negroni and the citrus flavors are able to stand out more as a result.

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Aperol Negroni

Keyword: aperol, gin, vermouth

Ingredients

• 1 oz Aperol
• 1 oz London dry gin
• 1 oz dry vermouth
• 4 dashes orange bitters

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir.
• Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube and enjoy!

5. Aperol Ginger Fizz

While this is certainly one of the lesser-known Aperol gin drinks, it was my favorite. The bold flavors of the ginger beer and the bitters together with the gin and Aperol were SO good. Overall, the depth and range of flavors changes as you sip. I love a spicy drink, so I added a generous amount of ginger beer.

Print Recipe

Aperol Ginger Fizz

Keyword: aperol, gin

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• 0.5 oz Aperol
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• ginger beer

Instructions

• Add all ingredients (except ginger beer) to a shaker with ice.
• Shake 20-30 seconds until cold and strain into a highball glass with ice.
• Top with ginger beer, more for a spicier version.

And there you have five awesome Aperol gin cocktails to try out. Gin lovers will also enjoy these cranberry gin cocktails. If you are interested in other great drinks featuring Aperol, check out this post.

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