Today I will talk about an exciting drink – Gin Aperol Spritz. If you know me well, you know I am all about gin cocktails in any form. Whether it is for fun with friends or a casual weekend night, mixing gin with a bitter aperitif is my go-to. Usually, I am all about Negroni with Campari, but I got curious – what if I swapped in Aperol instead? Aperol Spritz is already a summer favourite for many of us, so why not? And then I thought, let’s throw in my Rosemary Cocktail Syrup and see what happens. I love the flavours so much, and I hope you will like it too.
Note: This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for individuals at a legal drinking age (depending on your local laws).
What You’ll Need for Aperol Gin Cocktail
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Gin – Gin is a distilled alcoholic drink that gets its unique flavor from juniper berries, and therefore has a piney taste. Often includes botanicals such as coriander, citrus peels, and spices, adding more complexity to the flavour.
Aperol – Aperol is a slightly bitter Italian liqueur with a citrusy, herbal flavour, often used in cocktails like the popular Aperol Spritz. While it is easy to confuse Aperol with Campari, they are different – Aperol is lighter, less bitter, and a bit sweeter, with a bright orange colour, while Campari is darker and more intense with a deep red colour.
Rosemary Cocktail Syrup – The rosemary cocktail syrup will bring fun and herby twist to your drinks. You can mix it with your favourite cocktails (such as this one) and get ready to cool down on hot summer nights, impress friends, or just feel fancy on a weekend. Plus is so easy and simple to make.
Fancy Flavored Ice Cubes – These ice cubes are so simple and stunning, and just looking at them can work wonders. Plus, they contain your favourite herbs and fruits, completely customizable to fit your favourite drink recipes. While regular ice works fine, these pretty and flavourful ice cubes are a game-changer—trust me, you’ll want them in your freezer all the time.
Lime juice and few orange slices – Lime brings a fresh, zesty kick that balances the sweetness of Aperol, while the orange slices enhance both the flavors and colors. For an extra special touch, toss in a few dried orange pieces, if you have them around.
Sparkling water – To keep things light and bubbly, a splash of sparkling water is the perfect finishing touch, adding just the right amount of fizz without extra sugar.
Simple but cool cocktail glasses – To serve this drink right, go for simple yet stylish can glasses. I chose these simple can glasses as I they can be used for many different type of drinks (beer, soda, cocktail, juice – you name it) and are easy to maintain.
Gin Aperol Spritz
Course: DrinksDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes5
minutesTry this fun and tasty Gin Aperol Spritz cocktail - perfect for enjoying with friends. It is a drink that adds a little sparkle to your day!
Ingredients
2 oz (or 60 ml) dry gin
1 oz (or 30 ml) Aperol
1 oz (or 30 ml) rosemary cocktail syrup
lime juice (about half of small lime)
about 1/2 cup of sparking water for topping
2-3 thin slices of orange (or blood orange even better)
Directions
- Start by giving your glass a little flair—lightly wet the rim of the glass with a bit of water or just roll the half lime around the rim and roll it in sugar for a sweet, sparkly coating. Pop the glass in the fridge for at least an hour to let it chill out.
- When you are ready to assemble, grab your fancy ice cubes, and add them to your cooled glass with the orange slices.
- Pour in the gin, Aperol, lime juice, and the aromatic rosemary syrup.
- Gently stir it all together with a spoon, letting those flavors mingle.
- Finally, top it off with a splash of sparkling water for that perfect finish. If you have fresh rosemary laying around, don't be shy to add it in. It would elevate the look and flavor of the cocktail 100%. Now is time for you to sip and enjoy your refreshing drink. Cheers!
Notes
- You can substitute the Rosemary cocktail syrup with a simple syrup, BUT the flavors will not be as original.
- You can swap the rosemary cocktail syrup with tonic water (just skip the sparkling water at the end). Keep in mind, though, that any substitution will change the flavor, so it won't taste quite like the original recipe.
How to Serve This Aperol Gin Cocktail
Getting the flavours right is one thing. Serving it well? That is what takes a good drink to a great one. Here are few simple things that make all the difference for a good Gin Aperol Spritz.
Chill the glass first – This is not just for looks. A cold glass keeps the Aperol gin cocktail cool longer. Pop your glass in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes, or in the fridge for at least an hour. It is that easy.
Make the ice cubes extra special – The fancy flavoured ice cubes will make this drink extra special and beautiful. All it takes is some fruit and herbs frozen in the ice cube molds.
Add the sparkling water last, and do it gently – This keeps the fizz alive.
Garnish with intention – A fresh rosemary sprig, a thin orange slice, or even a dehydrated orange wheel makes this drink look as good as it tastes. If you have dried orange slices in your pantry, now is the moment to use them.
Gin Aperol Spritz FAQ
What does a gin Aperol spritz taste like? It is really refreshing, a bit bitter, also perfectly sweet, and fizzy. The gin adds a botanical touch that a classic Aperol Spritz with prosecco does not have. The rosemary syrup adds herby and slightly floral note that ties everything together. It is lighter and more interesting than you might expect.
What is the difference between Aperol gin and a classic Aperol Spritz? A traditional Aperol Spritz is made with prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of sparkling water. This gin Aperol version swaps the prosecco for gin, which makes the cocktail drier and more botanical. It is also lower in calories since gin has no added sugar like prosecco does.
Can I use Campari instead of Aperol? You can, but the drink will taste quite different. Campari is more bitter and more intense, with a deeper red colour. Aperol is lighter, and sweeter. If you want something closer to a Negroni spin, Campari works. If you want a lighter, summery sip, stick with Aperol.
What gin is best for a gin aperol cocktail? A dry gin with citrus or floral notes is ideal. Like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Hendrick’s. If you are new to gin, a classic London dry is a safe choice.
Can I make this without rosemary syrup? Yes. A plain simple syrup will work as a substitute, though the flavour will be less layered. You could also try a lavender syrup or a basil simple syrup for a different herby twist. Each version gives you a slightly different drink, and all of them are worth trying.
Is Aperol gin good for a party? Really good, actually. You can batch the base (gin, Aperol, syrup, lime) in a pitcher the night before and keep it cold. When guests arrive, you just pour over ice and top with sparkling water. It feels special and fancy without extra effort on your part.
Can I use tonic water instead of sparkling water? Yes! Tonic adds a nice bitterness that pairs so well with the gin and Aperol. If you go the tonic route, then skip the rosemary syrup since tonic has its own sweetness and flavour. Just keep in mind the overall taste will shift a little.
What food goes well with this cocktail? This is a beautiful aperitif-style drink, which means it pairs well with light bites. Something like bruschetta, olives, charcuterie, cheese and crackers, or a simple feta spread. It is also great alongside grilled fish or a light pasta dish in the summer.
Did You Make The Gin Aperol Recipe?
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Hi, I’m Biba, the creator of Chick in Apron! As a busy mom and food blogger, I am passionate about making cooking fun and stress-free. I share simple, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, along with helpful kitchen hacks to save you time.
So, let’s turn cooking into something you enjoy with tasty meals and handy tips to make kitchen tasks a breeze! ✨
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