If you’re searching for a cocktail that’s bright, bitter, and beautifully balanced, the gin Aperol cocktail deserves a spot in your glass. This drink combines the zesty citrus of Aperol with the herbal complexity of gin, offering a vibrant alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a sunset aperitivo, or just want something refreshing without being overly sweet, the gin Aperol cocktail delivers. It’s:
- Quick to mix
- Easy to customize
- Surprisingly elegant with just a few ingredients
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a gin Aperol cocktail at home, get tips from Chef Lucas Benette, and explore creative variations that’ll keep your happy hour feeling fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Gin Aperol Cocktail
This cocktail has a little bit of everything: botanical depth from the gin, citrus bite from Aperol, and a silky, slightly bitter finish that’s perfect for warm weather sipping.
Here’s why it stands out:
Bittersweet Balance
The orange and rhubarb notes in Aperol pair beautifully with gin’s herbal complexity. It’s light enough for daytime, bold enough for cocktail hour.
Fast and Fuss Free
No syrups or specialty tools required. With just a shaker, a strainer, and three main ingredients, you’ll have a pro level drink in minutes.
Endlessly Customizable
Want it sparkling? Add soda. Prefer grapefruit over orange? Easy swap. This drink plays well with herbs, citrus, and a variety of gins.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Serve it with tapas, at a picnic, or during your next dinner party. It’s festive without being fussy and definitely Instagram worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making a gin Aperol cocktail is all about simplicity and balance. You only need a few ingredients to get a bold, zesty drink with a smooth herbal finish. It’s easy to scale up for a party or mix solo for a relaxing moment at home.
Core Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin Choose a dry gin with citrus or floral notes
- 1 oz Aperol Bright orange Italian aperitif with bitter and sweet flavors
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon or lime juice Adds acidity and freshness
- Ice For shaking or stirring
- Optional: Splash of soda water or tonic, if you want a lighter drink
Garnish Options:
- Orange twist or wheel Classic and aromatic
- Lemon slice Enhances the citrus bite
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) Adds complexity and visual appeal
Glassware Recommendations:
- Coupe or Nick & Nora glass for a classy, stirred version
- Highball or rocks glass if you’re topping with soda or ice
Ingredient Notes:
- A London Dry gin (like Tanqueray or Beefeater) will keep it clean and crisp
- Prefer a fruitier profile? Try a grapefruit-forward gin or even a floral gin like Hendrick’s
- Aperol is lower in alcohol than most spirits, making this drink refreshing without being too strong
Chef Lucas Benette’s Cocktail Tip: Balance Is Everything
According to Chef Lucas Benette, a great gin Aperol cocktail is all about harmony. Because both gin and Aperol are bold on their own, getting the proportions and garnish just right is what turns a good drink into a truly refreshing experience.
“Let the gin shine without letting the Aperol overwhelm it,” Lucas says. “And don’t forget the garnish it’s not just for looks.”
Here are his top tips for nailing the perfect balance:
1. Dial in the Proportions
Lucas recommends starting with a 1.5:1 ratio of gin to Aperol, then adjusting based on your preference:
- Like it bolder? Add more gin.
- Want it more mellow and sweet? Add a splash more Aperol or a bit of soda water.
2. Use Fresh Citrus
“Bottled lemon juice flattens the drink. Fresh juice gives it life.”
Squeeze your lemon or lime just before mixing. It lifts the botanicals and balances Aperol’s sweetness with natural acidity.
3. Garnish with Purpose
Chef Lucas always finishes with an orange twist not just for the look, but for the essential oils it releases.
How to do it:
- Twist the peel over the glass to release oils
- Rub it along the rim of the glass
- Drop it in or hang it on the rim for style
Bonus Tip: Herb It Up
If you’re feeling adventurous, drop in a sprig of rosemary or thyme. It complements the gin and adds a nose of earthy freshness.
How to Make a Gin Aperol Cocktail (Step by Step)
This cocktail is as easy as it is elegant. Whether you’re shaking things up for a dinner party or winding down solo, this gin Aperol cocktail is fast, flexible, and full of flavor.
Here’s how to make it in under 5 minutes:
Ingredients (Single Serving):
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz Aperol
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon or lime juice
- Ice
- Optional: splash of soda water or tonic
- Orange twist or lemon wheel, for garnish
Step by Step Instructions:
1. Chill your glass
- Place your glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water for 5 minutes while you prep.
2. Combine in a shaker
- Add gin, Aperol, citrus juice, and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker.
3. Shake well
- Shake for 15–20 seconds, until the shaker feels cold.
4. Strain into a glass
- Discard ice water if chilling your glass
- Strain cocktail into a chilled coupe, Nick & Nora, or rocks glass over fresh ice
5. Garnish and enjoy
- Twist an orange peel over the top, rub it around the rim, and drop it in
- Add a sprig of rosemary or a lemon wheel if desired
- Optionally top with a splash of soda water or tonic for a longer, lighter drink
Pro Tip: Want it extra cold? Stir the cocktail over ice instead of shaking for a smoother finish great with more delicate gins.
Flavor Variations and Pairing Table
The beauty of the gin Aperol cocktail lies in how easily it can be personalized. Whether you’re in the mood for something lighter, more herbal, or extra citrusy, these simple swaps will give you a whole new twist on the classic.
Flavor Variations
| Variation | Ingredient Swap or Add On | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Herbal Twist | Add rosemary or thyme sprig | Earthy and aromatic |
| Citrus Boost | Use grapefruit juice instead of lemon | Tangy and slightly bitter |
| Sparkling Spritz | Add splash of soda or tonic water | Light, fizzy, and refreshing |
| Stronger Punch | Increase gin to 2 oz | Bolder and more spirit forward |
| Sweeter Sip | Add a dash of honey syrup | Mellow and smooth |
Food Pairings
This cocktail pairs especially well with savory bites and light snacks, making it ideal for brunch, appetizers, or aperitivo hour.
| Food Item | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Marinated olives | Briny saltiness balances bitter notes |
| Goat cheese crostini | Creaminess cuts through citrus and gin |
| Shrimp skewers | Fresh seafood matches herbaceous gin |
| Grilled peaches | Sweet + citrus contrast complements Aperol |
| Prosciutto and melon | Sweet salty bite enhances citrus finish |
Tip: Serve on a platter with citrus slices and rosemary sprigs for a complete sensory spread.
FAQs About the Gin Aperol Cocktail
1. Does Aperol go well with gin?
Yes Aperol pairs beautifully with gin. The citrusy, bittersweet flavor of Aperol complements the herbal, botanical notes of gin, creating a well balanced cocktail that’s both refreshing and complex. The combination works especially well when finished with a splash of citrus juice or soda.
2. What cocktail is gin Campari Aperol?
A cocktail that includes gin, Campari, and Aperol is often a bold, bitters forward variation of the Negroni or a creative riff on an aperitivo style drink. While not traditional, mixing both Aperol and Campari with gin can produce a layered drink with extra bitterness and depth. Add sweet vermouth and stir over ice for a more Negroni style version.
3. What mixes well with Aperol?
Aperol mixes well with a wide variety of ingredients, including:
- Gin For a stronger, more herbaceous cocktail
- Prosecco The base of a classic Aperol Spritz
- Soda water or tonic For a light, fizzy finish
- Citrus juice Lemon, lime, or grapefruit add zing
- Sparkling wine or rosé For a bubbly twist
Its versatility makes it great for both simple and complex cocktails.
4. How to make an Aperol Gin Sour?
To make an Aperol Gin Sour, shake the following ingredients with ice:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz Aperol
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- (Optional) 1 egg white for froth
Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist or dehydrated citrus slice. It’s a vibrant, frothy, and well balanced sour with a lovely color and a gentle bitterness.
Final Thoughts on This Vibrant, Versatile Drink
The gin Aperol cocktail brings together the best of both worlds herbal gin and bitter sweet Aperol in one striking glass. It’s easy to mix, elegant to serve, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a gin lover looking for something new or an Aperol fan ready to branch out from spritzes, this cocktail is a must try.
And with a few expert tips from Chef Lucas Benette, you can master it with confidence then make it your own.
Try it with:
- Fresh herbs
- A grapefruit twist
- A splash of soda or tonic
- Your favorite citrus forward gin
