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Shake up your cocktail game with this Aperol Sour recipe! This refreshing drink is easy to make and great for any occasion. It perfectly blends citrus, botanicals, and a frothy egg white topping for a smooth and refreshing cocktail.
Looking for more delicious drinks that feature Aperol? Try my Aperol Spritz, Strawberry Aperol Spritz and Aperol Spritz Jello Shots!
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Pin ItWhy You’ll Love This Aperol Sour
It’s perfectly balanced – I’ve made a lot of sours over the years (I love experimenting—like with my Sake Cucumber Sour!), and this one is such a fun twist. It’s a little sweet, a little tart, and just the right amount of bitter. Sometimes I’ll make this instead of a classic Aperol spritz when I’m craving something citrusy and a little unexpected.
It looks super fancy, but it’s not – That frothy egg white layer makes it look like a cocktail you’d get at a trendy bar, but it’s so simple to make at home.
It’s fun to make and share – I always feel a little proud handing someone one of these—it looks impressive, and it tastes even better.
Aperol Sour Ingredient Notes
- Gin: Adds a botanical depth that complements the Aperol.
- Aperol: Brings its signature bittersweet orange flavor to the cocktail.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright and zesty kick.
- Simple Syrup: Sweetens the drink and balances the bitterness.
- Egg White: Creates that gorgeous foam on top.
- Orange Slices: For garnish and a burst of color.
How to Make an Aperol Sour
- Dry Shake: Combine all ingredients (except the orange slices) in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously without ice to create the frothy texture of the egg white.
- Shake with Ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake again until chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a coupe or rock glass.
- Garnish: Top with a dehydrated orange slice and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
Use fresh lemon juice: It makes all the difference! Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same bright, crisp flavor.
Shake it like you mean it: Don’t skip the dry shake (no ice) before shaking with ice—the egg white needs that extra movement to get beautifully frothy.
Chill your glass: Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring. It’s a small step, but it makes the drink feel extra cold and refreshing.
Make a mocktail version: Swap the Aperol for Ritual Zero Proof Aperitif and the gin for a zero-proof botanical spirit like Seedlip Grove 42 or Monday Gin. Still citrusy, bitter, and so fun to sip.
Batch the base ahead: You can mix the Aperol, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup a few hours in advance. Just shake with the egg white right before serving to get that signature froth.
Frequently Asked Questions
This cocktail shines on almost any occasion. Serve it at brunch for a citrusy twist, during a dinner party as a sophisticated aperitif, or as a happy hour treat after work.
Can I make it ahead of time? Aperol Sours are best enjoyed fresh because of the frothy egg white. However, you can pre-mix the gin, Aperol, lemon juice, and simple syrup in advance. Add the egg white and shake just before serving. This preparation option ensures you can enjoy the cocktail without the last-minute rush, making your hosting experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
If egg whites aren’t your thing, try these alternatives:
Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas works wonders as a vegan substitute. Use about 1 tablespoon per cocktail.
Foaming Bitters: These add froth without altering the flavor too much.
Aperol is a bright orange Italian aperitif with a bittersweet flavor—think citrus, rhubarb, and herbs all in one sip. It’s low in alcohol and best known for the classic Aperol Spritz. I love it for its bold color and that perfect balance of sweet and bitter—it instantly makes any drink feel like a European summer moment.
More Sour Cocktail Recipes
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Aperol Sour
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounce gin
- 3/4 ounce Aperol
- 1 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
- 1 large egg white , Optional but gives a nice creamy foam.
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except the orange slices) in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously without ice to create the frothy texture from the egg white.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a coupe.
- Top with a fresh orange slice or a dehydrated orange slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve made this Aperol Sour several times and it’s ALWAYS a hit! It’s easy and has the perfect balance of sweet and tart!