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.
The Aperol Sour is the cocktail you never knew you needed – a citrusy, tangy sip with just the right amount of froth. This drink blends Aperol’s signature bitterness with fresh lemon juice, a touch of gin, and a foamy egg white for a silky finish.
Whether hosting friends or relaxing after a long day, this cocktail is the perfect way to elevate your happy hour game any time of the year!
I’ll never forget the first time I made an Aperol Sour. It was during an impromptu “fancy cocktail” night at home. I was so focused on getting that signature frothy top that I forgot to add the Aperol.
After an overly tart sip, I realized my mistake, laughed it off, and finally got it right. It’s a go-to recipe I love sharing (and making correctly).
More delicious drinks that feature Aperol: Aperol Spritz, Strawberry Aperol Spritz and a Lingonberry Aperol Spritz.
What Is Aperol?
Aperol is a vibrant orange Italian aperitif known for its bittersweet flavor, with notes of orange, rhubarb, and herbs. It’s a lower-alcohol spirit often used in cocktails like the Aperol Spritz, offering a perfect balance of citrusy and bitter flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The gin and Aperol create a harmony of bitterness and botanicals, balanced by tart lemon juice and sweet simple syrup.
Restaurant-Worthy Presentation: That frothy egg white layer makes it look straight from a high-end bar.
Quick to Make: With a few simple ingredients and two shakes (dry and with ice), you can have an impressive cocktail in under five minutes.
Aperol Sour Ingredients
- 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.
Directions
- 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: Bottled juice will give you a different brightness.
- Chill Your Glass: Pop your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring for an extra-refreshing experience.
- Shake Hard: Don’t skimp on the shaking—the egg white needs vigorous motion to froth correctly.
Substitutions for a Zero-Proof Aperol Sour
- Aperol Substitute: Use Ritual Zero Proof Aperitif for that bittersweet, citrusy flavor without the alcohol. I use this in my Aperol mocktail and it’s the perfect alternative to use.
- Gin Substitute: Swap the gin for a zero-proof gin, like Seedlip Grove 42 or Monday Gin, to maintain the botanical notes of the drink.
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.
More Sour Cocktail Recipes
Let me know if you make this delicious cocktail! Please leave a review and comment below. CHEERS!
FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!
want to save this?
Enter your email below and I’ll send it directly to your inbox!
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.
