If you are a gin lover, this drink is for you! This Aperol Gin Cocktail is a refreshing sipper filled with gin, cucumber, lime and a splash of Aperol. This easy to make drink is not only gorgeous but only uses 5 ingredients and can be made in 5 minutes!
Looking for a new way to use Aperol? Look no further than this beautiful Aperol Gin Cocktail. Refreshing lime and cucumber pair perfectly with the bitter notes of Aperol and is our favorite aperitif for any dinner party.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Do you have a half-used bottle of Aperol laying around? Try this drink! It's the perfect cocktail if you are exploring other ways to use Aperol besides the classic Aperol Spritz.
- Gin and Aperol are a beautiful match! The floral notes of a good gin paired with the bitterness of Aperol balance each other beautifully.
- Cucumber and lime juice help balance the tartness of the Aperol and make it super refreshing. Plus the color is seriously eye-catching.
Ingredients
As with most of our cocktails, the ingredient list is short. When you have a recipe with so few things in it be sure you use the highest quality you can!
Ingredient Notes:
- Gin: This particular gin and aperol cocktail pairs really well with Hendrick's Gin because of its cucumber undertones, however, I've made it with both Tanqueray and Bombay gins, too. The flavor of the gin shines through so be sure to use your favorite.
- Club Soda: The quality of your mixer makes a big difference. We love to use Q Club Soda.
Instructions
Even though there are a few steps involved in this Aperol Gin Cocktail, it is definitely worth the time involved.
Muddle the cucumber slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Fill it with ice and add the gin.
Add the Aperol and lime juice.
Add the simple syrup and then shake to combine.
Strain into low ball glasses filled with ice and top with club soda.
FAQs
Aperol is an Italian aperitif that is very similar in taste to Campari but with half the alcohol.
It has a bitter flavor, so it's not something most people drink straight up or on the rocks. But the low alcohol content of Aperol makes it the perfect mixer for cocktails.
A muddler is a great bar tool to have on hand. To get the best results press the muddler down on the cut cucumber slices and twist at the same time to release the juices. Don't have a muddler? You can use a wooden spoon instead!
We always recommend using your favorite spirit in any drink recipe. This particular cocktail pairs really well with Hendrick's Gin, but believe me, I've made it with Tanqueray and Bombay gins, as well!
Absolutely! These Aperol Gin cocktails are the perfect addition to your spring party menu. Prep them ahead of time, muddle the cucumber, and serve as a batch cocktail. Just wait to add the club soda before serving, so they stay bubbly.
Expert Tips
- A muddler is a vital bar tool to have on hand when making this cocktail. It is the best way to smush the cucumber and release the juices.
- A cocktail strainer is necessary is the best way to keep the seeds in the shaker and out of your drink.
- Make sure you use fresh lime juice in this recipe, it doesn't call for a large amount but fresh makes a huge difference in taste.
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Recipe
Aperol Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 slices cucumber
- 6 ounces Gin
- 2 ounces Aperol
- 2 ounces lime juice
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- splash of club soda
- lime for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle the cucumber in the bottom of a shaker.
- Add Aperol, gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously to combine.
- Strain into 2 low ball glasses filled with ice.
- Top each glass with a splash of club soda, garnish with a lime slice and serve.
Notes
- Gin - This particular cocktail pairs really well with Hendrick's Gin, but believe me, I've made it with Tanqueray and Bombay gins, as well! The flavor of the gin shines through so be sure to use your favorite.
- Club Soda: The quality of your mixer makes a big difference. We love to use Q Club Soda
- Don't have a muddler? You can easily use a wooden spoon and get the same results!
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
This was a great recipe! Just made it!
We have made this several times now and each time we enjoy them more. Very refreshing and different and fun to make! Totally worth the effort! You are in for a treat!
This evening, I thought to myself, “I bet gin and Aperol would go great together. There must be some good recipes out there.” This is the first one I came across, and it sounded like a good start. I am drinking it right now, and it is great. Aperol gives off notes of grapefruit for me, so this drink seems reminiscent of a fruitier Salty Dog. That being said, I used only half of the simple syrup called for in this recipe, and even then I found it to be too sweet. Perhaps it’s meant to balance out the bitterness and tartness from the other ingredients, but it sticks out too much for me. I will cut it in half again next time. That is certainly a matter of preference though. Thank you for this recipe. I’m sure I’ll be making quite a few, and look forward to experimenting with some variations.