This classic Aperol sour aperitif effortlessly combines bold, bitter notes of Aperol with the zesty, citrusy kick of fresh lemon juice and agave syrup. The result is a vibrant drink, ideal for dinner parties, warm weather sipping, and more.
Tangy and sweet with bitter notes, this Aperol sour aperitif is a cocktail that delivers it all. It combines the distinct bitterness of Aperol with the bright, citrusy punch of fresh lemon juice. With a hint of sweetness from agave syrup, this Aperol cocktail is a harmonious blend that shakes up your taste buds. With its timeless appeal, the Aperol Sour is the perfect aperitif to serve a crowd.
Whether you want to wow your guests or elevate your cocktail game, the well-balanced, beautifully-hued Aperol Sour is perfect for sipping on any occasion. Cheers to a taste of Italy in every glass!
If you like a drink with Aperol for the colder season, try this hot Aperol perfect for cozy gatherings.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Classic and refreshing – The classic Aperol Sour delivers a refreshing and well-balanced flavor. It is tangy with slightly bitter notes and a hint of sweetness.
- Minimal ingredients – You only need a few ingredients to make this cocktail, making it convenient to whip up whenever you're in the mood.
- Simple preparation – This recipe is super easy to make. So, it is suited for both beginners and experienced cocktail enthusiasts.
- Versatile drink – The classic Aperol sour aperitif is a perfect choice for warm, sunny days, thanks to its bright and citrusy character. But it is also a delicious pre-dinner drink in colder seasons.
Ingredient notes
- Aperol – Use Aperol specifically in this recipe, as it gives the cocktail its signature taste.
- Fresh lemon juice – For the best results use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than pre-packaged lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice has a brighter and more vibrant flavor that enhances the cocktail.
- Agave syrup – The original recipe calls for simple syrup. But to make it easier and skip refined sugar, I used agave syrup in this recipe.
- Egg white – If you make the Aperol Sour with egg white for a frothy texture, ensure you use fresh, pasteurized egg whites for safety reasons.
See recipe card for quantities.
Tips & substitutions
- Chill the glasses – Chill your cocktail glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. It helps keep your Aperol Sour refreshingly cool.
- Aperol alternative – If you don't have Aperol on hand or want to experiment, you can substitute it with a similar aperitif like Campari. But Campari is much more bitter, so the resulting cocktail will have a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegan – If you prefer your drink to be vegan or are concerned about using raw eggs, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead. It foams up similarly to egg whites. Or, omit the egg white for an equally delicious drink without the foam.
- Adjust the sweetness – Like it sweet? Increase the amount of agave syrup slightly. If you prefer the Aperol sour less sweet, reduce the amount.
- Experiment with garnishes – While orange slices or lemon twists are classic garnishes, feel free to get creative. Add a sprig of fresh mint or a maraschino cherry for a different twist on presentation and flavor.
How to make an Aperol sour
Step 1: Pour Aperol into a cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Add fresh lemon juice, agave syrup, and egg white.
Step 3: Shake the mixture without ice vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This initial shake helps emulsify the egg white, creating a frothy texture.
Step 4: Add ice to the shaker, ensuring it's well-packed with ice cubes. Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake again with ice for another 10-15 seconds. Strain the Aperol Sour mixture evenly into two chilled cocktail glasses.
Step 5: Garnish each glass with an orange slice or a twist of lemon peel if you like, and serve.
Expert tip
To achieve an exceptionally velvety and frothy texture in your Aperol sour, apply the "dry shake" technique before adding ice.
Shake the ingredients vigorously for 10-15 seconds before adding ice. This helps emulsify the egg white and create a rich, frothy texture. Then add a generous amount of ice cubes and shake again. Doing this will reward you with the frothiest foam you'll ever see.
What to serve with an Aperol sour
An Aperol Sour is a refreshing cocktail that pairs well with various foods and snacks. Here are my suggestions:
- Appetizers – Light appetizers such as this sardines on toast with tomato and red onion, Moroccan Spiced hummus, or this rosemary white bean dip complement the citrusy and slightly bitter flavors of the Aperol cocktail.
- Seafood – Light and flaky seafood dishes like grilled shrimp, oysters, or seafood pasta with lemon and herbs can be excellent companions to the cocktail.
- Citrus desserts – Since the Aperol Sour has a citrusy character, serve citrus-based desserts like this grain-free orange cake bars or this orange cake with cardamon frosting.
- Light pasta and risotto – A simple pasta dish like this oven-roasted cherry tomato pasta, roasted pumpkin pasta, or a lemony risotto is a great choice to enjoy alongside the cocktail.
- Sushi and sashimi – Sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes with clean, fresh flavors can be an excellent match for the Aperol Sour.
- Finger foods – If you're hosting a casual gathering, consider serving finger foods like sliders, these air fryer chicken skewers, or mini tacos.
- Fresh fruit – Aperol Sours go wonderfully with fresh, ripe fruit. Serve it with this stone fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Light salads – This smoked salmon cucumber salad with lemon herb vinaigrette and roasted red pepper salad is a delicious dish to the refreshing cocktail.
Recipe FAQs
While the classic Aperol Sour uses lemon juice, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or grapefruit to create variations in flavor.
Aperol is less bitter and has a distinct bitter orange flavor. Campari, on the other hand, is more bitter with a stronger herbal taste. You can substitute Campari for Aperol, but the resulting drink will taste different.
Using egg white is optional. If you prefer not to use it, you can make an Aperol Sour without it. It will still be delicious. Alternatively, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as a vegan alternative to create a frothy texture.
Use standard ice cubes made from filtered water. You'll need enough ice to fill your cocktail shaker when shaking, and you can also include ice in the serving glasses for a refreshing touch.
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???? Recipe
Aperol Sour Aperitif
Ingredients
- 100 ml Aperol
- 60 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml agave syrup
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the Aperol, fresh lemon juice, agave syrup, and the egg white.
- Shake the mixture without ice vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This initial shake helps emulsify the egg white, creating a frothy texture.
- Add ice to the shaker, ensuring it's well-packed with ice cubes. Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake again with ice for another 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the Aperol Sour mixture evenly into two chilled cocktail glasses. Garnish each glass with an orange slice or a twist of lemon peel if you like, and serve.
Notes
- Aperol alternative – If you don't have Aperol on hand or want to experiment, you can substitute it with a similar aperitif like Campari. But Campari is much more bitter, so the resulting cocktail will have a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegan – If you prefer your drink to be vegan or are concerned about using raw eggs, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead. It foams up similarly to egg whites. Or, omit the egg white for an equally delicious drink without the foam.
- Adjust the sweetness – Like it sweet? Increase the amount of agave syrup slightly. If you prefer the Aperol sour less sweet, reduce the amount.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only calculated with the recipe calorie and nutrition calculator provided by verywellfit.com. The author of this website is not a nutritionist nor a doctor. All nutritional data provided in the recipes and correspondent blog posts are for informational purposes only. Do not use the information as nutritional or medical advice.
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