Aperol, introduced in Padua, Italy in 1919, set modern day standards ahead of its time by creating a spirit with a lower alcohol content of just 11%. The trendy and easily adaptable Aperol inspired an aperitif that went on to become the signature drink of Italy; the Aperol Spritz. Even today, the Aperol Spritz continues to thrive as a classic. In a cocktail world spinning with new infusions and creations released on the market every day, a classic which has stood the test of time like Aperol should not be overlooked.
Aperol is a dark orange Italian aperitif with a sweet orange flavor. It is made from a blend of base spirit, rhubarb, chinchona, genziana and of course the best kept secret of combination herbs. While the Aperol Spritz is the clear-cut traditional Aperol cocktail to experiment with, there are of course many recipe creations to please the palate. Hendrick’s Gin fashioned the Unusual Negroni using Aperol rather than Campari giving the classic a unique spin. Various modern day mixologists have taken this pre-prohibition spirit in many flavorful directions for palate pleasing cocktails sure to delight the senses. Celebrate Prohibition Repeal Day, Saturday, December 5, with an authentic prohibition era spirit; Aperol.
Aperol Spritz
2 measures Prosecco
1 measure Aperol
Splash of Soda Water
Orange Slice Garnish
Build over fresh ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange slice if desired.
Aperol Royal
3 measures Spumante Brut
1 measure chilled Aperol
Lemon Twist Garnish
Pour chilled Aperol into a champagne flute. Top off with chilled Spumante Brut. Garnish with lemon twist spiral if desired.
Aperol Betty
2 measures Aperol
2 measures Orange Juice
1 measure Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit Slice Garnish
Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with thin slice of grapefruit on rim of glass.
Aperol Classico
1/2 measure chilled Aperol
Splash Sparkling Water
Orange Peel Garnish
Chill Aperol ahead of time. Add Aperol to chilled cocktail glass or champagne flute. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with orange peel twist.
Aperol on the Rocks
2 measures Aperol
3-4 ice cubes
Orange Slice Garnish
Place Aperol in a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a fresh orange slice. Enjoy!
Aperol Orange
1 measure Aperol
2 measures Orange Juice
Orange Slice Garnish
Build in a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange slice if desired.
Aperol Pompelmo
1 measure Aperol
2 measures Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit Wedge Garnish
Build in a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with fresh grapefruit wedge.
Aperol Vodka
2 measures Aperol
1 measure Vodka
Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass.
Rhubarb the Reindeer – created by Junior Merino
1-1/2 measure G’vine Nouaison
3/4 measure Sloe Gin
1/4 measure Aperol or a splash of Campari
1/2 measure Simple Syrup
1/2 measure Lime Juice
1/4 measure Fresh Rhubarb Juice
1-1/2 measure Berry Infused Tea
Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice.
Winter G’ubilee – created by Junior Merino
1-1/2 measure G’vine Nouaison
1/4 measure Aperol or Campari
3/4 measure Pineapple Juice
3/4 measure Pomegranate Juice
1/2 measure Simple Syrup
3/4 measure Lemon Juice
Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
G’indian Summer
2 measures G’vine Gin
3/4 measure Aperol
1 measure Pomegranate Juice
1 measure cold Green Tea
1/4 measure Simple Syrup
Orange & Lemon Slices Garnish
Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange and lemon wheels.
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