Aperol Sour Recipe

Creating an Aperol Sour feels like channeling my inner mixologist, blending that perfect balance of citrusy zing and smooth sophistication, all shaken and stirred into a glass of pure summer-in-a sip vibes.

I enjoy making the Aperol Sour because its flavor comes together with such perfect harmony and balance. It features the ingredients that I associate with my favorite sour cocktails: fresh lemon juice, which provides a bright punch of citrus; simple syrup, which adds just a touch of sweetness; and of course, Angostura bitters, which takes this drink to a whole new level of flavor.

If you have never added bitters to a drink before, you will be amazed at the depth of flavor that they bring.

Aperol Sour Recipe Ingredients

• Aperol: A bright, bittersweet liqueur with low alcohol content, perfect for balancing cocktails.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds a tangy, citrusy brightness, and a dose of vitamin C.
• Simple syrup: Combines water and sugar to sweeten and balance the drink’s tartness.
• Egg white: Optional protein component that adds a silky texture and frothy head.
• Angostura bitters: Aromatic bitters enhance complexity with spicy, herbal notes.

Aperol Sour Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz egg white (optional for foam)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon wheel or twist (for garnish)
• Angostura bitters (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this Aperol Sour Recipe

1. Combine in a cocktail shaker without ice:
2 oz Aperol
1 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz egg white (if using)

2. Tightly close and shake the container for about ten seconds to achieve full emulsification of the egg white.

3. Put ice cubes in the shaker.

4. Continue shaking for approximately 15 seconds until the mixture is extremely cold.

5. Pour the cocktail into a chilled glass.

6. A lemon wheel or twist may be used as a garnish, if desired.

7. For an optional decorative touch, you may add a few drops of Angostura bitters on top.

8. Relish your revitalizing Aperol Sour right away.

9. Personalize the garnish and bitters according to your taste.

10. Eat responsibly and keep any uneaten food in proper storage.

Aperol Sour Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker
2. Jigger or measuring tool
3. Citrus juicer (for fresh lemon juice)
4. Strainer
5. Chilled cocktail glass
6. Small knife or peeler (for lemon wheel or twist)
7. Spoon or dropper (for Angostura bitters, optional)
8. Ice cube tray or ice maker

FAQ

• What is Aperol?Aperol, a gleaming orange Italian aperitif, is made from a secret mixture of herbs and roots. It has a distinctive flavor that is both bitter and sweet and is lower in alcohol than most other spirits, making it a common ingredient in light, refreshing cocktails.
• Can I make this cocktail without egg white?The egg white is not mandatory. It contributes to a silky texture and foamy head on the drink, but it can be left out if you want to avoid raw egg or just prefer not to use it.
• How do I make simple syrup?To prepare simple syrup, dissolve equal parts sugar and water. Heat the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved, then cool it before use.
• What is the role of Angostura bitters in this recipe?The cocktail, when augmented with Angostura bitters, achieves something vital to the drink’s being. It adds an aromatic depth and complexity that the cocktail must possess to remain in the upper echelons of cocktaildom. Just a few dashes on top of the drink, and it takes on an elevated flavor profile. Yet, the drink’s citrusy notes are still there, and they are as prominent as ever. Why mess with a good thing?
• Can I use a different type of citrus juice?Bright, tangy flavors are the hallmark of using fresh lemon juice, but you might like to try lime juice for a different flavor angle.
• What type of glass should I use to serve an Aperol Sour?A typical serve for the Aperol Sour is in a coupe, which helps to highlight this drink’s beautiful color, but it also works quite well in a rocks glass—especially if you’d like the drink over ice.

Aperol Sour Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use Campari, not Aperol, for a bitter twist.
Instead of fresh lemon juice, use fresh lime juice for a somewhat different citrus flavor.
Substitute simple syrup with honey syrup for a more profound and sweeter flavor.
Think of aquafaba as the vegan replacement for egg whites when it comes to the foam.
If Angostura bitters cannot be found, orange bitters can supply an exceptional citrus hint.

Pro Tips

1. Dry Shake Your Cocktail: To achieve a frothy top on your Aperol Sour, especially if you’re using the egg white, perform a “dry shake” first. This means shaking all the ingredients except the ice first to emulsify the egg white, then adding ice and shaking again to chill.