Aperol Sour
Move aside Aperol Spritz. Your time is over, its now time for a new Aperol serve shaking up the industry - The Aperol Sour.
The Aperol Spritz has had its time in the sun (quite literally, as it’s a classic summer cocktail) and it’s now time for the Aperol Sour. The beauty of Aperol is you can really have some fun with it. It’s not just a one trick pony. A perfect example is this Aperol Sour.
Recently I shared the recipe for an Averna Sour. Which was a bitter twist on the classic whisky sour. Related to that is something much more sweeter, fresh and light. The Aperol sour. So the two work hand in hand. If this is to sweet for you or just not your cup of tea, try the Averna sour and see what you think.
What is Aperol?
Aperol, the vibrant orange-hued liqueur from Italy, renowned for its unique flavor profile and refreshing appeal.
The Origins
Aperol was first crafted in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers in Padua, the Venetian region of Italy. Inspired by an old Barbieri family recipe, the brothers sought to create a light and spirited aperitif. Aperol quickly gained popularity, especially during the post-war period, with its distinct flavor and stylish branding.
The Flavor Profile
Aperol stands out for its unique bittersweet taste that combines herbal, citrusy, and fruity notes. The recipe features a harmonious blend of bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and various aromatic herbs and spices. This remarkable combination creates a complex flavor palette that is simultaneously bitter, tangy, and subtly sweet.
The low alcohol content, around 11% by volume, makes Aperol an ideal choice for aperitivo, as it stimulates the appetite without overpowering the senses. The inclusion of vibrant orange adds a visual appeal, making it synonymous with sunshine and leisure.
Popular Uses
Aperol's versatility has been seen being incorporated into classics like the Negroni, adding a fruitier profile to the traditional bitter concoction. Its natural synergy with sparkling wines and fruit juices opens the doors to creative mixing possibilities, appealing to both novice and seasoned cocktail enthusiasts.
But by far, the most iconic drink featuring Aperol is undoubtedly the Aperol Spritz…
Aperol Spritz
An Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail that has grown in popularity over the years. With its beautiful orange color and bittersweet taste, it's the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot summer day or as a pre-dinner aperitif. Here's how you can make your very own Aperol Spritz:
Ingredients:
2 oz (60 ml) Aperol
3 oz (90 ml) Prosecco
1 oz (30 ml) soda water
Ice cubes
Orange slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass or a large balloon glass with ice cubes to keep your drink chilled.
2. Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of Aperol into the glass. Aperol is a bright orange Italian liqueur made from a unique blend of herbs, roots, and bitter orange.
3. Gently pour 3 ounces (90 ml) of Prosecco into the glass. Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine known for its light and fruity flavor. It pairs perfectly with the bitterness of Aperol.
4. Top the glass off with 1 ounce (30 ml) of soda water. The soda water adds a bit of fizziness and lightness to the cocktail.
5. Give the drink a gentle stir with a long spoon or cocktail stirrer to combine the ingredients.
6. Garnish your Aperol Spritz with an orange slice.
Ingredients in the Aperol Sour
Gin
Any gin will be fine but I’d stick with a traditional London dry.
Aperol
This goes without saying, you can’t make an Aperol Sour without Aperol
Lemon Juice
You could make this with lime, but lemons freshness pairs much more beautifully with the Aperol and Gin
Sugar Syrup
Always make your own sugar syrup. I recommend a 1:1 for this recipe. To do that, just combine equal parts white sugar and water (that’s the 1:1 ratio) and bring to a boil whilst stirring. Once the sugar has dissolved, allow it to cool and bottle it up. Your sugar syrup will last about a week in a refrigerator.
Egg White
Egg white is the key to getting that thick fluffy foam on your sour. Check out the below video for more tips that you can use for a fluffy sour cocktail.
If you want to geek out about cocktail foams and the science of egg white foams, check out this article here all about cocktail foam.
Substitutions for egg whites if you’re vegans;
Chickpea Water (aquafaba)
Variations on the Aperol Sour
You could make hundreds of cocktails by simply swapping the Aperol in this recipe for another liqueur. But keeping inline with the Aperol theme, Steve the Bartender who you may of seen on YouTube, has his own Aperol Sour recipe that might be of interest to you.
His version doesn’t have any gin, and instead uses only Aperol for a much sweeter version. So if you’re not a gin fan (or just a HUGE Aperol fan, try that recipe)
Aperol Sour Tips and Tricks
Use whichever glass you want for this. Coupes make an elegant sour but I prefer to pour mine over ice for something that stays cold.
The egg white gives this Aperol Sour a smooth light texture. For something different, try it without the egg white for a velvety texture.
Once you’ve tried it once, play around with the garnishing for different looking and tasting drink. Herbs are a good go to. Thyme pairs brilliantly with the gin and Aperol and mint works well in summer.
Similar Recipes
Aperol Sour
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add everything to a cocktail shaker and shake without ice until fluffy.
- Once fluffy, add ice and shake again to chill.
- Fine strain into a coupe or over ice. Garnish how you like (tips below)
Notes
Tips for garnishing
The classic garnish for this, much like it's much more popular counterpart (the Aperol spritz) is an orange slice. But you can really have fun with it. In the above photo, the cocktail is garnished with orange and thyme. Herbs really add a sense of complexity to this cocktail. Mint is a great go to. You could also use an orange peel instead of the entire orange wedge or use something to bring out the citrus, such as a lemon peel.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
92.71Fat
0.12 gSat. Fat
0.01 gCarbs
12.55 gFiber
0.09 gNet carbs
12.46 gSugar
11.3 gProtein
3.37 gSodium
58.44 mgCholesterol
0 mgThe nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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Hi, I’m Cameron, guv’nor of Smartblend. If you liked this then you’re in luck, I have a bunch more recipes like it. I share only vegetarian and pescatarian food recipes, cocktails, and drink guides with a sprinkling of wellness and mindful drinking. If that sounds like you, then stick around!
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