Aperol Gin Cocktail with Grapefruit

Name: Aperol Gin Cocktail with Grapefruit
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 ounces gin; 1 ounce aperol; 1 ounce grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed); 1/2 ounce simple syrup; 4 ounces grapefruit flavored sparkling water

This beautiful bright orange Aperol Gin Cocktail with Grapefruit will transport you to a sundrenched, breezy patio off the coast of Italy. It was inspired by the popular Aperol spritz, but this La Croix cocktail contains gin instead of prosecco which gives it a higher alcohol content and more herbaceous flavor.

Gin lovers will also enjoy my refreshing French Gimlet cocktail recipe as well – try it for your next happy hour!

A glass of an orange colored cocktail with gin and aperol. A bottle of aperol and a sliced grapefruit are on the side of the cocktail with a blue cloth.

Drinks with Aperol have been treading recently, so I wanted to create a cocktail with it. Aperol and soda is a classic combination and I love mixing gin and La Croix so the drink all started there.

This cocktail is similar to an Aperol spritz without prosecco. The vibrant color and bittersweet taste of this gin and Aperol beverage will be the star of your next party.

Ingredients Needed for Gin Aperol Cocktails

Gin, Aperol, soda water, and grapefruit juice combine to make a unique sipper that can be enjoyed any time of year. This is one of the best Aperol cocktails I’ve tried because the bitter grapefruit and sweet simple syrup pair well with aperol flavors of rhubarb, orange, and herbs.

Aperol
Gin
Grapefruit sparkling water
Simple syrup
Grapefruit juice

Ingredients needed to make this cocktail: a bottle of gin, aperol, la croix sparkling water, simple syrup, and a fresh grapefruit are sitting on a blue cloth. — Ingredients: gin, Aperol, grapefruit sparkling water, simple syrup, and fresh grapefruit

How to Make an Aperol Gin Cocktail

You don’t even need a cocktail shaker to make this quick and easy grapefruit gin cocktail with Aperol. Mix the cocktail right in the glass. Since this drink contains sparkling soda water you shouldn’t shake it.

First, cut open the grapefruit and squeeze fresh grapefruit juice. Bonus: grapefruit is fun to snack on while you make this drink and imagine your next trip to Italy!

Next, add ice cubes, Aperol and gin to a glass. Then pour fresh grapefruit juice and simple syrup into the glass. Stir gently and taste. You may want to add more simple syrup or grapefruit juice based on your flavor preference.

Sip your grapefruit gin cocktail (preferably on a patio in Italy) and enjoy!

An overhead image looking into a glass of an orange colored aperol gin cocktail with ice cubes. A bottle of aperol and a sliced grapefruit are on the side of the cocktail.

FAQs

What is Aperol?

Aperol is a bright orange Italian apéritif that has a low alcohol content . Apéritifs are meant to stimulate the appetite and are typically consumed before a meal. Aperol tastes like a combination of rhubarb, orange, and bitter herbs.

What is simple syrup?

Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener. It is made by dissolving sugar in water. You can buy premade simple syrup or it can easily be made at home. If you make your own simple syrup consider adding fruit or herbs to make a flavored simple syrup.

Variations

Campari is another popular Italian aperitif that you can use in replacement of Aperol. Campari has strong bittersweet flavors of orange, cherry, cinnamon, and clove. Aperol is slightly sweeter than Campari and has a lower alcohol content.
If you don’t want to use grapefruit, try fresh squeezed orange juice instead.
You can substitute vodka instead of gin, if you would prefer.

A brightly colored Aperol Gin Cocktail with a grapefruit cut in half and a bottle of aperol are on a wooden table.

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