A Citrusy Gin and Aperol Cocktail
This is a four ingredient cocktail recipe that comes together in no time. It makes two small cocktails, about three ounces each, and it’s perfect to serve before dinner parties, at brunch, or as a kickoff to happy hour.
I love this drink. It’s an Aperol gin cocktail that doesn’t require any fancy techniques, syrups, or garnish. Four ingredients, shake it for 30 seconds, and you’re set. 🙂
This cocktail was created as a riff of the Jasmine cocktail, which uses Campari instead of Aperol, and also uses more lemon juice. While I love a citrus-y, tart cocktail more than anything, my fiance does not. I toned down the lemon from the original recipe, and found that I actually enjoyed it quite a bit more. I also keep a bottle of Aperol on hand because I find it so friendly to use in a variety of cocktails. Thus, with these swaps and adjustments, the Winter Jasmine Cocktail was born.
Ingredients for two Winter Jasmine Cocktails:
- 3 oz. London Dry Gin (such as Beefeater, Tanqueray, or your favorite)
- 1 oz. fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz. Aperol
- 1/2 oz. Naranja Orange Liqueur (or Cointreau)
What is London Dry Gin?
London Dry is a specific style of gin. To qualify as a London Dry style, no flavors or sweeteners can be added to the gin after it is distilled. All of the botanical notes (like juniper, pine, etc.) are a part of the gin from the beginning, rather than added in and adjusted later. Some gins are altered with different flavors and sweeteners right before they are bottled, but those gins do not qualify as London Dry.
Gins have so many botanical ingredients that contribute to their flavor profiles, and these are no exception. You’ll taste a lot of juniper in the Beefeater gin, and a little more pine in the Tanqueray gin. Either one works for this recipe, but any London Dry gin will work, especially if you have a favorite.
What is Aperol?
Aperol is an bright orange / pink Italian liqueur that has an interesting combination of bitter, citrus-y (mainly orange), and herbal notes. It is considered an “aperitif”, or a before dinner drink. This Winter Jasmine Cocktail is also a perfect aperitif: it’s a small cocktail with plenty of citrus flavors, and it’s easy to drink! Like I mentioned before, I think Aperol is a great mixer for so many cocktails, and I really love it in this Paper Plane Cocktail, too!
Are Aperol and Campari the same thing?
In short, no, they’re not. While they are both brightly colored Italian liqueurs, Campari is far more bitter and concentrated, and is famous for its integral role in a classic Negroni cocktail. Aperol is far less bitter, more citrus and rhubarb flavored, and a more easy-going aperitif in general.
What is Naranja Orange Liqueur?
Naranja Orange Liqueur is a high quality version of triple sec. Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur used in margaritas (and many other cocktails), and one of the most popular brands is Cointreau. Narnaja is very similar to Cointreau, but it comes from Mexico, as Cointreau comes from France. I personally like to use Naranja Orange Liqueur in all of my margaritas because I think it is one of the best versions of triple sec, but any triple sec will work for this recipe!
How to Make the Winter Jasmine Cocktail:
- Pour the lemon juice into an empty cocktail shaker.
- Pour in the gin.
- Pour in the Aperol.
- Pour in the Naranja Orange Liqueur.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into two chilled, small coupe glasses. Garnish with orange twist or dehydrated orange wheel.
Other Cocktails to Try:
Sparkling Pomegranate and Gin Cocktail
Fresh Skinny Blackberry Margaritas
I hope you love this cocktail! Keep in mind that it does make a small cocktail, so feel free to have a couple of them. 🙂 If you make them and love them, I would really appreciate a comment below! Feel free to tag me on Instagram if you post a picture of them, too. As always, I’m available via email if you have any specific questions. Cheers!
Winter Jasmine Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 2 Small Coupe Glasses chilled
Ingredients
- 3 oz. London Dry Gin
- 1 oz. fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz. Aperol
- 1/2 oz. Naranja Orange Liqueur or another orange liqueur
Instructions
- Pop the glasses in the freezer for five minutes before serving.
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice, tightly seal with the lid, and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glasses. Garnish with an orange twist or dehydrated orange slice.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
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Comments & Reviews
Wonderful!! unique cute little cocktailw e loved it!