This Aperol Jasmine Spritz is a refreshing and bubbly cocktail, which is made with gin and a homemade lemon simple syrup. It’s the perfect summer cocktail, ready in just a few minutes plus chilling time for the syrup.
Aperol Jasmine Spritz Ingredients
For the Lemon Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- Peeled zest of 4 lemons
- 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup water
For the Spritz:
- 12 ounces gin, chilled
- 6 ounces Aperol or Campari, chilled
- ¼ teaspoon aromatic bitters, such as Peychaud’s or Angostura (optional)
- 24 ounces seltzer, chilled
- Rosemary sprigs, for serving
- Frozen lemon wedges or ice, for serving
- Peeled lemon zest, for serving
How To Make Aperol Jasmine Spritz
- Make the Lemon Simple Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon zest, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely.
- Finish the syrup: Strain the cooled syrup, discarding the zest. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate in an airtight container for at least 1 hour until cold.
- Assemble the spritz: In a large pitcher, stir together the chilled lemon syrup, gin, Aperol, and optional bitters.
- Serve: Just before serving, top the mixture with the chilled seltzer. Add a few rosemary sprigs and some lemon zest, and stir once to combine. Pour into glasses filled with frozen lemon wedges or ice to serve.
Recipe Tips
- How to make this ahead of time? The lemon simple syrup can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the fridge. The cocktail base (syrup, gin, Aperol, and bitters) can be mixed up to one day ahead and refrigerated. Add the seltzer and garnishes just before serving.
- Can I use Campari instead of Aperol? Yes, the recipe notes that Campari is a great substitute. Aperol is generally sweeter and has a lower alcohol content, while Campari is more bitter and has a deeper red color.
- What’s the best way to serve a spritz? For the most refreshing experience, make sure all your ingredients, including the gin, Aperol, and seltzer, are well-chilled. Serving in a large wine glass with plenty of ice is classic.
- How to get the best lemon flavor in the syrup? Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest from the lemons in long strips, trying to avoid as much of the white pith as possible, as it can be bitter.
What To Serve With an Aperol Jasmine Spritz
This is a classic aperitif cocktail that pairs wonderfully with light, salty snacks.
- A bowl of mixed olives
- A simple cheese and charcuterie board
- Lightly salted potato chips or crackers
- Small bites like prosciutto-wrapped melon
How To Store Aperol Jasmine Spritz
- Refrigerate: The finished spritz is best enjoyed immediately while it is bubbly. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge but will lose their carbonation. The un-carbonated cocktail base and the simple syrup can be stored separately in the refrigerator.
Aperol Jasmine Spritz Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 28g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Both are Italian bitter aperitifs. Aperol is bright orange, has a lower alcohol content, and a sweeter, more approachable flavor profile with notes of orange. Campari is a deep red, more bitter, and has a higher alcohol content.
To ensure maximum fizziness, add the chilled seltzer at the very last moment, just before you serve. Stir it in gently only once to combine, as over-stirring will cause it to lose its bubbles more quickly.
Yes. A good ratio for a single serving is 2 ounces of the gin and syrup mixture, 1 ounce of Aperol, and a 3-4 ounce top-up of seltzer.
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Aperol Jasmine Spritz Recipe
Description
A refreshing and bubbly citrus cocktail with gin, Aperol, and a homemade lemon simple syrup, perfect for summer sipping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Syrup: Boil sugar, lemon zest, and water until the sugar dissolves. Cool, then strain and stir in the lemon juice. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Assemble: In a large pitcher, stir together the chilled syrup, gin, Aperol, and bitters.
- Serve: Just before serving, top with the chilled seltzer and add the garnishes. Pour into ice-filled glasses.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- This is a perfect batch cocktail for a party or gathering.
- Don’t be afraid to be generous with the ice to keep the drink perfectly chilled.
- The recipe is easily adaptable with Campari instead of Aperol for a more bitter flavor profile.