Aperol Blood Orange Sour

The Aperol Blood Orange Sour is a fresh, citrus-forward twist on the traditional sour cocktail. It highlights the bold color and tangy sweetness of blood orange, balanced by the brightness of lemon juice and the light bitterness of Aperol. An egg white adds a silky layer and frothy finish, giving the drink both texture and charm. Unlike stronger sours, this cocktail is lighter and lower in alcohol, making it a great choice when you want something balanced and refreshing without being too heavy. The Aperol Blood Orange Sour is flavorful, smooth, and perfect for relaxed sipping.

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Tasting Notes

The Aperol Blood Orange Sour brings a bold mix of sweet citrus and gentle bitterness, offering a well-balanced drink that’s both refreshing and slightly complex. The blood orange juice softens Aperol’s signature bite, while lemon adds brightness and tartness. The egg white gives it a smooth body and a frothy top that makes each sip feel full. Its flavor profile sits between juicy and herbal, with a subtle bittersweet edge that doesn’t overpower. This cocktail is ideal for those who enjoy Aperol but want a softer presentation. The finish is crisp, slightly dry, and lingers with orange and herbal notes.

Equipment and Glassware

To make an Aperol Blood Orange Sour properly, you’ll need a few tools that help create its signature texture and presentation. A cocktail shaker is essential for combining and aerating the ingredients, especially to emulsify the egg white. Use a strainer to pour the drink smoothly into the glass. A fine mesh strainer is also recommended to create a clean finish free from pulp or ice shards. For the dry shake (shaking without ice), you may want a Boston shaker or a cobbler shaker. Serve the cocktail in a coupe or Nick and Nora glass for a polished and compact pour.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Aperol
• 0.5 oz blood orange juice
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 1 egg white
• Blood orange wheel for garnish

Instructions

• Add Aperol, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and egg white to a shaker (no ice).
• Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to build a strong foam.
• Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
• Strain into a chilled glass.
• Garnish with a blood orange wheel.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed blood orange juice for the best flavor and color.
• Crack the egg white separately first to avoid shell pieces in your shaker.
• A dry shake is crucial, do it long enough to build a good foam.
• Double strain to keep the texture silky and remove pulp or ice bits.
• Chill your glassware beforehand to maintain temperature and structure.
• Use a large, firm piece of ice when shaking for better aeration.
• Let the cocktail sit for a few seconds before serving to let foam settle.
• Avoid over-shaking with ice to preserve foam thickness.
• Garnish last, placing it gently to avoid breaking the foam.
• For a stronger citrus profile, add a dash of orange bitters.

When to Serve

The Aperol Blood Orange Sour is a great choice for early evening gatherings, cocktail hours, or casual dinner parties. It’s light enough for warmer weather yet structured enough to stand on its own year-round. The citrus and herbal qualities make it appealing before a meal, while the balanced bitterness works well after lighter fare. Its vibrant color and foamy texture also make it visually impressive for guests. Whether you’re looking to start the night on a refreshing note or want a low-proof drink to close it out, this cocktail fits a wide range of occasions without being too strong or too sweet.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Aperol
• Sanpellegrino Blood Orange (for juice substitute)
• Volcano Lemon Juice
• Fee Foam (as egg white alternative)
• Scrappy’s Orange Bitters (optional enhancement)

Similar Cocktails

• Aperol Fizz
• Matcha Gin Sour
• Aperol Negroni Sour
• Frangelico Sour
• Fanta Aperol Spritz