Aperol Gin Martini

The Aperol Gin Martini is a sharp, citrus-forward drink with just the right amount of bitterness and balance. Gin brings its herbal bite, Aperol adds a touch of orange and soft bitterness, and lemon juice brightens everything up. A little orange juice smooths it out, and the bitters give it depth without making it too complex. It’s crisp, a little tart, and easy to sip when you want something that feels bold but still light. An orange peel on top adds just the right touch of aroma.

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Tasting Notes

This Aperol Gin Martini leans citrusy, slightly bitter, and bright. The gin brings herbal depth, while Aperol adds a mild bitterness and a soft orange flavor that isn’t too sweet. Lemon juice gives it a clean, tart edge, balanced by the subtle sweetness of orange juice. A few dashes of orange bitters sharpen the aroma and bring the citrus notes forward. The overall flavor is crisp, refreshing, and light enough to sip, but still structured like a proper martini. The orange peel garnish gives a fresh citrus scent right from the first sip.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a shaker for this one, plus a jigger for precise measuring. A citrus press or hand juicer will help with the lemon and orange juices. Use a fine strainer to get a clean pour with no pulp. A classic martini glass or coupe is the best choice here it shows off the color and keeps the look polished. Have a small knife or peeler ready for the orange garnish. Chill your glass ahead of time so the drink stays cold longer, especially since this one doesn’t have any bubbles to refresh it mid-sip.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz Aperol
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz orange juice
• 3 dashes orange bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions

• Add the gin, Aperol, lemon juice, orange juice, and bitters to a shaker filled with ice.
• Shake for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Garnish with twisted orange peel.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh lemon and orange juice for a brighter flavor.
• Shake hard to blend citrus and chill the drink well.
• Chill the glass before serving to keep it colder longer.
• Try a floral or citrus-forward gin to pair with the Aperol.
• Add a second orange peel for extra aroma if you like it bold.
• Double strain if you want to remove pulp from citrus juices.
• Don’t skip the bitters—they sharpen the citrus and balance the sweet notes.
• Adjust lemon juice slightly if your orange juice is too sweet.

When to Serve

This Aperol Gin Martini works well as a pre-dinner drink or happy hour option. It’s bright, not too strong, and has just enough bitterness to wake up your palate. The mix of gin and Aperol feels a little more adventurous than a standard gin martini, but still easy to drink. It’s a good pick for warmer weather or citrus-themed menus. Serve it for small gatherings, cocktail night, or anytime you want something clean and colorful without going too sweet or too strong.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Gin:

• Bombay Sapphire (bright and balanced)
• Tanqueray (classic with strong juniper)
• Hendrick’s (floral and soft)
• Sipsmith (bold with citrus and spice)

Aperol:

• Aperol is the only brand, but make sure it’s fresh and unopened if possible for the best color and taste.

Similar Cocktails

• Aperol Negroni Sour
• Apricot Honey Gin Sour
• Aperol Lemon Drop
• The Sunflower
• Sour Cherry Gin Smash