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    Home » Drinks and Cocktails

    Easy Aperol Vodka Martini Cocktail

    Published: Mar 14, 2023 by Melissa · This post contains links that pay me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words "Easy Aperol Martini" in text overlay.
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words "Aperol Vodka Martini" in text overlay.
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words "Aperol Vodka Martini" in text overlay.
    Pinterest image of the cocktail with the words "Aperol Vodka Martini" in text overlay.

    Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious and refreshing Aperol Vodka Martini! The combination of Aperol, vodka, lemon juice, orange juice, and orange bitters creates a beautiful orange hue and a delightful aroma. Whether you’re enjoying a happy hour with friends or relaxing at home, this Aperol cocktail will be your new favorite way to enjoy Aperol.

    Martini with a rolled orange garnish on a wood surface.
    Jump to:
    • What is Aperol?
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • FAQ
    • Related Recipes
    • Aperol Vodka Martini Cocktail Recipe

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Refreshing: This Aperol Martini is a refreshing and unique bittersweet Aperol cocktail thanks to the citrus juices that balance out the other flavors.
    • Versatile: It’s a versatile cocktail that can be served as an aperitif before a meal or as a light and refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot day.
    • Easy to make: Aperol Martini is an easy-to-make cocktail that requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it a perfect choice for home bartenders.

    What is Aperol?

    Aperol is a popular Italian aperitif made from bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb, and an array of herbs and spices. It has a bright orange color and a unique flavor that is both refreshing and complex.

    It is a key ingredient in classic cocktails, like the Aperol Spritz or Paper Plane Cocktail. It’s also substituted in many Campari drinks for those that want a sweeter bitter orange flavor, such as with an Aperol Negroni, which is a variation of the classic negroni that combines equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, along with Aperol in place of Campari.

    Ingredient Notes

    Ingredients for the cocktail spread out on a wood surface.
    • Aperol: This sweet orange and bitter liqueur is the star ingredient providing distinct bitter-sweet flavors to the cocktail. 
    • Vodka: It provides the drink with the majority of the alcohol content without adding any additional flavors that might compete with the Aperol. The clean and crisp taste of vodka helps to balance the sweetness and bitterness of the other ingredients.
    • Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy and refreshing acidity to the Aperol Martini, which helps to balance the sweetness of the Aperol and orange juice. The acidity also provides bright flavors, making it more refreshing and zesty.
    • Orange juice: This adds a fresh and fruity sweetness to the Aperol Martini, which helps to balance the bitter notes of the Aperol and the tartness of the lemon juice. The orange juice also compliments the flavor of the Aperol, enhancing the orange citrus notes.
    • Orange bitters: This adds a complex layer of flavor and aroma to the cocktail. The orange bitters provide a subtle bitterness that goes well with the bitterness of the Aperol, while also adding a floral and fruity note that enhances the flavor of the orange juice.
    • Orange garnish: You can use an orange peel or orange slice for a pretty and flavorful garnish option.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Steps 1 and 2 showing adding the vodka and Aperol to the cocktail shaker.

    Steps 1-2: Add the vodka and Aperol to a cocktail shaker. 

    Steps 3 and 4 showing adding the lemon and orange juice.

    Step 3-4: Add the lemon and orange juice.

    Steps 5 and 6 showing adding orange bitters and shaking the cocktail.

    Step 5-6: Add orange bitters and ice. Shake until well chilled.

    Steps 7 and 8 showing straining the cocktail into a glass and garnishing with a rolled orange peel.

    Step 7-8: Strain into a martini (or coupe) glass and garnish with an orange peel.

    Expert Tips

    • Chill your martini glass before using it helps to keep the cocktail at the optimal temperature, which enhances the flavor and aroma of the drink. You can chill your glass by filling it with ice and water before making the cocktail. Discard the ice and water before pouring the cocktail into the glass.
    • Store Aperol in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Refrigerating Aperol extends its shelf life. Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering and oxidizing the contents, which can cause the flavor to degrade over time.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • For a more bitter cocktail, use Campari instead of Aperol. Campari is much drier than Aperol, so you may want to increase the orange juice or add a touch of simple syrup to balance the drink with the Campari.
    • If you prefer gin martinis, you can substitute gin for vodka. 
    • If you don’t have orange bitters on hand, regular aromatic bitters would work just fine. 
    • If you don’t have lemons on hand, lime juice will also work.
    Rolled orange garnish with a cocktail pick sitting on the side of the glass.

    FAQ

    Can I make a batch of Aperol Martini cocktails?

    Yes, you can make a batch of Aperol Vodka Martinis if you want to serve them at a party or gathering. See recipe notes for more about batching this cocktail. 

    Can I make a batch in advance?

    Yes, you can make a batch of Aperol Vodka Martinis in advance, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure the cocktails stay fresh and flavorful. Here are 4 tips for making a batch of Aperol Vodka Martinis in advance:

    1. Mix the cocktail in a large container such as a pitcher or punch bowl, but don’t add ice until just before serving.
    2. Once the cocktail is mixed, cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It can be made up to one day in advance. 
    3. Stir cocktail very well just prior to serving. 
    4. Serve in chilled cocktail glasses to ensure the cocktail is optimal temperature. 
    Martini on wood surface with a bottle of aperol and citrus halves in the background.

    Related Recipes

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      Aperol Moscow Mule Cocktail
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    Did you love this cocktail?
    Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating & review in the comments below.
    Reviews will help others find this recipe! 

    Martini with a rolled orange garnish on a wood surface.

    Aperol Vodka Martini Cocktail Recipe

    Melissa
    Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious and refreshing Aperol Vodka Martini! The combination of Aperol, vodka, lemon juice, orange juice, and orange bitters creates a beautiful orange hue and a delightful aroma.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Aperitif, Drinks and Cocktails
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 1 cocktail

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ ounces vodka
    • 1 ounce Aperol
    • 1 ounce lemon juice
    • ½ ounce orange juice
    • 3-4 dashes orange bitters
    • Orange peel for garnish (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Add the vodka, Aperol, juices, and orange bitters to a cocktail shaker.
    • Add ice and shake until well chilled.
    • Strain into a glass and garnish with orange peel, if desired.

    Notes

    For a batch of 8 martinis:
    • 1 ½ cups vodka
    • 1 cup aperol
    • 1 cup lemon juice
    • ½ cup orange juice
    • 20 dashes of orange bitters
     
    1. Mix the cocktail in a large container such as a pitcher or punch bowl.
    2. Once the cocktail is mixed, cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It can be made up to one day in advance. 
    3. Stir the cocktail very well just prior to serving. 
    4. Serve in chilled cocktail glasses to ensure the cold is optimal temperature. You can add ice to the pitcher right before serving, but this will dilute the end result.
    5. Allow guests to garnish their drinks with orange peels or orange slices. 
     
     
    CLICK TO DISPLAY NUTRITION INFO

    Nutrition

    Calories: 193kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 58mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg
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