Easy Aperol Vodka Martini Cocktail

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 cocktail will be your new favorite way to enjoy Aperol.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• 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: An 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

• 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 other flavors. 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 1-2: Add the vodka and Aperol to a cocktail shaker. 

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

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

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 the bottle 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.

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 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. 

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