Italian Cocktails
Aperol Sour
The short answer
The Aperol Sour is a bright, low-alcohol cocktail featuring a silky foam head and a citrusy, bittersweet flavor. It offers a more velvety and concentrated aperitivo experience than the more common Aperol Spritz.
- Style
- Bright, foamy, 12% ABV
- Glass
- Coupe glass
- Strength
- Approximately 10% to 14%
Where it comes from
The Sour is one of the oldest families of cocktails, dating back to the 19th century. This modern Italian adaptation uses Aperol, a bright orange liqueur from Padua, to create a lighter, more floral version of the classic drink.
What you need
- 45 ml (1.5 oz) Aperol
- 22.5 ml (0.75 oz) Fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml (0.5 oz) Simple syrup
- 1 Egg white (or aquafaba)
- Orange peel for garnish
How Larry builds it
- 01
Dry Shake. Combine all ingredients in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously to emulsify the egg white and create a thick foam.
- 02
Wet Shake. Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker and shake again for 10-15 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.
- 03
Strain and Serve. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass and express an orange peel over the surface for aroma before garnishing.
Larry’s rule: Dry shake first, then with ice. The foam is the whole point.
Variations worth making
Aperol Gin Sour
Adds a half-ounce of gin to the recipe to increase the alcohol content and add botanical complexity.
Spicy Aperol Sour
Muddle one or two slices of jalapeño in the shaker before adding other ingredients for a hint of heat.
Questions people ask
Why use egg white in a sour?
The egg white provides a rich, creamy texture and a thick foam head that softens the drink's acidity and enhances its mouthfeel.
Can I make an Aperol Sour vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the egg white with approximately 20 ml (0.75 oz) of aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas.
Is Aperol very alcoholic?
Aperol is relatively low in alcohol, usually around 11% ABV, which makes the Aperol Sour a lighter cocktail choice.
Why is shaking without ice (a dry shake) important?
The dry shake allows the proteins in the egg white to emulsify without being diluted by melting ice, creating a much richer and more stable foam.
What to eat with it
Mix it like Larry
The shakers, jiggers and glasses behind this drink.
Mixology 15-Piece Bartender Kit with StandView on Amazon →
BARE BARREL 14-Piece Cocktail Shaker SetView on Amazon →
KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set with StandView on Amazon →
Japanese-Style Double Jiggers, 2-PackView on Amazon →
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Order Aperol Sour with sausage and peppers at the spots on Larry’s lists:
More from Italian Cocktails
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