With just gin, Aperol, Cointreau and Meyer lemon juice, this easy Meyer Lemon Aperol Cocktail is one you’ll want to make over and over!
This Meyer Lemon Aperol Cocktail it’s the perfect drink to slide into Spring. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to make it for any event or just a nice relaxing day at home.
I always love trying out new gin cocktail recipes and some of my favorites include my Grapefruit Gin Spritz, Hibiscus Gin Sour Cocktail, Sparkling Pomegranate Gin & Tonic, and my Fall Themed Pear Gin Rosemary Fizz.
What is a Meyer lemon?
Meyer lemons are a small, sweet hybrid, thought to be a cross between a regular lemon and a mandarin orange.
What is difference between Meyer lemons and regular lemons?
Meyer lemons are smaller than a regular lemon. Meyer lemons have deep yellow skin and dark yellow pulp. They’re much less tart than regular lemons with thinner skin that’s almost sweet. Meyer lemons taste similar to regular lemons but with a sweeter, more floral taste. the Meyer lemon has a much more fragrant rind when zested.
What is Aperol?
Aperol is an Italian bitter apéritif, an alcoholic beverage usually served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, made of rhubarb, a blend of zesty citrus, aromatic herbs and mellow vanilla. It also has a vibrant orange hue.
What main Ingredients are needed for the Meyer Lemon Aperol Cocktail?
Gin- any brand of gin will work. I like using a hood quality gin for my cocktails
Lemons- Meyer lemons are used in the recipe for a mellow tart and slight orange taste.
Aperol- aperol will give the cocktail a vibrant orange hue and accent the citrus flavors.
Orange liqueur- I use Cointreau in this cocktail as the orange liqueur. Cointreau brings depth, freshness and a bit of sweetness to the cocktail.
Bitters- orange bitters is used in this recipe to balance out the taste of a cocktail. Most cocktails have sweet and sour flavors. By adding bitter, into the mix the cocktail is given a more complete flavor profile.
How is the Meyer Lemon Aperol Cocktail made?
Add the gin, Meyer lemon juice, Aperol, Cointreau, and a dash of orange bitters to a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with enough ice to fill the shaker about half way. Cover the shaker with a lid, and shake vigorously for 15-25 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold. You want to get the cocktail as cold as possible.
Immediately strain the cocktail into a coupe glass. You don’t want the drink to get watered down, so have your glass ready.
Garnish the Meyer Lemon Aperol cocktail with a lemon slice or dehydrated lemon slice and a sprig of thyme.
Commonly Asked Questions:
Can you use fresh regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?
Yes, you can. Regular lemons will just be a bit more tart in the recipe. You may want to use a small squeeze of simple syrup if the cocktail is too tart.
Can you use Campari instead of aperol?
Campari can be used, but it is a bit stronger and more bitter than aperol. Less should be used and a simple syrup or additional Cointreau to balance the bitterness.
Looking for other lemon cocktails? Here are a few ideas:
Vodka Strawberry Lemonade Spritzers with Thyme
Meyer Lemon Aperol Cocktail
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 3 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh Meyer Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz aperol
- 1/2 oz Cointreau or any orange liqueur
- Dash of orange bitters
Garnish
- Dried Meyer lemon slice
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add gin, Meyer lemon juice, Aperol, Cointreau, and a dash of orange bitters. Fill the shaker with ice, cover with a lid, and shake vigorously for 15-25 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold.Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon slice or dehydrated lemon slice and a sprig of thyme.
