Aperol Jasmine Spritz

5.0

(4)

A refreshing, fizzy, and fun big-batch drink that's just right for parties.

Aperol Jasmine Spritz — Credit:
Petrina Tinslay

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

10 mins

Servings:

8 to 10

A make-ahead, big-batch cocktail that's fizzy and refreshing, this delicious drink is a riff on the Jasmine, a classic gin cocktail with lemon and a dash of bitters, and the popular Aperol Spritz. It's just right for sipping before dinner on a summer's day. To make it easy on the host, you can make most of the drink ahead, then transfer it to a pitcher and add seltzer and garnishes just before serving so it stays bubbly and fresh. Claim it as your signature drink for parties this summer, it's a crowd-pleasing low-ABV drink that sets a festive tone when you're hosting.

Directions

Mix sugar, lemon zest and water for syrup:

In a saucepan, combine sugar, lemon zest, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool completely.
Strain, add lemon juice, and refrigerate:

Strain, discarding zest; stir in lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate in an airtight container until cold, at least 1 hour . Makes 2 cups.
Assemble spritz:

In a pitcher, stir together syrup, gin, Aperol, and bitters.
Top with seltzer and rosemary and zest:

Top with seltzer, add rosemary and lemon zest, and stir once to combine.
Pour into glasses, garnish, and serve:

Pour into glasses with frozen lemon wedges; serve.

Make Ahead

The whole spritz should be made when you are ready to serve it but elements can be made ahead:

The lemon simple syrup must be made ahead of time so it can cool before you make the drink. You can make it up to two weeks ahead.
The cooled syrup, gin, Aperol, and bitters can be mixed together to make the drink up to one day ahead and refrigerate.
Add seltzer and garnishes just before serving.