Citrus Aperitivo Cocktail

A bright, balanced cocktail with citrus lift, gentle bitterness, and warm bourbon depth.

Ingredients

• 1 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Aperol
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
• 1 dash orange bitters Ice

Garnish: Wide orange peel twist

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, Aperol, lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange bitters.
3. Shake vigorously for about 12–15 seconds until well chilled.
4. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and place the peel on the rim

Flavor Profile

This cocktail balances bright citrus, gentle bitterness, and warm bourbon notes.

Aperol contributes orange, rhubarb, and herbal bitterness Lemon juice adds fresh acidity Bourbon provides caramel and vanilla depth Orange bitters lift the aroma and tie the flavors together

The result is fresh, slightly tart, and incredibly drinkable.

Pro Tips (Chef / Bartender Style)

Chill the glass: Place the coupe in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.

Express the peel: Pinch the orange peel over the drink to release the citrus oils before garnishing.

Use large clear ice for shaking: This chills the drink quickly without over-diluting.

Variations

Paper Plane Style: Replace simple syrup with ¾ oz Amaro Nonino

Lighter Spritz Version: Top the finished cocktail with 1 oz sparkling wine

Herbal Version: Add one small thyme sprig while shaking