Festive Aperol Gin Cinnamon Spritz Cocktail
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This Aperol Gin Cinnamon Spritz is the perfect seasonal drink you must try. Full of zesty bittersweet orange, tangy lemon, and sweet cinnamon to spice it up.
If you are new to Aperol, you will be delightfully pleased to find out how delicious this Italian apéritif is. The bitter-sweet orange flavor pairs perfectly with the botanical flavors of gin and is complimented with cinnamon for a spiced holiday cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
What exactly is an apéritif?
An aperitif is a drink meant to stimulate the appetite so typically served before a meal. Common choices for an apéritif include Vermouth, Champagne, Ouzo or dry Sherry. Aperol came into existence in 1919 after 7 years of experimentation by the Barbieri brothers. The Aperol Spritz is the most popular Aperol recipe and was created in the 1950s. An Aperol Spritz consists of Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
This Aperol Gin cocktail is refreshing but also boasts those warm holiday flavors we all love this time of year. It’s a perfect autumn orange hue to compliment your Thanksgiving sweet potatoes and Pumpkin Pie. And it works great as a stand-alone drink to tame your Turkey roasting jitters or for a large unruly crowd of in-laws trying to poke around your kitchen.
Ingredients needed for an Aperol Gin Cinnamon Spritz:
- Gin
- Aperol
- Cinnamon Vanilla Simple Syrup. Recipe Below
- Lemon Juice. Fresh squeezed is always preferred, but in a pinch bottled lemon juice will work too. I like Santa Cruz Pure Lemon juice that is not from concentrate.
- Soda Water
- Aromatic Bitters. Fee’s Bitters is perfect for this drink.
- Orange Peel. This is for the garnish and is optional.
- Cocktail Cherry. This is also for the garnish and optional. You can use a standard maraschino cherry or a candied cherry…my favorite is Luxardo Maraschino Cherries.
Tools you will need:
- Measuring Jigger
- Boston Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Highball Glass
- Cocktail Pick
How to make an Aperol Gin Cinnamon Spritz:
- Combine the Gin, Aperol, syrup, and lemon juice in your shaker.
- Shake vigorously with ice and strain into a glass that is filled with fresh ice.
- Top off with soda water
- Add 2-3 dashes of Aromatic Bitters.
- Garnish with orange and cherry if desired.
- Cheers!
Cinnamon Vanilla Simple Syrup:
Tools:
- Small Saucepan
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4-6 cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
- Add equal parts water and white sugar to a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add 4-6 cinnamon sticks. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat then cover with a lid and let sit for a minimum of one hour before you use it. The longer you let it sit the more flavor you will get from the cinnamon.
- Next, add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a syrup bottle with a tight seal.
Note: you can remove the cinnamon sticks if you want, but I prefer to leave them in so they continue to marinade and add more cinnamon flavor.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How to make this Aperol Gin Spritz for a crowd:
This Aperol Gin spritz cocktail is perfect in a punch bowl for a large crowd. To make a large batch for up to 24 guests you will need:
- 1 bottle of Gin (750ml)
- 1 bottle of Aperol (750ml)
- 24 0z. – Lemon Juice
- 12 oz. – Cinnamon Vanilla Simple Syrup
- 1 bottle of Soda Water (1 liter)
Add all ingredients to a punch bowl filled with 4-6 cups of ice and stir well. Add more ice if needed. Add a few dashes of bitters on top and garnish with orange slices and cherries.
When to serve Aperol Gin Spritzes:
This is a great fall and winter drink, but also very refreshing for warmer temperatures. It’s great as a:
- Thanksgiving Dinner drink
- Summer Cookout drink
- Holiday Party drink
- Signature drink
- Happy Hour drink
- Cocktail Party drink
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Aperol Gin Cinnamon Spritz Cocktail
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 1 oz. Gin
- 1.5 oz. Aperol
- 1/2 oz. Cinnamon Vanilla Simple Syrup
- 1 oz. Lemon Juice freshly squezed
- Soda Water
- Aromatic Bitters
Cinnamon Vanilla Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 4-6 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Cocktail
- Combine the Gin, Aperol, syrup, and lemon juice in your shaker.
- Shake vigorously with ice and strain into a glass that is filled with fresh ice.
- Top off with soda water
- Add 2-3 dashes of Aromatic Bitters.
- Garnish with orange and cherry if desired. Cheers!
Cinnamon Vanilla Simple Syrup
- Add equal parts water and white sugar to a saucepan.
- Bring the water to a boil and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add 4-6 cinnamon sticks. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat then cover with a lid and let sit for a minimum of one hour before you use it. The longer you let it sit the more flavor you will get from the cinnamon.
- Next, add the vanilla extract and stir to combine. Transfer to a syrup bottle with a tight seal.
