Winter is back with a vengeance in WA, and all I can think about are pretty pink things. Like flowers. Or macarons. Or this Aperol gin and tonic.
It gets its lovely pink hue from a little bit of Aperol, an Italian liqueur. Like all gin and tonics, it’s refreshing, light, and easy to make.
And while an Aperol gin and tonic might not seem like the typical drink to have in the middle of winter, I also find it oddly comforting and cheerful.
Why Make Gin and Tonics?
Hands down, #1 reason: because they are so easy to make! Seriously, you don’t even need to measure. As the name implies, this cocktail only calls for gin and tonic water. I like to spruce mine up with some bitters and different types of citrus, but you don’t have to.
You also don’t need any special bartending equipment to make a gin and tonic; you can just make it in the glass that you intend to serve it in.
The second reason why you need to master this cocktail is because you can customize it in so many different ways. I kept it simple with the addition of Aperol, but the sky is the limit. If you don’t believe me, check out this collection of gin and tonic variations from Buzzfeed.
Choose Your Gin Wisely
When you make simple cocktails like this Aperol gin and tonic, it’s important to choose good-quality spirits. Otherwise, it will taste like mouthwash. At least that’s what bad gin tastes like to me.
In my opinion, you can never go wrong with The Botanist. It’s smooth, crisp, and subtly botanical. It’s made in the tiny Scottish island of Isley in small batches through a very slow distillation process. The notes of coriander, juniper, and other berries go well with a wide array of bitters like grapefruit and lemon, which is another plus. To learn more about bitters, make sure that you check out this post.
Any gin with botanical and floral notes will make a tasty gin and tonic, so if you are looking for a less expensive option, you can definitely give Tanqueray a try. Hendricks is also a good mid-priced alternative.
Don’t Forget the Tonic!
Good-quality tonic water is just as important as good-quality gin when you are trying to build the perfect gin and tonic.
Random fact: did you know that tonic water contains quinine and was used to treat malaria once upon a time? Crazy, huh? Nowadays, people use it in cocktails for its bitter flavor.
I also heard that it’s great for getting rid of colds and, after conducting some research over Christmas, I can confirm that it does help. My go-to brand is Fever Tree. I love that you can buy a big bottle or smaller bottles, which are less likely to go flat after you open them because you’ll use up most of a bottle making one cocktail.
What is Aperol Anyway?
Aperol is an Italian aperitif that is similar to Campari but sweeter. It contains rhubarb and bitter orange, among other ingredients, and it’s usually used in cocktails to add some bitterness. You shouldn’t be concerned about the Aperol and the tonic making your gin and tonic too bitter though. The Aperol actually adds a very welcome hint of sweetness.
Enjoy!
Aperol Gin and Tonic
This easy gin and tonic gets its pretty pink color and some interesting bitterness from a little bit of Aperol, an Italian aperitif.
Ingredients
- A splash of Aperol
- Tonic water (to taste)
- 2 ounces of gin (I suggest The Botanist)
- Ice
Directions
- Step 1 Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Step 2 Pour the gin and Aperol over the ice and top with tonic water.
- Step 3 Give it a stir if necessary and serve immediately.
What a beautiful drink! I really love the twirly orange garnish!
Thank you, Emily!
I have a few friends that I know would love this! It is a very pretty cocktail!
Thank you, Amy! I hope that you share it with your friends!
I have come to love Aperol and do love it in my white summer sangria. This is a perfect way to sweeten up a gin and tonic. This sounds like the perfect spring cocktail.
Thanks, Ali! And I love that you put it in sangria. What a great idea!
I’ve never been much of a gin girl but you make it sound so good I might just have to try it again!
I hated gin for a really long time until my husband introduced me to Negronis and gin and tonics made with The Botanist. That was the game changer for me. 🙂
I agree with good quality drinks are needed other wise when we make cocktail it will taste horrible. I usually make fruit based one. But I like your tonic with gin and aperol I will give it try.
I love fruit-based cocktails as well, Swathi! I can’t wait until summer starts so that I can start making some with all the fresh fruit. 🙂
I love Aperol, second only to Campari, so I know I would love this drink. I add bitters to my gin and tonics too. Pretty pics! Pinning!
Thank you, Katie! I’m glad you like it!
Think it’s worth noting that while you are correct that quinine is used to treat malaria (and also chronic leg cramps, the kind some people experience as they’re trying to sleep) — most tonic water brands do NOT actually contain real quinine anymore.
Inspired by this recipe, I added 1 tsp of Aperol to my regular G&T (2 oz gin / 3 oz tonic). Delightful!
I’m going to make this my regular—at least until the bottle of Aperol is gone.
I’m glad to hear that you liked it, Jane!
It was so delicious. Maybe I’ll get addicted.:)
I made these last night for my family and they were delicious! There was a small hiccup as I halved the alcohol but didn’t have the tonic…so they were a little dry, but now I know for next time. : )
I’m glad to hear your family liked them!
Cooking with friends while drinking these gin and tonics makes cooking even more enjoyable!
So inspired me!
I’m so happy to hear that, Lisa!
Great recipe. We added ice cube and thyme as one of your versions mentioned. Who knew thyme works so well with aperol
I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Dandre!