This light and refreshing variation on a gin fizz tastes like summer in a glass. A simple syrup made out of strawberries adds some sweetness which is balanced by the bitterness of the Aperol. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot summer afternoon or as a light start to a special brunch.
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What is Aperol?
Aperol is an Italian aperitivo 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.
In this strawberry Aperol gin fizz, I’m using it to balance the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the egg white.
Something that I love about Aperol is that it is extremely versatile. You can use it in lots of different summer cocktails, and you will be surprised by how quickly you can go through a whole bottle. For some inspiration, check out this Aperol gin and tonic and this cherry Aperol spritz.
What is a Gin Fizz?
A gin fizz is a classic shaken cocktail that dates back to the late 19th century. It became popular in the U.S. in the 1900s, and it remains one of the most popular cocktails in the world to this day.
There are many variations of a gin fizz, but the basic recipe includes some type of sweetener, lemon juice, gin, and carbonated water. The one included here also features an egg. To learn more about the history of the gin fizz and all of its possible variations, make sure to read this article.
If you are a bit nervous about shaking a cocktail with egg white in it, don’t worry! The beauty of a gin fizz is that a little bit of frothiness goes a long way. Most of the fizz in the cocktail comes from adding soda at the end.
Some Essential Tools for Making a Successful Gin Fizz
Unfortunately, a gin fizz is not a cocktail that you simply mix in a glass and serve over ice. It requires a couple of essential bartending tools. Here is what you will need along with brand recommendations.
- Cocktail shaker: as its name implies, this is an essential tool for shaken cocktails. I’m partial to stainless steel cocktail shakers like this one.
- Cocktail strainer: this cocktail is shaken over ice, so it needs to be strained to avoid getting big chunks of ice into the glass. This cocktail strainer fits over different mixing vessels, and it’s inexpensive.
- A measuring jigger: having a reliable way to measure the liquid ingredients that go into a cocktail is essential. This is my absolute favorite jigger because it’s easy to use, clean, and store.
Strawberry Aperol Gin Fizz
Ingredients
For the strawberry simple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
- 1 cup turbinado sugar
- 1 cup water
For the cocktail
- 3/4 oz strawberry simple syrup (recipe follows)
- 3/4 oz lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 1/2 oz gin (I used The Botanist)
- 1/2 oz Aperol
- 1 egg white
- soda water
Instructions
To make the simple syrup:
- Make the simple syrup at least 4 hours before you intend to make the cocktail.
- To make the syrup, place all of the ingredients in a small, heavy-bottomed pot. Bring the mixture to a boil stirring often. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 mins or until the strawberries start to soften.
- Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool for 10 min.
- Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the syrup into a clean jar. Do not push on the solids or your syrup will get cloudy. Reserve the solids to put on pancakes or to top yogurt.
- Put the syrup in the fridge and let it cool for 2-4 hours. If properly stored, it should keep for over a month.
To make the cocktail:
- Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Top with ice.
- Shake vigorously until chilled (about 1 min).
- Strain into a highball glass. The glass should be about half full. Carefully tip the glass and pour soda water down the side until the glass is full (this prevents the foam on top of the cocktail from collapsing).
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
If you like this recipe, please make sure to pin it, share it on social media, or email it to your friends. Don’t be shy! People are always grateful for some cooking inspiration 
Also, if you have any questions or just want to let me know that you liked the recipe, please leave a comment below. Hearing from other adventurous home cooks always makes my day!
Your recipe doesn’t actually list aperol as an ingredient. Please proof your post.
Fixed! Thanks for catching that!
Hey there! Sounds great, but where/how much is the Aperol in the recipe?
Hi! Thanks for letting me know! It’s 1/2 oz.
What a fun drink to make for the weekend brunch. It would be great for Mother’s Day. Love the FOAM!! Pretty to look at.
Thank you, Gloria!
I absolutely love gin fizzes! This version with strawberries and aperol sounds fantastic. The perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and creamy! Can’t wait to whip up a batch of these.
Thank you, Jenni!
I’ve just realized that I really under-utilize my Aperol! I can’t wait to try this drink. I drink more gin in the nicer weather and this beverage reminds me of summer and the egg white reminds me of a favoite flip we enjoy. This recipe is a win-win!
Thank you, Julie! I hope you enjoy the cocktail!
Oh man- strawberry simple syrup sounds amazing! I make simple syrup all summer long– I just made my first batch with lavender this week. I can’t wait to try it with strawberries and have a tasty summer cocktail 😀
Ooh! I should make some lavender syrup too! Thanks for the inspiration!
I love a good aperol spritz in the warmer months. This take sounds positively refreshing. Thanks for getting this recipe out before Mother’s Day. i’m hosting brunch and this will be a perfect drink to offer rather than the same old mimosa!
I hope you like it, Debra!
I’ve had plenty of experience with an Aperol spritz but I haven’t had any experience with adding gin to it. Hmmmm! Very interesting. It sounds thirst-quenching and a drink I’m going to have to try. I really love sipping on new cocktails. I’m pinning this one.
Thanks, Marisa! I hope you enjoy it!
Your strawberry gin fizz is calling my name! This will be so amazing with the local strawberries. I love the fresh, spring flavors and aperol is such a great mixer for cocktails. I will say that I’ve resisted trying cocktails with egg whites so far, but I’m not afraid to have the occasional raw egg in my life (Caesar salad and chocolate mousse are favorites around here), so it’s time to give egg whites a try.
I hope you do, Annemarie! This is the perfect egg-white cocktail to try too because it’s really hard to get wrong 🙂
I’m not usually one for complex cocktails, but any kind of gin or vodka fizz is a total win in my world. Especially with refreshing flavors. I can’t say I’ve ever made a cocktail with egg whites before—I’ve always left that to the experienced mixologists—but this summer will be a good time to start!
I hope you try it, Dana!