Aperol Southside Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare glass

   Chill a coupe or Collins glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water while you assemble the cocktail. When ready, discard the ice water and add fresh ice to the glass (if using a Collins glass) or leave chilled for a coupe.

2. 2

   Muddle mint and sweetener

   In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh mint leaves and agave syrup. Gently muddle the mint 6–8 times — just enough to release the oils and aroma without shredding the leaves.

3. 3

   Combine base spirits and citrus

   Add Aperol, gin, and fresh lime juice to the shaker. Add about 1 cup crushed ice (or enough to fill the shaker halfway).

4. 4

   Shake

   Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well chilled.

5. 5

   Strain

   Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared glass: use a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to keep mint fragments and ice shards out, pouring over fresh ice if using a Collins glass or neat into a chilled coupe.

6. 6

   Top with Prosecco and soda

   Carefully add 2 oz chilled Prosecco and 1 oz chilled soda water to the glass. Gently stir once with a bar spoon to combine — do not over-stir to preserve effervescence.

7. 7

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel or wedge. Clap the mint between your palms once before placing to release aromatics. Serve immediately.

8. 8

   Notes

   Adjust agave syrup to taste for sweeter or drier balance. If you prefer a brighter lime presence, increase lime juice to 1 oz and reduce soda by 0.5 oz. Use a dry Prosecco for less sweetness.