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Ingredients
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Base & Spirits
Brightener & Balance
Finish & Garnish
Method
Preparation
Chill glass
Place a coupe or rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure the drink stays cold.
Measure and gather
Measure out dry vermouth, Aperol, gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange bitters. Have club soda, large ice cubes, orange twist, and thyme ready.
Mixing
Add 1.5 oz gin, 1 oz dry vermouth, 0.5 oz Aperol, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes orange bitters into a mixing glass.
Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes until nearly full to chill and dilute properly.
Stir gently for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full turns) to achieve proper dilution and silky texture. Avoid shaking to keep clarity and mouthfeel.
Strain & Finish
Discard ice or water from the chilled serving glass. Strain the stirred cocktail into the chilled coupe or rocks glass over 2–3 fresh large ice cubes (or neat in a coupe if preferred).
If you prefer a slightly longer, more effervescent aperitif, top gently with 1 oz club soda and stir once to combine.
Express an orange twist over the drink by pinching it skin-side down to release oils, then run the twist around the glass rim and drop it into the drink.
Optional: slap a thyme sprig between your hands and tuck it beside the twist for an aromatic accent.
Serve
Serve immediately as an aperitif. Sip slowly to appreciate the interplay of bitter Aperol, herbal vermouth, bright citrus, and botanical gin.