Aperitif Cocktail Recipes

Negroni

Bittersweet, complex, and composed of Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin, the negroni is not a cocktail for the faint of heart, but it's a sophisticated taste worth acquiring. Once you're hooked, you'll never look back.

Photo: Nicole Perry

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Sparkling Lillet and Grapefruit Cocktail

Kick your evening off right with this elegant Lillet and sparkling wine based cocktail — bonus points if you serve it in a dainty coupe — that's further enhanced with a splash of grapefruit bitters and an orange peel.

Photo: Nicole Perry

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Redheaded Ginger

Fruity and complex, a Lillet Rouge aperitif shines bright when paired with ginger beer and a grapefruit garnish for an exceptionally easy-to-make redheaded ginger cocktail.

Photo: Nicole Perry

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Aperol Spritz

A popular Italian aperitif, this effervescent, bittersweet, wine-based cocktail is an excellent option for languid, lazy days.

Photo: Nicole Perry

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Hummingbird Cocktail

Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios

This delicate sparkling wine cocktail bursts with St. Germain's elderflower flavor.

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Sparkling Pomegranate

A pomegranate-laced riff on the classic aperitif the kir royale, this ruby-hued stunner is easy to make yet full-flavored thanks to a combination of sweet-tart pomegranate liqueur and sparkling wine.

Photo: Nicole Perry

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Citrus Quo

Upgrade your standard gin and tonic to a zingy Citrus Quo — all it needs is an extra dash of limoncello and the addition of Luxardo Aperitivo to make it go from average to intoxicating.

Photo: Nicole Perry

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Gin and It

Simple and satisfying as all get out — believe it or not, it clocks in at a mere two ingredients! — the gin and it is a smooth sipper worth getting acquainted with.

Photo: Lauren Hendrickson

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Bicyclette

Settle your nerves and your stomach after a harried day with a light and refreshing (and ultrasimple) bicyclette. All you'll need is Campari, your favorite dry white wine, a strip of orange or lemon peel, and crushed ice.

Photo: Susannah Chen

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