Herb-Infused Aperol Cooler

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, herbaceous cocktail where fresh basil and mint complement Aperol's citrus notes, with a touch of minty freshness. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together Aperol, Ginger beer, Basil for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 6 basil leaves and 4 mint leaves with 1/2 oz lime juice until fragrant, about 20 seconds, avoiding crushing leaves.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz Aperol and 3 oz ginger beer to the shaker, fill with 1 cup ice, and shake vigorously for 12 seconds until chilled.
  3. Step 3: Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice, ensuring all herbs are incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Stir gently for 5 seconds to distribute the herbs, then serve immediately with a mint sprig.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Aperol Cooler take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Aperol Cooler?

Refrigerate any leftover herb-infused aperol cooler in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Aperol Cooler?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Infused Aperol Cooler for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herb-Infused Aperol Cooler?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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