Smoky Bourbon Aperol Sour
A modern sour cocktail blending rich bourbon with bittersweet Aperol and bright lemon juice, finished with a subtle smoky depth. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon, Aperol, Amaro 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 220 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.75 oz Aperol
- 0.5 oz Amaro
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 2 oz bourbon, 0.75 oz Aperol, 0.5 oz Amaro, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty and the ingredients are well combined.
- Step 3: Double strain into a rocks glass filled with one large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Garnish with a thin wheel of lemon twisted over the surface to release oils, then placed on the ice cube.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Bourbon Aperol Sour 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 Smoky Bourbon Aperol Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky bourbon aperol sour 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 Smoky Bourbon Aperol Sour?
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 Smoky Bourbon Aperol Sour 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 Smoky Bourbon Aperol Sour?
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.
