Aperol Tonic With Fresh Rosemary Cocktail Recipe

I’m all about simple cocktails that still feel special, and honestly, this Aperol Tonic with fresh rosemary is up there on my list. It’s crisp and refreshing, mixing the bittersweet vibe of Aperol with fizzy tonic and that earthy rosemary aroma.

You can throw it together in just a few minutes, and it looks as good as it tastes. The rosemary adds this fresh scent that hits you before the first sip, which is just… lovely.

There’s something about the balance of citrus, herbs, and bubbles that makes it perfect for warm afternoons or casual get-togethers. It’s an easy way to serve up something flavorful without fussing over a ton of ingredients.

This recipe is super straightforward, so you won’t need fancy tools or any bartending tricks. I’ll walk you through what you need, how to mix it, and what to expect in each sip.

Aperol Tonic With Fresh Rosemary Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I love how the bittersweet Aperol plays with crisp tonic water. Rosemary brings in a light herbal note that keeps it refreshing and honestly pretty easy to enjoy year-round.

Equipment

I keep things simple when it comes to tools, but having the right gear does make a difference. It just makes mixing quicker and helps keep the flavors balanced.

• Highball glass – for serving
• Measuring jigger – to get the Aperol, syrup, and tonic just right
• Bar spoon – for gentle stirring so you don’t kill the bubbles
• Small saucepan – for making rosemary simple syrup
• Fine mesh strainer – to catch the rosemary bits from the syrup
• Cutting board and knife – for trimming rosemary sprigs
• Ice cube tray – so you’ve got plenty of fresh ice ready

I always go for a tall glass so the tonic has room to fizz up nicely. The jigger helps make sure the Aperol doesn’t take over the whole drink.

Ingredients

I stick with fresh, simple ingredients to keep the flavors clean. The rosemary syrup is easy to make ahead and keeps in the fridge for about a week.

• 2 oz Aperol
• 4 oz chilled tonic water
• 0.5 oz rosemary simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, plus fresh rosemary)
• Ice cubes
• 1 fresh rosemary sprig for garnish

I try to pick a tonic that’s not too bitter so it doesn’t fight with the Aperol. Fresh rosemary is key—dried just doesn’t have that punchy aroma.

Instructions

I always chill the ingredients first, so the drink stays cold without the ice melting too fast.

• Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
• Pour 2 oz Aperol into the glass.
• Add 0.5 oz rosemary simple syrup.
• Slowly pour in 4 oz chilled tonic water to keep the bubbles intact.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
• Serve right away.

I try not to over-stir—just enough to mix but not enough to flatten the tonic. The rosemary sprig releases more aroma as you sip, which is a nice touch.

Notes

If I’m out of rosemary syrup, I’ll just steep fresh rosemary in hot simple syrup for about 10 minutes, strain, and cool it down. Works in a pinch.

Sometimes I tweak the syrup amount depending on how sweet I’m feeling that day. And on hot days, I’ll use extra ice to keep everything crisp.

If you want a lighter version, just drop the Aperol to 1.5 oz and add a bit more tonic. The drink stays refreshing but doesn’t lose those herbal and citrusy notes.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright citrus from the Aperol jumps out at me. It’s light, crisp, and there’s a gentle bitterness that never feels overwhelming.

Tonic water comes in with a clean, slightly dry finish. That touch balances out the sweetness and just makes the whole thing more refreshing, honestly.

The fresh rosemary? It gives off this soft, herbal aroma that hits before I even taste anything. It hangs around after each sip, too, which is kind of lovely.

There’s also this little hint of spice from the rosemary oils when they mingle with the bubbles. It’s not obvious, but it adds a nice bit of depth.

The color? Warm orange, offset by the green of the rosemary sprig. It’s simple but honestly pretty inviting in the glass.

This drink just feels smooth and easy to enjoy. The balance holds steady all the way through—never too sweet, never too bitter.