Aperol Gin Punch
When you’re hosting a crowd, big-batch cocktails are the way to go. Featuring gin and sparkling wine, our simple-to-prepare punch is bright with zesty citrus flavors—lime juice, orange juice, sparkling grapefruit, orange bitters and Aperol, an Italian aperitif with a vibrant orange hue and herbal, bittersweet notes. It’s the perfect refresher on a warm summer day. For easy entertaining, serve the drinks in a beverage dispenser so guests can help themselves. Then you can relax and enjoy the party instead of tending bar. Be sure to use fresh lime and orange juice; a citrus press makes fast work of squeezing every drop of juice from the fruit.
Ingredients
- 5 cups (40 fl. oz./1.25 l) gin
- 3 cups (24 fl. oz./750 ml) Aperol
- 2 cups (16 fl. oz./500 ml) sparkling grapefruit mixer
- 1 3/4 cups (14 fl. oz./430 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml) fresh orange juice
- 5 to 10 dashes orange bitters
- 4 cups (32 oz./1 kg) ice, plus more for serving
- 1 bottle (750 ml) sparkling wine or Prosecco, chilled
- 4 assorted oranges and/or grapefruit, cut into thin rounds
Directions
In a large beverage dispenser or punch bowl, combine the gin, Aperol, sparkling grapefruit mixer, lime juice, orange juice and orange bitters. Stir until blended. Add the ice and stir, then pour in the sparkling wine. Top with some of the citrus slices. Serve the punch in ice-filled glasses garnished with more citrus slices. Serves 24.
Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen