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Spring is the season of renewal—and fertility—so why not shake off winter with a cocktail that’s as bright and promising as the season itself? This spring gin cocktail is a celebration of citrus, featuring a bold burst of blood orange and the bittersweet kiss of Aperol.

Whether you’re toasting a special moment or just making an ordinary night feel a little more seductive, this drink is one to help set the mood.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll want to make this drink

A stunning orange hue that makes it as gorgeous as it is delicious
A balance of gin’s herbal notes, Aperol’s sweetness, and fresh citrus tang
Made with freshly squeezed blood orange and lemon juice for the best flavor
A subtly aphrodisiac cocktail that can turn any evening into a special occasion

What Makes This the Perfect Spring Gin Cocktail?

Called A Hare Above the Rest, this seasonal gin cocktail is a simple yet sophisticated mix of gin, Aperol, and citrus juices. It’s the kind of drink that’s effortless to make but feels indulgent. It’s exactly what you want in a cocktail meant to spark a connection.

The Key Ingredients

Gin
A smooth, botanical dry gin is essential. The original recipe was crafted using Distillery No. 209, a premium American distillery in San Francisco, but feel free to use your favorite.

Aperol
This Italian spirit is known for its bittersweet orange flavor and seductive sunset hue. It’s similar to Campari but softer, less biting, making it an easy choice for a spring cocktail with just the right amount of intrigue.

Fresh Citrus Juices
Blood Orange Juice – Naturally sweet with a subtle hint of raspberry, it gives this drink its irresistible color and depth.

Lemon Juice – A splash of freshly squeezed lemon keeps the cocktail crisp and balanced.

Bartender’s tip: Fresh juice makes all the difference. Always make this drink with fresh-squeezed, never bottled juice.

Why This Drink Works for Romance

Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C, a key player in blood flow. It’s one of the reasons oranges and lemons make our list of the 10 Best Foods for Women’s Sexual Health. So, while this cocktail is perfect for any springtime occasion, it’s also an effortless way to add a little sensual energy to your evening.

More Exotic Gin Cocktails

The East Indian Gin Gimlet

Cupid’s CBD Fizz

orange cocktail in Champagne coupe with a lemon wedge garnish with a bottle of gin in the background

A Hare Above the Rest Gin and Aperol Cocktail

Print Recipe

Shake off the winter blues with this vibrant spring gin cocktail that’s as bold and refreshing as the season itself. A blend of botanical gin, bittersweet Aperol, and freshly squeezed blood orange and lemon juices, it serves up a terrific balance of sweet, tart and herbal flavors.

Course aperitif

Cuisine American

Dish Type Cocktail

Cooking Style Mixology

Seasonal Easter, Mother's Day, spring

Ingredient Aperol, gin

Prep Time 5

Servings cocktail

Calories 148

Ingredients

1.5 oz Distillery No 209 Gin or your favorite premium brand of gin
1 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
1/2 oz Aperol
1/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

The Best Spring Gin Cocktail to Shake Off the Winter Blues 1

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker then fill with fresh ice.
Shake, then fine strain into a coupe glass.*
Garnish with orange zest, (optional).

Notes

If you don't have coupe glasses, (stemmed cocktail glasses with a round bowl), you can substitute with martini glasses.

A note on the provided nutrition information

The nutrition information provided has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator and is not a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Nutrition

This article was originally published in 2019. It was most recently updated in March 2025 with nutrition information and instruction clarification.

Author
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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.

The Best Spring Gin Cocktail to Shake Off the Winter Blues