Ingredients
1 cup sugar
Peeled zest of 4 lemons, plus 1 1/2 cups fresh juice
12 ounces gin, chilled
6 ounces Aperol or Campari, chilled
1/4 teaspoon aromatic bitters, such as Peychaud's or Angostura (optional)
24 ounces seltzer, chilled
Rosemary sprigs and peeled lemon zest, for serving
Frozen lemon wedges or ice, for serving
Preparation
Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, lemon zest, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool completely. Strain, discarding zest; stir in lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate in an airtight container until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 2 weeks. Makes 2 cups.
Spritz: In a pitcher, stir together syrup, gin, Aperol, and bitters. Top with seltzer, add rosemary and lemon zest, and stir once to combine. Pour into glasses with frozen lemon wedges; serve.
Mix the cooled syrup, gin, Aperol, and bitters together to make the drink up to one day ahead, refrigerate. Add seltzer and garnishes just before serving.
