Named for the evening star, Vespera — “Star of Venus” — is our most luscious and luxurious signature. It is a gin sour dressed for a special occasion: rosy, silky and glowing in the glass. If you are looking for a cocktail in Apex, North Carolina that tastes as beautiful as it looks, start here.
A gin sour with romance
Sutler’s Gin gives Vespera a bright, botanical spine. Aperol layers in bittersweet orange, while fresh pomegranate and lemon deliver a tart, jewel-toned heart. Egg white is shaken to a cloud-soft foam that carries a few dashes of Angostura bitters on top, and a scatter of pomegranate arils finishes it like a constellation.
The balance is the point. Sweet, sour and bitter arrive in sequence, and the velvet texture from the egg white makes each sip feel indulgent. It is approachable enough for a first-time gin drinker and refined enough for a connoisseur.
The perfect celebration pour
Vespera is our go-to recommendation for date nights, anniversaries and “treat yourself” evenings in the Triangle. Its color and foam make it one of the most photographed drinks at the bar, so it earns its place on Instagram as easily as on the table.
For a full luxury moment, pair it with a glass of Champagne from our bottle list or a plate of Crab Cake Bites.
The art of the silky sour
That luxurious, cloud-soft top on the Vespera is not an accident. Achieving it takes a proper dry shake — whipping the egg white without ice first — followed by a hard shake to chill and dilute. Done right, the foam holds the Angostura bitters like a canvas, which is why the drink looks as composed as it tastes.
It is a technique-forward cocktail, and a great example of the craft behind our signature list at Apex Aqua Vitae. If you love the gin-and-citrus profile, explore our gin library for a bespoke gin and tonic, or make the Vespera the centerpiece of a celebration in Apex.
Good to know
- Bar: Apex Aqua Vitae — Liquid Luxury & Bar
- Category: Signature Cocktails
- Where: Apex, North Carolina, in the heart of the Raleigh–Durham–Cary Triangle
- Easy to reach from: Cary, Raleigh, Morrisville and Holly Springs
- Explore or reserve: lightpink-chamois-855074.hostingersite.com/ or call 919-267-4246
- Follow along: Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for new pours and events
Frequently asked questions
What is in the Vespera cocktail?
Sutler’s Gin, Aperol, pomegranate, lemon, egg white and Angostura bitters, finished with fresh pomegranate arils.
Does Vespera contain raw egg?
Yes, it uses egg white for its signature silky foam. Let your bartender know if you would prefer it made without.
Where can I try the Vespera in Apex, NC?
At Apex Aqua Vitae, where it is a featured handcrafted signature cocktail.
Visit Apex Aqua Vitae — Liquid Luxury & Bar in Apex, North Carolina. Explore the full menu at lightpink-chamois-855074.hostingersite.com/ or call 919-267-4246. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Browse every signature under Handcrafted Cocktails.
