6-Ingredient Aperol Cocktail That’s Better Than an Aperol Spritz

The East 8 Hold-Up is a bright, tropical London modern classic that shakes vodka, Aperol, pineapple, and passion fruit into one sunny, easy-sipping cocktail. Created by Kevin Armstrong for London’s Milk & Honey, it is one of those drinks that wins you over on the very first sip.

What Is the East 8 Hold Up?

The East 8 Hold Up (you will sometimes see it written as East 8 Holdup) is built like a classic sour, with vodka, citrus, and sugar at its heart, and then dressed up with pineapple, passion fruit, and a splash of Aperol. The result is a glowing orange drink that is bright, tangy, and fruity, with a gentle bittersweet finish and a steady backbone of vodka.

Where Did the East 8 Hold Up Come From?

Kevin Armstrong created it for a menu at Milk & Honey, a London bar built around classic cocktails. He wanted a really good vodka drink that followed the structure of the classics, and it turned out to be a smart move, because guests kept ordering it.

The name has a fun story behind it. Armstrong has said he lived in E8, the East London postcode that includes Dalston and Hackney, and that hold ups were fairly common when he first moved there. A friend and fellow bartender was robbed on the street and gave chase, and Armstrong borrowed the memorable episode for his new drink. It has nothing to do with the ingredients, but it gave a delicious cocktail a name nobody forgets.

If you would like to drink your way around the neighborhood, my guide to the best bars in Dalston is the place to start.

What Goes Into an East 8 Hold Up?

Every ingredient earns its place. Vodka gives the drink its backbone, and Aperol adds a bittersweet orange note that keeps all that tropical fruit from getting too sweet. Pineapple juice brings a lush, juicy body, and Armstrong has said that fresh pineapple juice was a distinctive part of the original at the time. Lime juice and simple syrup balance the sweet and the sour, and a small touch of passion fruit syrup adds that unmistakable tropical perfume.

A jigger keeps those small measurements accurate, and a Boston shaker gives you the cold, frothy shake this drink loves. If you are building your home bar, my guides to choosing the perfect jigger and the right cocktail shaker will help.

Why Lush Life Loves It

I remember this being everywhere at one point, and for good reason. It is one of those drinks that is instantly likeable and always seems to disappear faster than expected.

More Passion Fruit and Vodka Cocktails to Try

• Pornstar Martini: the famous passion fruit and vodka favorite
• Passion Fruit Martini: another passion fruit martini to shake up
• Easy Vodka Cocktails: more vodka drinks for your home bar

East 8 Hold Up FAQ

What is in an East 8 Hold Up?

Vodka, Aperol, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and a touch of passion fruit syrup, shaken and served over ice in a rocks glass.

Why is it called the East 8 Hold Up?

It is named after E8, the East London postcode where creator Kevin Armstrong lived. A friend of his was robbed there and chased the thief, and Armstrong borrowed the story for the name.

What does the East 8 Hold Up taste like?

Bright, tangy, and tropical, with juicy pineapple and passion fruit up front and a gentle bittersweet orange finish from the Aperol.

Can I use Campari instead of Aperol?

You can, but Campari is more bitter, so it will change the drink noticeably. Aperol is what the recipe calls for, and its lighter, sweeter orange note is what keeps the drink so easy to sip.

Where can I find passion fruit syrup?

A well-stocked liquor store, a cocktail supply shop, or an online retailer should have it, and you only need a small amount for each drink.

Why Lush Life Loves It

I remember this being everywhere at one point, and for good reason. It is one of those drinks that is instantly likeable and always seems to disappear faster than expected. One sip of that sunny pineapple and passion fruit, with the bittersweet Aperol finish, and you understand the fuss!

Here is the recipe