Aperol Negroni
The Aperol Negroni is bittersweet, warming, perfect for sipping, and might be your new favorite cocktail. It replaces Campari with Aperol, a similar Italian aperitif. It brings a bright orange color and bitter-sweet orange flavor to the drink.
A classic Negroni recipe is a quintessential component of Italian culture, debuting in the early 20th century. Renowned for its bitterness and elegant simplicity, a traditional Negroni recipe perfectly blends gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth equal parts.
This Aperol cocktail still plays on these bitter notes, but slightly less so. Aperol has a more citrus-forward taste than Campari too.
Ingredients
The main ingredients for this Aperol Negroni recipe are quite simple:
- Good London Dry Gin. This is a high-quality gin that is infused with botanical flavors through re-distillation. The main flavor in this gin comes from juniper, and no artificial colors or flavors are added.
- Aperol: This is in place of Campari, giving the drink its signature vibrant orange color and sweet, citrusy flavor. Aperol has a lower alcohol content than Campari and it’s less bitter.
- Sweet Vermouth: Also known as red vermouth. This type of fortified wine, typically sweet and slightly spicy, pairs well with the bitterness of the aperol. It’s much softer than dry vermouth.
- Orange twist: The orange garnish enhances the citrusy flavors and complements the vibrant color of the Aperol. Use a vegetable peeler to get a thin strip.
See the recipe card at the end of the post for exact quantities.
Equipment
To make this Aperol Negroni, you will need:
- A rocks glass or lowball glass for serving.
- A mixing glass or cocktail shaker to blend the ingredients.
- A cocktail jigger or measuring cup for precise measurements.
Instructions
Measure out equal parts gin, Aperol, and vermouth using your cocktail jigger, and add them into your cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Stir well to blend.
Place a large ice cube in your cocktail glass and strain the mixed cocktail over the ice cube. Garnish with a fresh orange peel twist or orange slice for a splash of color and an extra burst of citrusy aroma.
The result? A great drink with bright flavors, a lovely vibrant color, and a balanced bitterness that’s not as pronounced as a typical Negroni, making it an easy cocktail to enjoy.
Whether as a pre-dinner drink during an Italian aperitivo or a relaxing post-dinner cocktail, the Aperol Negroni offers a unique and enjoyable twist on a classic Italian cocktail.
Negroni variations
- Boulevardier: A Negroni with a whiskey twist. In this version, bourbon is used instead of gin. This makes for a richer, more robust cocktail.
- White Negroni: This version uses Lillet Blanc (a sweet white wine) and Suze (a gentian-based bitters) instead of sweet vermouth and Campari. The gin remains, making this a lighter, more floral cocktail.
- Negroni Sbagliato: This variation replaces gin with sparkling wine or Prosecco. “Sbagliato” means “mistaken” in Italian, as the cocktail was reportedly created when a bartender accidentally used sparkling wine instead of gin.
- Cherry Negroni: Some sweet vermouth is replaced with cherry liqueur for a fruity twist.
More cocktail recipes
Aperol Negroni
This Aperol Negroni is bittersweet and warming, perfect for sipping.
Ingredients
- 1 oz / 30ml London Dry Gin
- 1 oz / 30ml Aperol
- 1 oz / 30ml Sweet Vermouth
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Measure out equal parts gin, Aperol, and vermouth using your cocktail jigger, and add them into your cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Stir well to blend.
- Place a large ice cube in your cocktail glass and strain the mixed cocktail over the ice cube.
- Garnish with a fresh orange peel twist or orange slice for a splash of color and an extra burst of citrusy aroma.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 12gProtein: 0g
