Aperol Negroni
The Aperol Negroni is your gateway to the fabulous world of Negroni variations. With Aperol in the spotlight, this Negroni is less bitter than the classic, lighter, and even more refreshing and delectable.
Serve this Aperol Negroni as an aperitivo as you sit on your patio, reading a book or chatting with friends. From the first sip, the citrus and herb flavor of this orange-hued cocktail will transport you to sun-kissed terraces overlooking picturesque Italian landscapes.
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Ingredients
Aperol vs. Campari
Italian aperitivos are intended to be pre-dinner drinks that stimulate the appetite. Aperol and Campari are both amaro, which means “bitter” in Italian. Aperol is slightly sweet and one of the least bitter amari. It’s a lighter amaro than Campari, coming in at 11% alcohol by volume compared to Campari’s 24% (48 proof).
Sweet vermouth vs. dry vermouth
Vermouth is a fortified wine typically labeled as dry (white) or sweet (rosso). Dry vermouth originates from France and is, as you would expect, less sweet. You may also be able to find a sweeter white vermouth labeled blanc or bianco.
Sweet vermouth has a higher amount of residual sugar and has a spicy or peppery flavor. But as with any wine, vermouth flavors may vary. Drink the one you like!
Variations and substitutions
- Substitute dry vermouth in place of the sweet vermouth to make a Contessa.
- Use Campari instead of Aperol in the same ratios for a classic Negroni.
- Use any of the amari that fall in between!
- Try other Negroni variations like this cranberry Negroni or the Negroni spritz.
About the Negroni
The classic Negroni is said to have been created in the late 1800s in Italy. But the Negroni has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years due to Stanley Tucci. Who wouldn’t want a cocktail made by that man?
Recipe tips and tricks
Making the cocktail
Add the Aperol, gin, and vermouth to your cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Stir for 30 seconds, then strain into a lowball glass with ice and garnish with the orange slice or dehydrated orange slices.
Tip from the wise quacker: The general teaching is that cocktails with citrus juices should be shaken, but cocktails with only alcohols should be stirred.
The Aperol Negroni taste test
When you don’t know your preference, there’s nothing better than comparing drinks to figure it out! You can do taste tests with this Aperol Negroni like for my brandy manhattan and peanut butter manhattan.
You’ll make three Negronis. Make one with sweet vermouth like in this recipe. Make one with an ounce of dry vermouth. And make one with a half ounce of the two. If you do this comparison, please leave a comment to let me know which you prefer!
Recipe FAQs
The classic Negroni is made with a London dry gin like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Bombay Sapphire. These are juniper-forward gins with fewer distracting botanicals.
Feel free to substitute Campari or any other amaro in equal proportions in this Negroni.
The quintessential Aperol cocktail is the Aperol spritz, but I’d suggest trying one of these Aperol sours.
Related cocktail recipes
Make other Ugly Duckling Bakery gin cocktails like:
Love cocktails and want to explore more? Read all about classic cocktails and bartender basics or join this year’s 52 weeks of cocktails challenge!
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-heart 💜💜💜💜💜 rating in the recipe card below. Let me know how much you loved it, or any problems you had, in the comments section further down.
Aperol Negroni
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 1 ounce (30 milliliters) Tanqueray or other dry gin
- 1 ounce (30 milliliters) Aperol
- 1 ounce (30 milliliters) sweet vermouth
- orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Add the Aperol, gin, and vermouth to the shaker with a handful of ice and stir.1 ounce (30 milliliters) Tanqueray or other dry gin, 1 ounce (30 milliliters) Aperol, 1 ounce (30 milliliters) sweet vermouth
- Strain into a lowball glass with a rocks ice and garnish with the orange slice.orange slice
Notes
Nutrition
This Aperol Negroni recipe was first posted August 12, 2022. It was last updated May 17, 2023.
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