A slightly sweeter take on the beautifully bitter and legendary cocktail.
Count Camillo Negroni had a favorite cocktail and a favorite watering hole in which to enjoy it. The year was 1919 and the place was Florence, Italy. Count Negroni would frequent Caffe Casoni where he would enjoy his preferred tipple, the Americano. A light and bitter bubbly libation, the Americano was a simple and tasty affair, comprised of sweet vermouth, Campari and topped with club soda over ice.
One day, Count Negroni had a yearning for something stronger, but not necessarily different. He loved his Campari and sweet vermouth, but what could give him that extra, boozy kick that the club soda wasn’t providing. The bubbles tickling his nose was always enjoyable, yes, but now he craved something… stronger.
Fosco Scarselli, the bartender at Caffe Casoni, was charged by the Count to make his favorite cocktail more robust. He required more kick, more strength; he required more booze. So Scarselli got to work and quickly discovered the spirit that brought this new and soon to be legendary cocktail together… gin.
Count Negroni was pleased, relishing the intense, bitter and spicy flavors this new potion offered. As he sat and sipped, feeling the warmth of this booze-bomb course through his body, the nobleman wondered what this new concoction should be called…
If the Campari in this beverage is a little too much for you, then the cocktail we’ll be making today might be what you’re looking for. A close cousin to Campari, Aperol is a little sweeter and brighter, both in taste, color and alcohol. Using this in your next Negroni might even open your tastebuds up to the joys of the original.
What is Aperol?
Aperol is an Italian aperitif meant to stimulate the appetite before a meal, much like Campari. While both share many similarities, Aperol is brighter in color, and is way less bitter, leaning to the sweeter side of the street. It has about half the alcohol content of Campari, making a lighter and less intense option for your cocktails.
What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a Aperol Negroni?
With the amount of different gins available, you might find yourself wondering which one to choose when making an Aperol Negroni. There’s Scottish, Japanese and California gins making a mark on the cocktail world and any of these can add some subtle and delicious variety to your drink. When in doubt, a strong London Dry gin will usually give you the perfect balance of flavor. And don’t go for the cheapest vermouth on the shelf. Grab a good mid-to-top shelf brand, since a bad vermouth will sour your sipping.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Aperol
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 orange slice or twist for garnish
Instructions
- Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill the glass.
- Pour 1 ounce of Aperol into the glass.
- Add 1 ounce of sweet vermouth.
- Measure and pour 1 ounce of gin into the mix. Stir the ingredients gently with a cocktail spoon to combine and chill the drink. Garnish with a fresh orange slice or twist.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
A rocks, or Old Fashioned, glass rimmed with a slice or twist of orange will make your mouth water before your first sip.
Yes. This simple, three ingredient cocktail can be gently stirred together in larger batches and stored in a sealed container in your fridge for a few days. Just stir again before serving.
Not only does this version of the Negroni have a lighter taste, but the calorie count, at 170, is light enough to allow more than one.
For some folks, the Campari can have such a robust and bitter flavor as to scare them off. Aperol is a sweeter and less biting substitute that is a great spirit to start with when discovering any Negroni.
Yes. My favorite way to drink a Negroni is shaken and served without ice. Add an extra ounce of gin for a little more kick.
Aperol Negroni Variations
Any version of a Negroni will be a memorable drinking adventure. Whether you use Aperol or Campari in your cocktails, the sweet or bitter flavors might leave you wanting for some similar, but possibly different experiences. Twist & Toast is the perfect place to find your next liquid masterpiece.
- Tequila Negroni – I discover the joys of mixing Italian and Southwestern flavors with the Tequila Negroni.
- Classic Negroni – Learn to mix up the original bitter and intense classic with this simple and delicious recipe.
- Siesta – When Campari and Tequila come to the party, there’s no way anyone will fall asleep, despite this cocktail’s name.
- Aperol Spritz – The refreshing and light cocktail is a popular party refreshment, and just as good on a lazy afternoon.
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