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 Caffè Casoni, where he would enjoy his preferred tipple, the Americano. A light and bitter libation, the Americano was a simple and tasty affair, comprised of sweet vermouth and Campari, 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 were always enjoyable, yes, but now he craved something… stronger.
Fosco Scarselli, the bartender at Caffè Casoni, was charged by the Count to make his favorite cocktail more robust. 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, in taste, color, and alcohol. Using this in your next Negroni might even open your taste buds 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 it a lighter and less intense option for your cocktails.
What is the best alcohol to use in an Aperol Negroni?
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
- 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.
- Next, add in the sweet vermouth.
- Finally, pour the gin into the mix. Stir the ingredients gently with a barspoon to combine and chill the drink. Garnish with a fresh orange slice or twist.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
A rocks, or Old Fashioned, glass rimmed with a slice or twist of orange will make your mouth water before your first sip.
Can you shake an Aperol Negroni?
Yes. While not common practice, my favorite way to drink a Negroni is shaken and served without ice. Add an extra ounce of gin for a little more kick.
Similar drinks to the Aperol Negroni
Any version of a Negroni will be a memorable drinking adventure. Whether you use Aperol or Campari in your cocktails, the sweet and 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.
- Classic Negroni – Learn to mix up the original bitter and intense classic.
- Tequila Negroni – Mix Italian and Southwestern flavors with the Tequila Negroni.
- Siesta – When Campari and tequila come to the party, there’s no way anyone will fall asleep.
- Aperol Spritz – A popular party refreshment that’s just as good on a lazy afternoon.
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