The Aperol Negroni falls on the more modest side of Negroni variations — a more subtle, sweeter side, that is. With just one ingredient changing and no altered proportions, it stays incredibly faithful to the original with more citrus and herbal notes, making this a delightful springtime sipper.
How to Make an Aperol Negroni
Both Campari and Aperol are Italian apéritifs. Overall, Aperol has a lower ABV and a more neutral flavor than the Campari. Aperol's sweeter notes are thanks to the oranges and gentian flowers used in the process, whereas Campari uses more bitter herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Aperol
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- Ice
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, add ice, Aperol, gin, and sweet vermouth.
- Stir rapidly to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
You can adjust the sweetness of the cocktail by varying the ratio of Aperol to vermouth. If you prefer a sweeter drink, use more Aperol and less sweet vermouth; for a drier version, use less Aperol and more sweet vermouth.
Aperol Negroni Variations
The Aperol Negroni does call for very exact ingredients, but there's still the possibility of experimenting with and swapping ingredients.
- Sample different types of gin — Plymouth, Old Tom, London dry, and genever — to find the one that works best for your Aperol Negroni.
- Different brands of sweet vermouth can affect the taste of the cocktail. Experiment with various styles and brands, but stick with sweet vermouth and avoid any dry vermouths.
- Although the Aperol Negroni uses 3 equal parts of ingredients, explore different options such as gin forward or Aperol forward, using 1½, ¾, ¾ proportions.
Related: 11 Negroni Variations You May Just Fall In Love With
Negroni Garnishes
The Aperol negroni might use an orange slice for a garnish. However, don't feel limited by this.
- Use a classic Negroni garnish of an orange peel.
- An orange twist, ribbon, or coin are also great options.
- Try an orange wedge or wheel.
- Swap the orange flavors for lemon. Do so with a lemon peel, ribbon, or coin, as well as a wheel, wedge, or slice.
- You can also use lemon and orange as a garnish together; consider two intertwined citrus ribbons or a lemon peel with an orange wheel.
- A dehydrated citrus wheel takes a traditional garnish from classic to contemporary.
A Little Less Bitter
Campari can be offputting for many; its incredibly bitter profile is too strong for some palates. Aperol, however, is one of the most accessible and user-friendly apéritifs available. So whether you're a veteran of Negronis and you're looking to introduce others to the cocktail, or you are the one searching for an introduction, the Aperol Negroni makes for a warm Negroni welcome.
