Aperol Negroni Slushie for a Refreshing Summertime Sip

Aperol Negroni – a vibrant orange cocktail that’s a guaranteed showstopper at any party. It’s a versatile drink, perfect for those who want to experience the complex flavors of a negroni without Campari, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses only a few common cocktail ingredients, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This Aperol Negroni’s vibrant orange color isn’t just for show. It’s a hint at the burst of zesty fruit flavors you’ll experience with every sip. While it maintains the bittersweet profile that makes a Negroni so enticing, the Aperol brings a touch of sweetness that balances out the herby, nuanced flavors. It’s a refreshing and tantalizing drink that’s not too sweet, making it perfect for sipping all night long.

I’ve personally found that the Aperol Negroni is a great way to introduce friends to the world of Negronis. Its vibrant color and approachable flavor profile make it less intimidating than the classic Campari version, yet it still delivers a sophisticated and satisfying drinking experience. It’s a true testament to how a simple twist on a classic can create something entirely new and exciting.

Aperol Negroni 

This unique spin on the Negroni creates a cocktail that tastes delicious and a little different. It’s every bit as delicious as the classic recipe, and answers the question you may have ever wondered: Can you substitute Aperol for Campari in a Negroni? The answer is a resounding yes.

The Aperol Negroni is a bright, refreshing cocktail, perfect for sipping as you welcome spring. A Negroni with Aperol instead of Campari is much lighter, and some might say it’s a beginner’s Negroni, or even an afternoon Negroni. If you like the orange flavor, Aperol truly stands out in this version.

Sitting halfway between an Aperol Spritz and a classic Negroni, this cocktail is delicious enough that you might just whip one up even if you have a bottle of Campari in your bar.

What is Aperol?

Aperol is an Italian apéritif (apéritivo) with a beautiful, bright orange color and a sweet flavor. The name Aperol is derived from “apero,” a slang word for apéritivo. The recipe for Aperol hasn’t changed since its birth, and the exact ingredients are still a secret.

What we do know is that Aperol is made with gentian, rhubarb, cinchona, and a blend of bitter and sweet oranges, herbs, and roots. It’s commonly used in the popular Aperol Spritz but is also delicious in a Negroni, as we’ve discovered.

What is a Negroni? 

The Negroni is a well-regarded classic cocktail from Italy, often served as an apéritif or apéritivo, a pre-dinner drink. It’s a blend of equal quantities of gin, Campari (a bitter liqueur), and sweet Vermouth. This Italian cocktail should be stirred with ice, never shaken, and served on the rocks (over ice) in an old-fashioned or rocks glass, garnished with a slice of orange or a strip of orange zest.

Tastewise, the Negroni is a bitter cocktail, but the inclusion of sweet Vermouth and the orange garnish add a fruity sweetness to balance it out. Expect complex, bittersweet flavors with notes of herbs, dark fruit, juniper, and citrus.

Note: There are plenty of variations on this classic cocktail, including the Negroni with Aperol in place of Campari.

READ: French Negroni

Campari vs. Aperol: The Key Differences

A key question often faced is: What’s the difference between Aperol and Campari? Both are Italian bitter liqueurs (aperitifs), but one differs significantly according to taste. Aperol takes center stage in this recipe, so let’s break down what sets it apart from Campari.

1. The first-ever aperitif, Campari, was invented by Gaspare Campari in Piedmont, Italy, in the 1860s. Aperol first appeared on the apéritivo scene in 1919 and gained favor after WWII. It was created by the Barbieri brothers in the Veneto region of Italy. Later, the Campari company bought Aperol in the 1990s.
2. Aperol Aperitivo is an Italian bitters liqueur/aperitif made with herbs and fruit, with a vibrant orange color and a lightly sweet, citrusy flavor. Campari is an Italian liqueur/apéritif, an infusion of herbs and fruit with a dark, rich red/orange color.
3. Aperol is less bitter, less vigorous with herbaceous undertones, and has a sweeter, fruitier flavor, meaning this cocktail has a subtle sweetness. Campari has noticeably bitter, herbal flavors. In comparison, the bitter edge is more pronounced in Campari, which can be polarizing.
4. Aperol has 11% alcohol, while Campari ranges from 20-28% alcohol. Aperol is slightly sweeter, less bitter, and a lighter drink on the lips.
5. Notes of fruit, orange, and citrus are more pronounced in Aperol. Campari has a deeper orange/red color, while Aperol has a vibrant, light orange color.
6. Aperol is unmistakably orange, while Campari is gorgeously and brazenly crimson red. These apéritifs are incredibly easy to tell apart.
7. Aperol is classically used in the Spritz, while Campari is a classic ingredient in the Negroni.

For the Vermouth 

There are two main types of vermouth: sweet (usually red) and dry (usually white). The sweet one is subtly sweet and spicy, with a hint of bitter on the back end. Dry vermouth tastes more floral and herbal with a dry finish.

The question often arises: “Can I use dry vermouth for an Aperol Negroni?” At first thought, one might assume dry vermouth would taste better with Aperol, since Aperol is much sweeter than Campari. However, after trying it, I liked the flavor of sweet vermouth best as it tasted more like a Negroni without being overly sweet.

READ: Chocolate Negroni

Types of Gin 

There are 4 main types of gin, each varying slightly in flavor, depending on what you’re looking for:

• London Dry: The most common type of gin, with a strong juniper flavor.
• Plymouth: Drier than London Dry, with a little more citrus forwardness.
• Old Tom: Sweeter and richer in flavor than London Dry, with notes of licorice.
• Genever: No citrus flavor, and the richest in flavor of all gins.

Step It Up With Clear Ice 

How to make this Aperol drink a true “next level” Negroni. Use clear ice. Clear ice is crystal clear and different from the cloudy ice cubes made in your ice tray. It has a beautiful look in the glass and melts slower than regular ice cubes.

Clear ice is easy to make at home with a small cooler. There are also clear ice makers on the market, but all you really need is a small cooler that fits inside your refrigerator.

Orange Peel Garnish 

To make an attractive orange peel garnish for your Aperol Negroni cocktail, you can use a vegetable peeler to peel a clean slice of orange rind off the orange. Be sure to clean the orange prior to peeling to ensure a fresh and hygienic garnish.

If you don’t have a vegetable peeler, you can use a knife instead, but be careful not to cut yourself. Gently run the knife along the orange’s surface to remove a long, thin strip of the rind.

Ingredients in an Aperol Negroni 

• Aperol: The namesake liquor, known for its bright orange hue and flavor, closely associated with rhubarb, burnt orange, and bitter herbs.
• Sweet Vermouth: You’ll want a sweet or semi-sweet vermouth, which contains notes of vanilla, caramel, and darker fruits. It’s a fortified wine that’s infused with botanicals. Different brands taste different, so even an inexpensive bottle can make a tasty Aperol Negroni.
• Gin: The herbal flavor marked with citrus and spices complements Aperol well. I do not recommend switching gin for another alcohol, as the lighter flavor of Aperol is best paired with a lighter flavored spirit.
• Orange Peel: Used as a garnish.

How to Make an Aperol Negroni (Basic Steps) 

1. Place a few ice cubes in a cocktail mixer, mixing glass, or glass jar. Pour in all the ingredients (Aperol, gin, and sweet vermouth).
2. Stir until chilled. Stirring chills the cocktail and dilutes it less than shaking in a cocktail shaker would. Strain the mixture into a lowball glass over a large ice cube.
3. For the garnish, use a knife to remove a 1″ wide strip of orange peel. Squeeze the orange peel over the drink to release its oils. Run the peel along the edge of the glass and place it in the glass before serving.

Here’s a Tip: An optional garnish is a slice of blood orange or a traditional orange peel.

Traditional Negroni 

A traditional Negroni is made with:

• 1 part gin
• 1 part Campari
• 1 part sweet vermouth

Serving Glass

The Aperol Negroni is classically served in an old-fashioned glass. This short tumbler showcases the drink’s vibrant color, accommodates a large ice cube, and allows for nosing the complex aromas. While some opt for a coupe glass for elegance, the old-fashioned is preferred for maintaining the drink’s ideal temperature.

When to Serve an Aperol Negroni?

Aperol, like Campari, is classified as a bitter’s apéritif, a type of alcohol enjoyed before a meal. However, it doesn’t need to be nearly dinner time to savor the complex flavors of a Negroni.

The Aperol Negroni is less strong and less bitter than a classic Negroni, making it a wonderful cocktail for many occasions. There are no wrong choices, so try a Negroni with Aperol, and you’ll find all sorts of good excuses to enjoy it!

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes 

• Try doubling the sweet vermouth if you’re used to keeping a more traditional 1:1:1 Negroni ratio of ingredients.
• Use plenty of ice in a large jug when stirring the drink before decanting it into a rocks glass filled with ice. This is the best way to ensure your Negroni with Aperol is served cold.
• Use a gin you like, as some of the flavors will come through.
• For extra orange flavor, add 1–2 drops of orange bitters.
• Experiment with garnishing, instead of an orange slice or orange zest strip, try some herbs or have them couple on some succulent plum olives brined beside the citrus.
• Chill the glass to ensure it remains cold for longer.

READ: Smoky Negroni

A Note on Health Considerations

However, it is necessary to note that Aperol Negroni contains alcohol and should be consumed moderately. It is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care practitioner if you have any dietary restrictions or health conditions or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before trying this cocktail.

Final Words

Next time you’re looking for a drink that’s both sophisticated and approachable, reach for the Aperol Negroni and discover the magic of this Italian-inspired creation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is a Negroni?

A popular Italian cocktail called Negroni is made with equal parts of gin, Campari (a bitter herbal liqueur) and sweet vermouth. It has a complicated taste profile that is both sweet and bitter, hence it is often consumed before meals as an appetizer.

Should a Negroni be shaken or stirred?

Negroni should always be stirred never shaken. By stirring, the ingredients are combined gently, thereby preserving the drink’s clarity and texture. Air and ice chips which can dilute and cloud the drink are introduced by shaking.

Can I substitute Aperol for Campari in a Negroni?

Surely! Simply replace Aperol for Campari in a traditional Negroni to create a lighter, less-bitter and sweeter version of a classic cocktail; an Aperol Negroni.

Does Negroni have Aperol?

A traditional Negroni is not made with Apero. Campari is used instead which has greater acerbity. Conversely, an Aperol Ne- groni variation replaces Apérol with campari instead.

What can you use instead of Campari in a Negroni?

Aperol is the most popular substitute for Campari in a Negroni. However, other options include Cappelletti, Cynar, or Select Aperitivo, each offering a unique twist on the classic cocktail.

Can I make an Aperol Negroni ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Aperol Negroni mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just before serving, stir it again with ice and strain it into a glass with a fresh ice cube.

What’s the difference between Aperol Spritz and Negroni?

Both are Italian cocktails featuring Aperol, but they differ significantly. An Aperol Spritz is a bubbly, refreshing drink made with Aperol, Prosecco, and a splash of soda water. A Negroni, whether made with Campari or Aperol, is a spirit-forward, bittersweet cocktail with a more complex flavor profile.

Is Aperol a vermouth?

No, Aperol is not a vermouth. It’s a bitter liqueur, also known as an aperitivo, made with a blend of herbs and spices. Vermouth, on the other hand, is a fortified wine flavored with botanicals.

What is gin and Aperol called?

A cocktail made with gin and Aperol is commonly called an Aperol Spritz when combined with Prosecco and soda water. When mixed with sweet vermouth, it’s known as an Aperol Negroni.

Which is better, Campari or Aperol?

Whether Campari or Aperol is “better” depends on personal preference. Campari is more bitter and herbal, while Aperol is sweeter and lighter. If you’re new to bitter liqueurs, you might prefer the gentler flavors of Aperol.

What’s the best gin to use?

London Dry gin is a classic choice for Negronis and works well in an Aperol Negroni too. However, you can experiment with different types of gin, such as Plymouth or Old Tom, to find your preferred flavor profile.

What’s the best vermouth to use in this gin and Aperol drink?

A sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi di Torino complements the flavors of gin and Aperol beautifully. However, you can also try using a Bianco vermouth for a lighter, more floral twist.

When should I serve this cocktail?

An Aperol Negroni is a versatile cocktail you can enjoy on various occasions. It’s an excellent aperitif to stimulate your appetite before dinner, a refreshing drink for a sunny afternoon, or a sophisticated choice for a casual get-together with friends.

What is the best glass to serve an Aperol Negroni?

An Aperol Negroni is traditionally served in an old-fashioned glass or a rocks glass. These glasses are short and wide, allowing the ice to melt slowly and the aromas of the cocktail to develop.

Aperol Negroni

Recipe by Raise Your GlassCourse: CocktailsCuisine: Italian

Servings

1

cocktail

Prep time

5

minutes

Calories

188

kcal

Total time

5

minutes

Raise your glass to the Aperol Negroni, a vibrant and refreshing twist on a classic Italian aperitivo. Cheers!

Ingredients

• 2 oz. — Gin

• 2 oz. — Aperol

• 2 oz. — Sweet Vermouth

• 1 — Orange Slice

Directions

• Place a few ice cubes in a cocktail mixer, or mixing glass, or glass jar.
• Pour in all the ingredients (Aperol, gin, and sweet vermouth).
• Stir until chilled. Stirring chills the cocktail and dilutes it less than shaking in a cocktail shaker would.
• Strain the mixture into a lowball glass over a large ice cube.
• For the garnish, use a knife to remove a 1″ wide strip of orange peel.
• Squeeze the orange peel over the drink to release its oils.
• Run the peel along the edge of the glass and place it in the glass before serving.

Notes

• An optional garnish is a slice of blood orange or a traditional orange peel.
• The Aperol Negroni is classically served in an old-fashioned glass. While some opt for a coupe glass for elegance, the old-fashioned is preferred for maintaining the drink’s ideal temperature.