Aperol Negroni
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
An Aperol Negroni is the lighter, sweeter, and friendlier little sister of the classic Negroni. It’s made with Aperol instead of Campari, which is less bitter and more approachable. A Negroni with Aperol is a delicious treat!
This unique spin on the Negroni tastes a little different from the classic, but it’s every bit as delicious. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can substitute Aperol for Campari in a Negroni, the answer is a definite yes.
A Negroni made with Aperol is lighter, softer, and a little more approachable than the original. I love how the bright orange flavor really shines here, making it feel like a perfect afternoon cocktail. Sitting somewhere between an Aperol spritz and a classic Negroni, it’s refreshing, balanced, and worth making even if there’s still Campari on your bar cart.
Ingredients in an Aperol Negroni
Unlike the classic recipe, this Aperol Negroni is made with four ingredients:
- Aperol – the namesake liquor.
- Sweet vermouth – This is a fortified wine that is infused with different botanicals. Different brands will taste different, but even an inexpensive bottle will make a tasty Aperol Negroni.
- Dry Vermouth – This is also a fortified wine that is sometimes known as white vermouth and has low sugar content.
- Gin – I don’t recommend switching gin for another alcohol as the lighter flavor of Aperol goes best with a lighter flavored spirit.
Why use sweet and dry vermouth?
In recipe testing, I tried three versions of this Negroni. One with sweet vermouth, one with dry vermouth, and one with both. The unanimous winner was the version using both. Using only sweet vermouth produced an overly sweet, unbalanced Negroni. In the dry vermouth version, the vermouth flavor was too prominent.
Using a mix of sweet and dry vermouth produced an Aperol Negroni that was well-balanced and flavorful.
Aperol Negroni Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Aperol
- 1 ounce gin
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- ½ ounce dry vermouth
- Orange slice or peel (to garnish)
Instructions
- Place a few ice cubes into a cocktail mixer or glass jar and pour the Aperol, gin, sweet vermouth, and dry vermouth over the top.1 ounce Aperol, 1 ounce gin, ½ ounce sweet vermouth , ½ ounce dry vermouth
- Stir for 30 seconds and then strain into a low ball glass.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or an orange peel
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Popular negroni variation recipes
For more inspiration, see all of my Negroni variations.
Most excellent! My new cocktail! My husband who does not like gin at all and made himself one after trying mine.
Most excellent! My new cocktail! My husband who does not like gin at all and made himself one after trying mine.