Meet the Aperol Negroni, a delightful twist on the classic cocktail born in 1900s Italy. The original Negroni, with its robust blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, gets a vibrant makeover with Aperol. Known for its bright orange hue and bittersweet flavour, Aperol brings a refreshing, citrusy note to the mix. This version is lighter and slightly sweeter than the traditional Negroni, making it a perfect summer sipper for both seasoned cocktail enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Aperol Negroni
PREP TIME 5 min
INSTRUCTIONS
01
Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice, and stir well for at least 30 seconds
02
Strain into a chilled rocks glass with ice
03
Garnish with a lemon twist and serve
Aperol Negroni flavour profile and tasting notes
An Aperol Negroni offers a refreshing take on a beloved classic. The vibrant orange Aperol brings a delicate balance of citrus and herbal notes, complemented by its signature bittersweet taste. When mixed with gin and sweet vermouth, the result is a harmonious blend of flavours.
The first sip reveals bright citrus zest, followed by a subtle sweetness, and finishes with a pleasantly lingering bitterness. It’s a well-rounded cocktail that delights the palate with every sip.
Read next: 8 Best Gins for Negroni
Negroni variations to try
If you love this captivating aperitivo cocktail, the good news is that there are a wide variety of Negroni variations to try at home. This includes:
- Jamaican Negroni
- Coffee Negroni
- Negroni Sbagliato
- Cynar Negroni
- Frozen Negroni
- Christmas Negroni
- Oaxacan Negroni
- Americano
Learn more: Best Vermouths for Negroni (Expert Recommendations & Tasting Notes)
Expert tips & techniques
Balancing the flavours in an Aperol Negroni is key to achieving the perfect sip. To start, use equal parts gin, Aperol, and sweet vermouth. This ensures a harmonious blend of citrusy, bittersweet, and herbal notes. When stirring, aim for about 30 seconds to properly mix and chill the ingredients without diluting them too much. For a flawless presentation, garnish with a fresh orange twist or a slice of blood orange, adding an extra burst of color and aroma to elevate your cocktail experience.
Serving suggestions
An Aperol Negroni pairs beautifully with a variety of canapés and meals. For a delightful start, try serving it with bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, or a platter of marinated olives and nuts. For main courses, it complements seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or a light citrusy salad.
For vegan and vegetarian guests, consider pairing it with roasted vegetable skewers, a vibrant quinoa salad, or avocado toast. The citrusy, bittersweet flavours of the Aperol Negroni enhance these dishes, making every bite and sip a perfect match.
Variations & customisations
There are endless ways to put your own spin on the Aperol Negroni. For a lighter, more effervescent version, add a splash of soda water to the mix. Experimenting with different types of gin can also yield exciting results—try a floral gin for a fragrant twist or a more robust, juniper-forward gin for a bolder flavour. Don’t be afraid to personalise your Aperol Negroni with unique garnishes like rosemary sprigs or edible flowers. The beauty of this cocktail lies in its versatility, so let your creativity flow and craft a version that’s uniquely yours.
In short, the Aperol Negroni is a vibrant, twist on the time-honoured clinker, offering a perfect balance of citrusy, bittersweet, and herbal notes. With expert tips on flavour balancing, stirring techniques, and garnishing, you can craft a delightful drink every time. Pair it with a variety of canapés and meals, and explore creative variations to make it your own. We’d love to hear about your Aperol Negroni adventures—share your recipes and experiences with us and join the cocktail conversation!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
An Aperol Negroni is a vivacious variation of the classic Negroni cocktail, replacing Campari with Aperol. Originating from the traditional Negroni, which combines gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, the Aperol version retains the gin and sweet vermouth but introduces Aperol's bright, citrusy profile. This twist results in a lighter, slightly sweeter drink, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy the complexity of a Negroni but prefer a less intense bitterness.
Aperol changes the flavour of a Negroni by infusing it with a lighter, more citrus-forward profile. While the classic Negroni's Campari provides a strong, bitter backbone, Aperol introduces a balanced blend of orange zest and herbal notes with a bittersweet finish. This results in a cocktail that is smoother and more approachable, with a subtle sweetness and refreshing brightness, making it a delightful alternative for those who find the traditional Negroni too intense.
Absolutely! Customising an Aperol Negroni is a fun way to personalise your cocktail. You can experiment with different types of gin to alter the flavour profile—try a floral gin for a lighter touch or a spicier gin for added complexity. Adding a splash of soda water creates a more effervescent drink, perfect for summer. You can also play with garnishes, such as rosemary sprigs, edible flowers, or unique citrus twists, to enhance both the flavour and presentation of your Aperol Negroni.
