This Aperol Negroni is the perfect twist on the traditional Negroni recipe. If you don't like Campari bitters, but you want an easy cocktail recipe this is for you!

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You’ll love this Aperol Negroni recipe.

It’s easy to make. Just 4 ingredients are all you need to make this Aperol cocktail. You can find these ingredients at most liquor stores.

It’s perfect if you don’t like Campari. I cannot stand Campari, some call it an acquired taste... but I don't know if I can ever acquire that taste.

What is a Negroni?

A Negroni is an Italian cocktail made of one part gin, one part rosso/red vermouth (which is a fortified wine), and one part Campari with an orange peel garnish. It's an Italian aperitivo made as a pre-dinner drink.

What is Aperol?

Aperol is one of the Italian aperitifs. It has a bright orange color and is one of my favorite additions to my bar cart.

What is the main flavor of Aperol?

The main ingredients in Aperol are gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona bark. It has a bittersweet taste and I love adding it in place of Campari in this classic cocktail.

Ingredients

With a few simple ingredients, you can whip together a batch of these Negroni cocktails in no time.

Aperol. Of course, you'll need Aperol for an Aperol Negroni cocktail. This is a pretty popular liqueur, so you can find it almost anywhere. It's also what gives this cocktail that vibrant orange color that is so beautiful.

Gin. I opt for a dry gin for this cocktail. A gin like Hendricks Gin or Prairie Organic Gin are the best gin options, in my opinion.

Sweet Vermouth. Sweet Vermouth, rosso, or red vermouth is necessary for this Aperol gin cocktail. There are many different brands, so you can get as affordable or expensive as you want.

Orange Bitters. This isn't necessary, but I love the sweet orange flavor that bitters add to this drink.

How to make an Aperol Negroni

Whether you're making this Aperol Negroni or a classic Negroni recipe, here's how to make this classic recipe.

1. In a rocks glass, pour in equal parts gin, Aperol, sweet vermouth and orange bitters.
2. Add large ice cubes, stir until chilled.
3. Top with an orange garnish, like a slice or a peel.
4. Enjoy!

Additional Negroni variations

Vodka. Don't like gin? Add vodka to this cocktail instead.

Club Soda. Add a splash of club soda to this cocktail if you want a bit of fizz.

Make it a spritz. Instead of soda water, you can add a bit of prosecco to make a Negroni Spritz.

Dry vermouth. Want a unique spin? Try adding dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth.

Campari vs Aperol Negroni

Both have a distinct and unique flavor. The Campari Negroni will be a more bitter cocktail whereas the Aperol Negroni is a bit sweeter.

How is Aperol different from Campari?

They are both bitter liqueurs, but Aperol is a bit sweeter than Campari.

FAQ

Should a negroni be shaken or stirred?

A Negroni should be stirred! I like to add a large ice cube and stir until it's chilled. If you want to get super fancy you can make it in a cocktail shaker and then using a cocktail strainer, strain it into a cocktail glass with a large ice cube.

Can I substitute Aperol for Campari in a Negroni?

Absolutely! Substituting Aperol for Campari in a Negroni is a great way to sweeten up the typical Negroni.

Is Aperol sweeter than Campari?

Yes, it is!

Is Negroni and Aperol the same thing?

Nope! Negroni is a cocktail whereas Aperol is a liqueur.

Is Aperol like vermouth?

Nope! Aperol is an apéritif and vermouth is fortified wine.

Amazon home finds

You’ll definitely want some rocks glasses to make these Aperol Negronis in.

Since this cocktail calls for being shaken, not stirred, I recommend these cocktail stirrers and a cocktail mixing glass.

Pin it for later!

Want some more cocktail recipes?

• Peach Aperol Spritz
• Limoncello Spritz
• Fall Aperol Spritz
• Frozen Peach Bellini