This Aperol Negroni is a refreshing cocktail with a perfectly balanced flavor and a vibrant orange color. With a blend that is less bitter and a bit sweeter than the classic Negroni, you will love the flavor! This sophisticated drink will likely be on your favorite cocktails list!
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Using Aperol instead of Campari, this Negroni is a timeless cocktail that combines bold flavors with a touch of elegance.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create the perfect Aperol Negroni at home.
As the bright orange color of Aperol combines with the bold flavors of gin and sweet vermouth, you'll be transported to a breezy Italian piazza.
The Aperol Negroni is the ideal summer cocktail - perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening. This Italian cocktail will definitely impress!
Be sure to try my other Aperol cocktail, the Aperol Spritz! And for another classy cocktail, try my Chambord Vodka Lemonade.
Jump to:
- 🥃What Is An Aperol Negroni?
- 📖 The History of Aperol Negroni
- 🥃 Aperol vs. Campari: What's the Difference?
- ❤️Why You Will Love This Recipe
- 🍊 Ingredients
- 🍸 Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make an Aperol Negroni
- Aperol Negroni Variations
- 💭 Expert Tips
- 📋 Recipe FAQs
- 👩🏻🍳 More Favorite Cocktail Recipes
- 📋 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
🥃What Is An Aperol Negroni?
The Aperol Negroni is a unique spin on the traditional Negroni classic cocktail, using Aperol in place of Campari, giving it a slightly sweeter and less bitter taste.
📖 The History of Aperol Negroni
The Aperol Negroni has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It was invented by a bartender named Fosco Scarselli in Florence, Italy, when a customer asked to make a stronger version of the Americano cocktail.
Scarselli decided to replace the soda water in the Americano with gin, and thus, the Negroni was born. Over time, variations of the traditional Negroni emerged, and one of the most popular versions is the Aperol Negroni.
Aperol, the key ingredient in this cocktail, was created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers. They wanted to make a unique aperitif that captured the essence of Italian summers. With its bright orange color, gentle bitterness, and subtle sweetness, Aperol was an instant hit.
🥃 Aperol vs. Campari: What's the Difference?
Aperol and Campari are Italian aperitifs, but Aperol is less bitter, sweeter, and has a lower alcohol content. Campari is more robust and has a higher alcohol content than Aperol.
The Aperol version has a sweeter taste that's still balanced with just the right amount of bitterness.
❤️Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Refreshing and vibrant flavor: This Aperol gin cocktail combines the bitter-sweet taste of Aperol, the complexity of gin, and the richness of sweet vermouth. This combination creates a refreshing and flavorful cocktail.
- Easy cocktail: This Aperol Negroni recipe requires only three main ingredients – Aperol, gin, and sweet vermouth – making it a simple yet impressive cocktail for any occasion.
- Perfect for all seasons: Whether you're sipping it on a sunny summer day or cozying up by the fireplace in winter, the Aperol Negroni is a cocktail that suits every season.
- Ideal for casual gatherings and formal occasions: The Negroni with Aperol perfectly balances casual and sophisticated. It's just as suitable for a relaxed evening with friends as an elegant pre-dinner drink at a formal gathering.
🍊 Ingredients
To make the perfect Aperol Negroni, you'll need the following ingredients that you can find in your local liquor stores.

- Aperol. This bright and citrusy Italian apéritif liqueur has a vibrant orange hue. Aperol has a perfect balance of bitter notes and sweet oranges.
- Gin. Gin is the perfect base for the Aperol Negroni cocktail. I used London dry gin for a traditional taste.
- Sweet Vermouth. This is infused with aromatic herbs and spices, adding sweetness. Sweet red vermouth, such as Martini & Rossi Rosso, complements the flavors of gin and Aperol perfectly. The sweetness balances out the bitterness of the Aperol perfectly. I tried making this recipe with dry vermouth, but it was too bitter.
- Orange peel. An optional ingredient for garnishing is an orange peel garnish or an orange slice. The orange peel adds freshness and citrusy flavor that mingle harmoniously with the other ingredients.
- Optional ingredient: Orange Bitters. If you like a more complex flavor, add a few dashes of orange bitters to amplify the orange notes in the drink.
See the printable recipe card for quantities and a complete list of ingredients.
🍸 Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make an Aperol Negroni
First, pour 1 ounce of Aperol into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Add 1 ounce of gin and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth to the shaker.


Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Using a long-handled spoon, stir the liquid for 30 seconds. This will chill the cocktail and combine the flavors.


Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
Garnish with an orange twist or orange garnish. Use a vegetable peeler to easily get the orange twist.


Express the oils from the peel over the glass by gently squeezing it, then drop it into the cocktail.
And that's it!
Cheers!

Aperol Negroni Variations
- Mezcal Negroni: Replace the gin with Mezcal to add a unique twist. The earthy flavors of Mezcal pair very well with the bittersweet notes of Aperol.
- White Negroni: Substitute Aperol with Suze, a French herbal liqueur, and swap sweet vermouth with dry vermouth. This variation gives it a lighter, more floral taste.
- Champagne Negroni: Add some sparkle to your Aperol Negroni by topping it off with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
- Winter Spice Negroni: Infuse your Aperol Negroni with warm spice flavors by adding a cinnamon stick or star anise while stirring.
💭 Expert Tips
- Choose a high-quality gin: Since gin is the main spirit in this cocktail, it's crucial to select a premium gin.
- Balance the bitterness: The Aperol Negroni is known for its bitter notes, but keep in mind that balance is key. Adjust the ratio of Aperol and sweet vermouth to your personal preference. If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the amount of sweet vermouth or decrease the Aperol slightly.
- Mix with precision: Accurate measurements are vital when creating cocktails, especially when balancing multiple ingredients. Use a jigger or measuring tool to ensure you have equal parts of gin, Aperol, and sweet vermouth for a perfectly balanced drink.
- Serve over ice: To enjoy its full flavor, serve your Aperol Negroni over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Use one large ice cube to avoid diluting your Aperol Negroni too quickly.
- Add a splash of soda water: If you prefer a slightly lighter and fizzier version of the Aperol Negroni, you can top it off with a splash of soda water.
- The consumption of alcoholic beverages is intended for those who are of legal drinking age. Drink responsibly and in moderation. Don't drink and drive.
📋 Recipe FAQs
You can create a non-alcoholic version of the Aperol Negroni by substituting the alcohol with non-alcoholic spirits or using alcohol-free alternatives. Several non-alcoholic gins and aperitifs are available that can provide a similar flavor experience.
Absolutely! To make a large batch of Aperol Negroni in advance, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Combine the ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. When it's time to serve, pour the pre-mixed cocktail into individual glasses filled with ice and garnish as desired
While Aperol is the key ingredient in the Aperol Negroni, you can experiment with other aperitifs if you prefer. Campari, which is part of the classic Negroni recipe, is a great replacement.
Yes, you can use any mixing glass or jar to mix the cocktail. Stir the mixture with a long spoon for about 30 seconds to ensure everything is well mixed and chilled.

👩🏻🍳 More Favorite Cocktail Recipes
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📋 Recipe

How To Make Aperol Negroni Cocktail Recipe With Gin
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Aperol
- 1 ounce Dry Gin
- 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth
- 1 cup ice cubes
- orange peel or orange slice for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Pour Aperol, gin, and sweet vermouth into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass.1 ounce Aperol, 1 ounce Dry Gin, 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth
- Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker or mixing glass.1 cup ice cubes
- Using a long-handled spoon, stir the liquid for 30 seconds. This will chill the cocktail and combine the flavors.
- Strain the mixture into an Old Fashioned glass or rocks glass filled with a handful of fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with an orange twist or orange garnish.orange peel or orange slice
- Serve immediately!
- Cheers!
Notes
- Choose a high-quality gin: Since gin is the main spirit in this cocktail, it's crucial to select a premium gin.
- Balance the bitterness: The Aperol Negroni is known for its bitter notes, but keep in mind that balance is key. Adjust the ratio of Aperol and sweet vermouth to your personal preference. If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the amount of sweet vermouth or decrease the Aperol slightly.
- Mix with precision: Accurate measurements are vital when creating cocktails, especially when balancing multiple ingredients. Use a jigger or measuring tool to ensure you have equal parts of gin, Aperol, and sweet vermouth for a perfectly balanced drink.
- Serve over ice: To enjoy its full flavor, serve your Aperol Negroni over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Use one large ice cube to avoid diluting your Aperol Negroni too quickly.
- Add a splash of soda water: If you prefer a slightly lighter and fizzier version of the Aperol Negroni, you can top it off with a splash of soda water.
- The consumption of alcoholic beverages is intended for those who are of legal drinking age. Drink responsibly and in moderation. Don't drink and drive.
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