Aperol Negroni Cocktail With Gin

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!

Aperol Negroni in a small glass with ice cubes and an orange twist.

Using Aperol instead of Campari, this Negroni is a timeless cocktail that combines bold flavors with a touch of elegance.

You can create the perfect Aperol Negroni at home with just a few simple ingredients.

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.

🥃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 originated in the early 20th century in Florence, Italy, by bartender Fosco Scarselli. He created the Negroni by substituting soda water in the Americano cocktail with gin at a customer’s request.

The Aperol Negroni, a popular variation, uses Aperol, an aperitif created in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers, inspired by Italian summers. Aperol’s bright orange color, mild bitterness, and light sweetness contribute to the drink’s distance taste.

🥃 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 balanced with just the right amount of bitterness.

What you’ll love about this recipe:


  • Refreshing and vibrant flavor: This Aperol gin cocktail combines the bitter-sweetness of Aperol, the depth of gin, and the richness of sweet vermouth.
  • Easy cocktail: This Aperol Negroni recipe requires only three ingredients – Aperol, gin, and sweet vermouth.
  • 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 any occasion: 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.

🍊 Ingredients

To make the perfect Aperol Negroni, you’ll need the following ingredients that you can find in your local liquor stores.

Ingredients for Aperol Negroni on a wooden table.
  • Aperol. This bright and citrusy Italian apéritif liqueur has a vibrant orange hue. Aperol has a perfect balance of bitter notes and sweet oranges. You can also use Campari instead of Aperol.
  • 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.

Aperol being poured into a cocktail shaker.
Dry gin being poured into the cocktail 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.

A handful of ice cubes added to the cocktail shaker.
A long handled spoon stirring the ingredients in the cocktail shaker.

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.

The mixture being strained into a glass with fresh ice cubes.
The mixture being strained into the rocks glass with ice cubes.

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 in a rocks glass with ice cubes.

🍸 Aperol Negroni Variations

  • Mezcal Negroni: Use Mezcal instead of gin.
  • White Negroni: Replace Aperol with Suze and sweet vermouth with dry vermouth.
  • Champagne Negroni: Add champagne or sparkling wine for some fizz.
  • Winter Spice Negroni: Add cinnamon or star anise for warm spice flavors.

💭Expert Tips


  • Use premium gin: Since gin is the main spirit in this cocktail, it should be of high quality.
  • Balance the bitterness: Adjust Aperol and sweet vermouth to taste, finding the right balance.
  • Measure accurately: Use a jigger or measuring tool for equal parts gin, Aperol, and sweet vermouth.
  • Serve on ice: Use a large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass to avoid dilution.
  • Optional splash of soda water: Add soda water for a lighter, fizzier drink.
  • Drink responsibly: Only for those of legal drinking age. Consume in moderation and never drink and drive.

📋 FAQs about Aperol Negroni with Gin

You can create a non-alcoholic version of the Aperol Negroni by substituting the alcohol with non-alcoholic spirits or using alcohol-free alternatives.

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.

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.

A short glass filled with aperol negroni cocktail.

If you tried this Aperol Negroni with Gin recipe or any other recipe on our website, please leave a star rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and let us know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thank you! 🙂

Aperol Negroni Cocktail With Gin

A rocks glass filled with an aperol negroni garnished with an orange twist.
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!
Author: Jeri Walker
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

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.
  • Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker or mixing glass.
  • 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 and serve immediately.

Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and is meant as a guideline only.
Expert Tips:
  • Use premium gin: Since gin is the main spirit in this cocktail, it should be of high quality.
  • Balance the bitterness: Adjust Aperol and sweet vermouth to taste, finding the right balance.
  • Measure accurately: Use a jigger or measuring tool for equal parts gin, Aperol, and sweet vermouth.
  • Serve on ice: Use a large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass to avoid dilution.
  • Optional splash of soda water: Add soda water for a lighter, fizzier drink.
  • Drink responsibly: Only for those of legal drinking age. Consume in moderation and never drink and drive.

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