Ever feel torn between classic and cool? That’s a common dilemma for many fans of Italian cocktails. In one corner, the bold and bitter Negroni, a veteran of the bar scene. On the other, the light and refreshing Aperol Spritz, the summery social butterfly. Our guide will help you choose your champion – or maybe declare both winners!
What’s The Difference Between a Negroni and an Aperol Spritz
A Negroni is made with equal parts of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, while an Aperol Spritz is made with Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water.
Different ingredients give different flavor profiles: a Negroni has a stronger taste due to its gin base and the bitterness from Campari. It’s often described as bittersweet and robust. On the other hand, an Aperol Spritz is lighter in alcohol content and tastes slightly sweeter because of the Prosecco and Aperol mix. The addition of soda also makes it more refreshing.
Furthermore, these two cocktails are typically served and made differently: a Negroni is usually stirred with ice before being strained into an ice-filled Old Fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass), often garnished with orange peel. On the other hand, an Aperol Spritz is prepared directly over ice in a large wine glass or sometimes a goblet, commonly garnished with a slice of orange.
What about calories and alcohol content?
Negronis and Aperol Spritzes differ in calories and alcohol content. A Negroni typically has 200-250 calories and an alcohol content of about 24% ABV due to its three-spirit composition. An Aperol Spritz usually contains fewer calories (around 150-200). It has a lower alcohol content at approximately 11% ABV, thanks to the inclusion of soda water and the lower-alcohol Aperol.
How Do They Share Similarities?
Both Share some common ground despite distinct styles:
- Italian Origins: Both drinks hail from Italy.
- Bittersweet Flavors: Each has a distinctive bittersweet profile due to Campari in Negroni and Aperol in Spritz.
- Citrus Garnishes: They’re often garnished with an orange slice or peel for added citrus notes.
- Pre-Dinner Serve Time: Typically served as pre-dinner drinks or during aperitivo hour.
- Colorful Appeal: Both are visually striking with the Negroni’s deep red hue and the Aperol Spritz’s bright orange color.
- Classic Status: They’re considered timeless classics in cocktail culture worldwide.
What Is a Negroni?
A Negroni is a classic cocktail made from equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. It’s known for its unique balance of bitter and sweet flavors, often garnished with an orange peel. There are several variations: the Boulevardier swaps gin for bourbon or rye whiskey; the Negroni Sbagliato replaces gin with sparkling wine; the White Negroni uses Lillet Blanc and Suze instead of vermouth and Campari; while another version substitutes Campari with Aperol for a less bitter profile. You will also like the Martinez, the Americano, and the Bijou if you enjoy a Negroni.
What Is an Aperol Spritz?
An Aperol Spritz is a refreshing Italian cocktail made with Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water. It’s known for its light, effervescent taste, and vibrant orange color. Variations include adding gin or replacing Aperol with Campari or other bitter Aperitivo liqueurs. If you enjoy an Aperol Spritz, you might also like spritz-style cocktails or classics like the Kir or Bellini.
Which One Is Sweeter?
The Aperol Spritz is sweeter. This is due to Prosecco, which adds sweetness, and Aperol, which is less bitter than Campari used in a Negroni.
Which One Is Better?
If you love a drink with a complex, bittersweet profile with herbal undertones, the Negroni’s your hero. But craving something light and bubbly? The Spritz is your summer fling! Both are winners, so choose based on your mood (or try both!).
Which One Is Easier To Make?
An Aperol Spritz is generally easier and quicker to make than a Negroni.
To make an Aperol Spritz, you simply add Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water to a glass filled with ice and stir gently. This process can take less than a minute.
Get the full Aperol Spritz Recipe.
On the other hand, making a Negroni involves more steps: measuring equal parts of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari; stirring these ingredients over ice until well-chilled; and then straining into a separate glass. This could take around 2-3 minutes.
Get the full Negroni Recipe.
What Is a Aperol Negroni?
An Aperol Negroni, also known as a “Contessa,” is a twist on the classic Negroni where Aperol is used in place of Campari. This substitution creates a lighter, slightly sweeter version of the cocktail, with less bitterness than the traditional Negroni. The drink still follows the same classic formula of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Aperol.
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