Aperol Americano Cocktail

A classic cocktail and a great sipping drink. Our Aperol twist on a traditionally Campari cocktail gives this version a bit of sweetness and makes it a great Saturday sipper or great for drinking all afternoon. 

Aperol Americano Cocktail Basics

This is a simple cocktail with very few ingredients. Aperol, sweet vermouth, club soda, and an orange to garnish. One of the great things about this cocktail is none of the ingredients are high in alcohol content, so it is a great drink for sipping all day long. There is no stronger spirit in this recipe. Nothing like a gin, that you will find in its stronger cousin, the Negroni cocktail.

Aperol vs Campari

Campari is the traditional alcohol of choice in the Americano cocktail, but I choose to use Aperol. Both are classic Italian bitters, but Campari is the flashier and louder relative. Maybe the drunk Uncle of the two? Campari is stronger in alcohol (about double), darker in flavor, and much more bitter than Aperol. The bitterness is what sold me on using Aperol for this drink.

I do think there is a time and place for strong bitter flavors, but for tall sipping drinks, I want something a bit sweeter. Campari is a spirit that I can take in limited quantities and the sweeter, more subtle flavors of Aperol make it perfect for a toned-down version of the classic Americano… the Aperol Americano cocktail.

History of the Americano Cocktail

This cocktail has it’s origins with Campari, which was created in 1860 by a man named Gaspare Campari. He opened up a cafe in front of the Duomo in Milan, Italy (which is a beautiful place) and was serving drinks from there. Sweet Vermouth, a fortified herbal wine,  had already been established as a spirit and would be something common in drinks, particularly in Italy.

Originally called a ‘Milano-Torino’ for the location of the origin of Campari and the brand of Vermouth originally used. The cocktail would later become popular among Americans and later the name would alter into Americano. As an interesting side note, the Americano would later become a Negroni after patrons would ask for an Americano with gin.

What Brand of Sweet Vermouth to Use

Probably the biggest variable in this drink is the Sweet Vermouth. First and foremost, I would say use what you like! Traditionally, the cocktail uses Punt e Mes brand of Sweet Vermouth, so that would be a good starting point if you can get it. Because the flavor is so reliant on the spirits you are using here and the Aperol is static in flavor, I would maybe splurge a bit here and make sure you are getting a nice Sweet Vermouth. Here is a list of Sweet Vermouths that might fit the bill for you if you can’t use Punt e Mes.

What is the Difference Between Club Soda, Soda Water, and Sparkling Mineral Water?

Soda water is carbonated water. Club Soda, however, has some minerals that are added. These can include sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, disodium phosphate, and occasionally sodium chloride. Both the carbonation and minerals are artificially added. Sparkling mineral water has naturally occurring carbonation and minerals.

For this recipe, we call for Club Soda, but if you used the other ones, the difference would be small. Use what tastes good!

Glass to Use

I recommend using a highball glass, but use what feels right! Obviously, the shorter the glass, the more concentrated the cocktail. We are basically mixing up the ingredients and then topping off with some club soda.

Aperol Campari Cocktail Tips

• Choose a nice sweet vermouth for this drink. The flavor depends on it.
• A highball glass is recommended, but this will work in any glass as long as you have enough club soda to fill the glass
• For the Orange garnish, either use a twist or just the orange peel.
• Lemon can be used in substitution to the orange.

Products I Used in This Recipe

• Highball Glasses
• Shaker kit for measuring

Did You Make an Aperol Americano Cocktail?

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