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Home » Recipes » Gin

Published: Jun 10, 2016 · Modified: Oct 2, 2019 by Nancy · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

Contessa Cocktail|An Aperol Negroni

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This Aperol Negroni, a Negroni variation known as the Contessa Cocktail might just be one of the summer's perfect sippers. Citrusy and refreshing, the Contessa Cocktail has just a hint of bitterness from the Aperol which makes it a perfect before-dinner drink!

A glass of an Aperol negroni with a mixing glass in the background.

What you need for this aperol drink:

  • Aperol
  • Dry Vermouth
  • Gin
  • Orange Bitters

In case you missed it, this is Negroni Week.   A week where we can channel our inner Sophia Loren, don a pair of oversized dark shades and perch ourselves at a cute little outdoor cafe and feel virtuous indeed while we sip a Negroni - or even an Aperol and Tangerine Spritz!

Seriously though, if you love Negroni's it's a great way to enjoy this classic cocktail and raise funds for charities around the world.

The Contessa Cocktail - the Negron's sexier cousin with Aperol, gin and dry vermouth

But there is just one teensy, tiny problem. What if you don't like Negroni's? Or, you're not even sure what they are? So a bit of background.

Negroni History:

The Negroni was  created at Bar Casoni in Florence, when Count Camillo Negroni ordered an Americano - i.e. sweet vermouth, Campari and club soda and asked the bartender to make it a little stronger. So, the bartender swapped the club soda for gin - and a classic cocktail was born. 

It's fully understandable that not everyone loves them - equal parts Compari, sweet vermouth and gin can be a bit much - especially if Compari's strong bitterness isn't your "thing".

I get it. Much and all as I enjoy a good Negroni there are times when they are just too bitter for me. So, how does one participate without um.. actually drinking a Negroni?

Well, lucky for you (and me!) there are lots of Negroni variations! From the The Part-Time Lover (made with tequila)  or, this... the Contessa Cocktail, developed by John Gertsen, a bartender at Boston’s Drink. The Contessa Cocktail is a lighter, less bitter twist on the classic and is my choice for Negroni Week!

Negroni Cocktail

What is a Negroni?

A cocktail of Compari, gin and sweet vermouth.

Can You Make a Negroni with Aperol?

Absolutely! Compari and Aperol are both aperifs. Aperol is less bitter and has a stronger citrus flavor.

What is the difference between Aperol and Compari?

Although both are classified as aperitifs, Aperol has half the ABV of Compari and uses different botanicals.

The Contessa Cocktail - the Negron's sexier cousin with Aperol, gin and dry vermouth

So, if you need me, I'm the one with the large sunglasses and the Contessa Cocktail in her hand!

I'd love for you to let me know if you enjoyed this Aperol Negroni by rating it!!!

Cheers!

Nancy

Other Gin Cocktails I think you'll love!

  • Gin and Ginger Ale - brightened with lemon and mint, this is the perfect porch sipper!
  • Fizz Cocktail - a pomegranate and lime riff on the classic!
  • Bramble Cocktail - A smashing cocktail of blackberries and gin!
  • Botanist Gimlet - the classic cocktail made with Scotland's best gin!

If you enjoyed this recipe, I would LOVE for you to give it a 5-star rating! Cheers! Nancy

Contessa Cocktail - the Negroni's sexier cousin with Aperol, gin and dry vermouth

Contessa Cocktail

The Negroni's sexier cousin - made with aperol and vermouth it's the perfect cocktail for those who are "easing in" to Negroni's! 
4.10 from 11 votes
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Course: cocktail
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Calories: 152kcal
Author: Nancy Buchanan

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. Aperol
  • 1 oz. gin I liked Ford's in this, but Hendricks or your favorite gin works too!
  • 1 oz. dry vermouth I used Dolin which I highly recommend
  • 4 dashes Regan's Orange Bitters

Instructions

  • In a mixing glass combine the Aperol, gin and dry vermouth.
  • Add ice.
  • Stir for 30 - 45 seconds until the cocktail is nicely chilled.
  • Pour over ice into a rocks glass.
  • Add bitters.
  • Serve!

Recipe Notes

  1. This Negroni is a fabulous cocktail to serve to a crowd! You can mix up a day in advance! Keep it in the refrigerator and there's no need to stir it - just pour over ice into a rocks glass and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 0mg | Sugar: 2g
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sally says

    June 10, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    5 stars
    Love the pic! You are such the cocktail queen. And sounds delicious. I am out of Campari and need to get some or Aperol. Love to drink it in the summer with tonic and lime. So refreshing, but I might just have to try this one Nance. Usually its just wine, but this might win me over. Beautiful as always.

    Reply
  2. RobWeeve says

    October 03, 2018 at 6:49 pm

    5 stars
    I find a full shot of Campari in the classic Negroni takes over the gin and vermouth. It’s also quite sweet. I love Aperol and mixed with a less sweet vermouth sounds very appealing.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      October 05, 2018 at 6:23 pm

      Thanks Rob! I agree! This is one of my favorite "Negroni style" cocktails!!!

      Reply
  3. Freddie Yu says

    February 19, 2022 at 4:47 am

    5 stars
    Wow this is fantastic! I ised Tanquera and Noilly Pratt and it was wonderful!

    Reply

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SALUD, BONJOUR AND CIAO!
Hi, I’m Nancy Buchanan! At A Communal Table, you’ll find simple, delicious recipes inspired by world cuisine.

With my step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks, I invite you to explore the world…one plate at a time!
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SALUD, BONJOUR AND CIAO!
Hi, I’m Nancy Buchanan! At A Communal Table, you’ll find simple, delicious recipes inspired by world cuisine.

With my step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks, I invite you to explore the world…one plate at a time!
Care to know more?

Popular recipes

  • Rum and Ginger Beer- A Rum Moscow Mule
  • Provencale Braised Top Round Roast
  • Best Vodka Sour Recipe
  • Classic Shrimp Louie Salad and Dressing

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