Name: Contessa Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
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

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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.

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