Whip up this 5-minute Aperol Negroni with zero Campari. Bitter grapefruit balances the sweet vermouth and botanical notes from the gin; the result is delicious.

Aperol Negroni in a short glass with large ice cube garnished with slice of grapefruit.

A classic negroni can be a little intense, so I created this variation, which is much more sippable for me. Aperol is sweet and less bitter than Campari, which works nicely here. This cocktail is perfect for winter citrus season, but honestly, you can make it all year round. 

The blend of rose, peach, and raspberry in the Nolet’s gin adds a delicious fruity/floral edge to this cocktail that I think you’ll love! 

For more grapefruit drinks, try my Eternal Grapefruit Recipe, this Grapefruit Rose Mocktail, or my Cardamon Grapefruit Gin and Tonic.

Recipe Ingredients 

  • Aperol: This variation swaps the traditional Campari for Aperol
  • Sweet vermouth: AKA red or rosso vermouth. I used Cinzano Rosso Vermouth for this recipe.
  • Gin: Pick your favorite high quality gin. I used Nolet’s Gin.
  • Fresh grapefruit juice: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is best but bottled will work in a pinch!
  • Grapefruit slice: For a pretty garnish.

Tools & Equipment List 

You can check out my favorite glasses here

How to Make It 

  • Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir together for 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
  • Strain the ingredients into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Variations 

  • Traditional Grapefruit Negroni: Swap the Aperol for Campari
  • Grapefruit Boulevardier: Swap gin for whiskey
  • Grapefruit Tequila Negroni: Swap gin for tequila
  • Orange Aperol Negroni: Swap grapefruit for another citrus juice like orange or blood orange juice.
  • Pizza Negroni
  • Blood Orange & Spice Negroni

Sipping Tips & FAQs 

What’s the best ice format for this recipe?
A large, clear cube dilutes the cocktail slower than smaller ice, so you can sip it slowly without worrying about it getting watered down. I love this clear ice tray.

What other garnishes will work besides grapefruit? 
Try garnishing your grapefruit negroni with sliced blood orange or even regular orange if you need an alternative.

Can I make this in a larger quantity for multiple servings?
Yes! To do this, multiply the recipe by the number of servings you’d like to make. Serve it in a large pitcher with ice.

More Aperol Recipes to Try

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Aperol Negroni in a short glass with large ice cube garnished with slice of grapefruit.
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Aperol Negroni

Servings: 1
Prep: 5 minutes
Whip up this 5-minute Aperol Negroni with zero Campari. Bitter grapefruit balances the sweet vermouth and botanical notes from the gin; the result is delicious.
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 1 oz gin
  • 1/2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • Grapefruit slice, for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Jigger
  • Knife
  • Citrus Juice
  • Clear Ice Tray
  • Negroni Glasses

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir to chill.
  • Strain into a cocktail glass with a large cube. If desired, garnish a grapefruit slice.
Did you Make this Recipe?Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag @thesocialsipper on Instagram!