Ever since the Negroni Sbagliato with Processco became the it drink of the Fall, thanks to Emma D’Arcy, a lot of people have newly discovered they either really love or really hate the cocktail. It’s also raised some questions, like, “What even is Campari?” “Does a Negroni have to be so bitter?”
And, “what is the difference between Aperol and Campari?”
As you wander down the rabbit hole of the cocktail world, learning the difference between the two Italian apertifs is a comparison worth exploring. Ideally, over an Aperol Spritz. Or two.
What is Aperol?
Let’s start with Aperol first. Aperol is an apéritif made from a secret mix of oranges, roots, and herbs that include rhubarb, gentian, and cinchona. It’s intended to be enjoyed before a meal, either on its own or in a cocktail. And is most often garnished with an orange peel.
The 11% apéritif was first crafted in 1919 by the brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri in Padua, Italy. But, ever since 2003, the brand has been part of the Campari Group‘s portfolio.
Popular Aperol Drinks
Once you get your hands on a neon-bright bottle of Aperol, it’s time to whip up some drinks! Here are a few of our favorites:
- Aperol Spritz: This cocktail even has its own glass! Finally, no more drinking from our hands.
- Bittersweet Symphony: For an Aperol twist on the Martini, try this cocktail that combines Aperol, London dry gin, and vermouth and is garnished with a lemon twist.
- Robert Simonson’s Paper Plane: This is a sweet, strong blend of bourbon, amaro, Aperol, and lemon juice served in a coupe glass.
What is Campari?
Campari is a bittersweet red Italian apéritif with notes of cinnamon, citrus peel, cherry, and clove. After two decades of tinkering, manufacturer Gaspare Campari perfected the sunset-hued recipe in 1860, using over sixty secret ingredients.
The company won’t divulge the ingredient list, but Difford’s Guide believes some of the many ingredients include “quinine, rhubarb, ginseng, chinotto, and Cascarilla bark”
Popular Campari Drinks
- The Negroni (Stanley Tucci style) made using Campari, vermouth, and gin. Or, D’Arcy’s version, the Negroni Sbagliato, made with Campari, vermouth, and Prosecco.
- The Garibaldi: Two-ingredients (Campari and orange juice) and one minute to make it.
- The Old Pal: Rye and Campari meet vermouth and a lemon twist in this punchy drink.
Aperol vs. Campari: What is the Difference?
1. Alcohol Content
Aperol has an 11% ABV (or 22 proof), except in Germany where its ABV is 15%. Campari’s ABV is between 20.5 and 28.5%, depending on the country.
2. Flavor
Aperol is decidedly sweeter than Campari with fewer bitter notes. If you love the idea of a Negroni but it’s too medicinal for you, use Aperol instead of Campari. It’ll give the drink a fruitier flavor without heading into Tiki cocktail territory.
3. Color
Campari is red, while Aperol sports an orange hue. Both are often described as flirtatious. If you see us and we’re convinced that a drink is flirting with us, please cut us off.
4. Use in Cocktails
Aperol is used for light, refreshing drinks like the spritz. Campari, is often used within stronger, more refined cocktails. (Read: higher in alcohol.)
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