Happy Thursday afternoon! You made it this far, and I think you deserve a little treat. After a few months hiatus, Thursday Tipples is back and today I’m excited to share a great twist on the Negroni. I only discovered this Italian classic cocktail last year, but I’ve been in love with it ever since. Known as an apΓ©ritif, it is meant to stimulate your appetite before dinner.
While the original is quite strong and bitter, this version is a little lighter with some fresh blood orange (in season at the moment) and a spritz of soda. I have also used Aperol which is a little more mild than the traditional Campari, with notes of orange and rhubarb. Delicious!
I like this drink because it is not too sweet and somehow manages to be both refreshing and more-ish at the same time. It’s also very easy to prepare with only five ingredients and easy to make in a shaker for two, or a pitcher for a crowd. Simple and delicious? A winning combination in my books.
If you fancy your drinks a little more on the bitter side, use Campari as in the original recipe or experiment with a dash of bitters. Even better, rhubarb or orange bitters would add an incredible depth of flavour, so get creative!
I think it is the perfect tipple for an apΓ©ritif, and best shared with friends no matter what the occasion you’re planning – from a dinner party with the girls to a sunset wedding!
Sparkling Blood Orange Negroni
Serves 2-3 (easily scaled up)
- 60ml Aperol
- 60ml sweet (rosso) Vermouth
- 80ml Gin (I used Tanqueray)
- 1 blood orange
- Soda, to top up
Add the Aperol, vermouth and gin to a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Squeeze in the juice of half a blood orange and shake. Strain into ice-filled glasses, top up with soda, garnish with blood orange wedge and serve.
If youβre making a jug, combine the alcohol in the jug, refrigerate until needed, then add juice, ice, soda and garnish just before serving.