While I was in Italy, I stayed in five different cities in regions ranging as far north as Piemonte and as far south as Lazio. The culture of each of these places was unique and differed significantly from one place to the next. However, one thing was always consistent no matter where I went, it was never hard to find an aperitif at a local taverna.
Aperitifs are liqueurs generally mixed into cocktails enjoyed before a meal, believed to stimulate the appetite. Like gin, aperitif liqueurs are made by infusing botanicals like fruits, herbs, bark, and roots into an alcohol base. They are typically light in flavor profile with a prominent bitterness. Campari probably is the best known of the category, although many other aperitifs, and digestifs, which are similar but are served at the end of a meal, are also produced. Today we will be taking a look at the classic Campari, as well as their lesser known, somewhat more mellow, liqueur, Aperol.
Spirit #1: Aperol Aperitivo Liqueur
Now owned and produced by Il Gruppo Campari, Aperol is one of the lightest liqueurs in the world, coming in at only 11% alcohol. Like all aperitifs and digestifs, the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but its intense orange color and flavor are attributed to both sweet and bitter oranges. A complex mixture of roots, herbs, and other botanicals further combine to give it its characteristic flavor. Aperol can be served on the rocks or chilled, but it is most popular as an ingredient in the Aperol Spritz, a light, fizzy cocktail popular throughout northern Italy (recipe listed below).
Distinctly orange dominated citrus tones drive the nose, showing notes of bitter orange rind and blood orange. Mixed floral tones, a faintly herbal quality, and a subtle menthol edge also show quite clearly.
Sweet and light on the palate, there is a pleasant orange candy tone that defines the flavor profile. A delicate bitterness, supported by hints of dried orange rind and mixed herbs gives it some definition. A subtly menthol-like edge mixes with distinct tones of sweetened rose water and orange oil, creating a very refreshing, lasting finish.
Worth Trying. 91 points.
Spirit #2: Campari Liqueur
The big name in Italian aperitif liqueurs, Campari is a deep red concoction made from a secret recipe including bitter orange, roots, barks, and herbs. The recipe has not changed since it was invented over 100 years ago, and in that time it has become a key ingredient in a number of cocktails. Probably the most famous of which are the Negroni (recipe listed below) and the Americano (which is basically a Negroni that substitutes soda water for gin), although it is also enjoyed mixed into orange juice, soda water and tonic, or simply served over ice.
Bitter herbs and menthol show initially on the nose. Notes of candied orange rind, red currant and cherry syrup, and a faintly peppery edge come together to create a fascinatingly complex aroma.
Sweet on the mid palate, there is also a balancing bitter, almost menthol-like, sensation that tingles on the tip of the tongue and at the back of the palate. Interesting herbal flavors with notes of candied wild fruit and a sassafras-like taste show as well. Interesting and complex on the palate, this liqueur is unapologetically bitter, but is actually very well balanced and enjoyable if given a chance.
Worth Trying. 91 points.
Aperitif Cocktails
There are plenty of ways to enjoy these Aperitif liqueurs. Below are a few of my favorites.
Cocktail #1: The Aperol Spritz
2 ounces Aperol
3 ounces Prosecco (or light white wine)
0.5 ounces Soda water (or tonic for a more bitter cocktail)
Fill a wine glass with ice. Pour Prosecco over ice, top with soda water, and then pour in Aperol. Garnish with an orange wedge.
Variations:
If using still wine, use slightly more soda water for more effervescence.
For a slightly more bitter drink, substitute tonic for soda water.
Cocktail #2: Negroni
1 part rosso vermouth
1 part gin
1 part Campari (or Aperol for a less bitter cocktail)
Pack ice into a rocks glass. Combine ingredients and garnish with a lemon or orange twist.
Variations:
To make an Americano, substitute a splash of soda water for the gin.
To make a Milano-Torino, combine only vermouth and Campari in equal parts over ice, without gin or soda.
Cocktail #3: Tramonto Rosso (Red Sunset)
(Created exclusively for What’s Worth Drinking)
0.5 ounces Campari
1 ounce Aperol
2 ounces orange juice
Soda Water
Fill a wine glass with ice. Pour in orange juice and Aperol and stir together. Slowly pour in Campari and let it settle to the bottom. Do not stir. Top with soda water.
