Aperol vs Campari: what are the differences?
Whether you make a cocktail with Campari or Aperol, both drinks are orange, Italian and have a bittersweet flavor. Yet the two aperitifs differ more from each other than you might think…
When we think of a summery cocktail, we think of a sparkling Aperol Spritz, but also of a classic Negroni with style made with gin, vermouth and Campari.
Aperol and Campari: these are the differences
Although Aperol and Campari mainly add a bittersweet flavor to cocktails, you should not simply use one instead of the other. Because there really are differences between them.
The origin
Aperol was created by brothers Luigi and Silvio in 1919 in the Italian town of Padua in the east of the country. Campari came quite a few years earlier, around 59, and was created by Gaspare Campari in Milan.
The color
You will always recognize the main ingredients of these Italian cocktails by their bright orange color. Yet there is a difference. Aperol is more orange in color, while Campari is somewhat redder. How the two acquire their color remains one of the best-kept secrets of the family recipe to this day…
The flavor
The two can also easily be distinguished by their flavor. Both are bittersweet, thanks to the orange, but Aperol is just a little sweeter than Campari. Campari is therefore more bitter and also has more of the flavor of, among other things, rhubarb, berries and a mysterious blend of herbs.
The alcohol content
Aperol has an alcohol content between 11 and 15 percent, while Campari ranges between 20.5 and 28.5 percent, depending on the country where you buy the drink. In the Netherlands, Aperol has an alcohol content of 11 percent and Campari 25 percent. Quite a difference, then.
Also read:
