What is Stronger than Aperol? Exploring Bolder Alternatives
Aperol has become a beloved aperitif worldwide, thanks to its low-alcohol content and pleasantly bittersweet taste. However, some cocktail enthusiasts may crave something stronger with a more intense flavor profile. In this article, we will explore what is stronger than Aperol, looking at alternatives that pack a bigger punch in terms of alcohol content and flavor. By the end, you’ll discover exciting new spirits to try in your favorite cocktails.
Aperol: A Brief Overview
Aperol is an Italian liqueur known for its orange hue and bittersweet flavor. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of just 11%, it’s perfect for light cocktails like the Aperol Spritz. Aperol’s lower alcohol content, combined with its blend of gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona, makes it a go-to for those looking for a refreshing yet mild aperitivo.
However, for those wanting something stronger, there are several alternatives that can bring more intensity to your cocktails. Let’s dive into some options that offer both more alcohol and more robust flavors.
Campari: Aperol’s Stronger Cousin
When thinking about stronger alternatives to Aperol, Campari is the first option that comes to mind. This Italian bitter liqueur is similar in taste but offers a much stronger experience with a 24% ABV. While Aperol is light and fruity, Campari provides a more pronounced bitterness and depth, thanks to its blend of herbs, fruits, and spices. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bold and bitter cocktail.
Campari can be found in several iconic drinks, such as the Negroni and the Americano. These cocktails are known for their intense flavors and higher alcohol content, making them ideal for those who find Aperol a bit too mild.
For more information on the differences between Aperol and Campari, check out this detailed guide.
Campari vs. Aperol in Cocktails
- Alcohol Content: Campari (24% ABV) is more than double the strength of Aperol (11% ABV).
- Flavor: While both are bitter, Campari’s bitterness is more aggressive, with an herbal undertone.
- Cocktails: Use Campari in stronger cocktails like Negroni or Boulevardier for a more intense flavor experience.
For those who want to up their game from Aperol to Campari, this switch will result in a more powerful, bittersweet experience that still retains that Italian aperitivo charm.
Amaro Nonino: A Complex and Stronger Option
Another fantastic alternative to Aperol is Amaro Nonino. With an ABV of 35%, this amaro offers significantly more strength. Amaro Nonino is made with a base of grape distillate and infused with botanicals like gentian, saffron, and rhubarb, giving it a complex flavor profile that balances bitterness and sweetness.
Unlike Aperol, Amaro Nonino has a layered, rich taste that works well in cocktails like the Paper Plane or on its own as a digestif. The higher alcohol content gives it a bolder finish, making it an excellent substitute for those wanting a more intense drink.
If you’re interested in learning more about Amaro Nonino’s versatility, you can read about its uses here.
How Amaro Nonino Compares to Aperol
- Alcohol Content: Amaro Nonino (35% ABV) has significantly more alcohol than Aperol (11% ABV).
- Flavor: Amaro Nonino offers a more complex and herbal taste, perfect for sophisticated palates.
- Cocktails: Replace Aperol with Amaro Nonino in a Paper Plane for a stronger, more complex cocktail.
For those looking to elevate their cocktails, Amaro Nonino provides a richer and bolder experience than Aperol.
Cynar: The Earthy, Stronger Choice
Cynar is another bitter liqueur that serves as an excellent, stronger alternative to Aperol. Made from artichokes and a variety of other herbs, Cynar offers a 16.5% ABV, making it stronger than Aperol but less potent than Campari or Amaro Nonino. Its unique, earthy flavor adds depth to cocktails and pairs beautifully with prosecco or soda water for a simple spritz.
Cynar is often used in Cynar Spritz, a variation of the classic Aperol Spritz but with a more vegetal, earthy undertone. It’s perfect for those who want a bittersweet cocktail with a twist.
If you want to dive deeper into Cynar’s unique characteristics, check out this comprehensive guide on Cynar and its uses here.
Cynar vs. Aperol
- Alcohol Content: Cynar’s ABV (16.5%) is higher than Aperol but lower than Campari.
- Flavor: Cynar has an earthy, vegetal taste compared to Aperol’s lighter, fruitier flavor.
- Cocktails: The Cynar Spritz is a stronger, more complex alternative to the Aperol Spritz.
For drinkers looking for something with a bit more character than Aperol, Cynar offers a stronger, more complex experience while still being approachable.
Stronger Amaros for Cocktail Lovers
Several other amaros are stronger than Aperol, providing exciting opportunities to experiment with new flavors and higher alcohol content.
Fernet Branca (40% ABV)
Fernet Branca is one of the most potent amaros, with a staggering 40% ABV. Known for its intensely bitter and minty taste, this amaro is not for the faint-hearted. It’s often enjoyed as a digestif or used sparingly in cocktails for a sharp, bitter note.
Averna (29% ABV)
Averna is a slightly sweeter amaro from Sicily, with an ABV of 29%. It offers a balance of sweetness and bitterness, with rich caramel undertones. Averna works well in cocktails where you want more depth without overpowering bitterness.
Montenegro (23% ABV)
Amaro Montenegro is a well-known Italian amaro with a citrus-forward flavor. It’s slightly stronger than Aperol, with an ABV of 23%. It’s often used in cocktails like the Monte and Tonic for a refreshing yet bold drink.
Comparing These Amaros to Aperol
- Fernet Branca: At 40% ABV, it’s significantly stronger and offers an intense, bitter flavor.
- Averna: A sweeter option with a higher ABV (29%) that provides more richness.
- Montenegro: With an ABV of 23%, Montenegro is stronger than Aperol and adds a citrus note to cocktails.
By exploring these amaros, you can find the perfect substitute for Aperol depending on your taste preference and desired strength.
Aperol Substitutes in Cocktails
Finding a stronger alternative to Aperol doesn’t mean sacrificing your favorite cocktails. Here’s how you can swap in some stronger alternatives in popular Aperol-based drinks.
Negroni Sbagliato with Campari
The Negroni Sbagliato is a lighter take on the classic Negroni, but if you replace the Aperol with Campari, you’ll get a much stronger version that retains the Negroni’s characteristic bitterness.
- Recipe:
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet vermouth
- Top with Prosecco
- Garnish with an orange slice
Paper Plane with Amaro Nonino
Replacing Aperol with Amaro Nonino in a Paper Plane will result in a bolder, more complex cocktail.
- Recipe:
- 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino
- 3/4 oz Bourbon
- 3/4 oz Aperol
- 3/4 oz Lemon juice
Cynar Spritz
For a more earthy and vegetal take on the classic Aperol Spritz, swap Aperol with Cynar.
- Recipe:
- 2 oz Cynar
- Top with Prosecco
- Add a splash of Soda water
- Garnish with Orange slice
Conclusion: Explore Stronger Alternatives to Aperol
While Aperol remains a popular choice for light, refreshing cocktails, there are plenty of stronger alternatives available for those looking to amp up their drinks. Campari, Amaro Nonino, and Cynar offer more alcohol and richer, bolder flavors that can elevate your cocktails to new heights.
Whether you’re crafting a Negroni with Campari, shaking up a Paper Plane with Amaro Nonino, or enjoying a Cynar Spritz, these substitutes are sure to satisfy those seeking something stronger than Aperol.
FAQs About Stronger Alternatives to Aperol
Is Campari stronger than Aperol?
Yes, Campari has a higher alcohol content (24% ABV) compared to Aperol’s 11% ABV.
What is the difference between Aperol and Campari?
Campari is more bitter, with a stronger herbal flavor and higher alcohol content. Aperol is lighter and sweeter.
What is stronger than Aperol in cocktails?
Amaro Nonino, Campari, and Cynar are all stronger alternatives that can be used in cocktails.
Can I substitute Campari for Aperol in a Spritz?
Yes, using Campari instead of Aperol in a Spritz will give you a stronger and more bitter cocktail.
What’s the strongest amaro compared to Aperol?
Fernet Branca is one of the strongest amaros, with an ABV of 40%, much higher than Aperol’s 11%.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.