Paul Kushner
The Apple Brandy Negroni is a seasonal twist on the timeless Negroni, giving the classic recipe a fresh and fruity character. Apple brandy brings smooth, crisp apple flavor that adds warmth and depth, while Campari contributes its signature bittersweet edge. Sweet vermouth balances the drink with richness and gentle herbal notes, creating a blend that is bold yet approachable. A touch of lemon brightens the cocktail, adding a refreshing lift to the layered flavors. Served over ice with a citrus garnish, the Apple Brandy Negroni is perfect for autumn evenings, holiday gatherings, or anyone seeking a refined, flavorful cocktail.
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Tasting Notes
The Apple Brandy Negroni is a bold, bittersweet cocktail with a seasonal twist. Apple brandy provides a smooth, orchard-fruit base that adds warmth and depth, contrasting beautifully with the sharp, bitter notes of Campari. Sweet vermouth introduces herbal complexity and subtle sweetness, rounding out the balance between fruit and bitter elements. The result is a cocktail that maintains the Negroni’s iconic structure while adding layers of autumnal flavor. Finished with a lemon twist, the drink gains bright citrus oils on the nose, enhancing its complexity and aroma. Each sip is balanced, sophisticated, and deeply satisfying.
Equipment and Glassware
This Apple Brandy Negroni is simple to prepare and requires only a few essential tools. A mixing glass and bar spoon are used to stir the ingredients, ensuring proper dilution and integration of flavors. A strainer is optional but useful if you prefer to build the cocktail in a mixing glass before transferring it to the serving glass. A jigger helps measure the apple brandy, sweet vermouth, and Campari precisely, ensuring balance. For serving, an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice is traditional, showcasing the drink’s rich color and garnished with a lemon twist for an aromatic finish.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces apple brandy
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce Campari
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice.
- Add the apple brandy, sweet vermouth, and Campari to the glass.
- Stir the mixture until well chilled and fully combined.
- Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink by gently squeezing the peel, then drop the twist into the glass.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, bittersweet flavors of this Apple Brandy Negroni.
Pro Tips
- Use a quality apple brandy for a smoother, richer base.
- Large ice cubes are ideal, as they chill the drink without quick dilution.
- Stir slowly and evenly for about 20–30 seconds to achieve the right dilution.
- Experiment with aged apple brandy for more depth and spice.
- Swap the lemon twist for an orange peel if you prefer a sweeter citrus note.
- Pre-chill your glass for a crisper presentation.
- Add a barspoon of maple syrup for extra autumn character.
- Double-strain if preparing in a mixing glass for a cleaner pour.
When to Serve
The Apple Brandy Negroni is an excellent choice for autumn and winter, when its orchard fruit notes and bittersweet character align with the season. It’s a refined pre-dinner cocktail, as the bitterness stimulates the palate and prepares it for food. Its striking red color and aromatic citrus garnish make it visually festive, perfect for holiday gatherings or dinner parties. This cocktail also works well as a slow-sipping evening drink, offering a balance of richness and complexity. Whether served at intimate gatherings or elegant events, the Apple Brandy Negroni adds a seasonal twist to a timeless classic.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Apple Brandy: Laird’s Applejack, Christian Drouin, Copper & Kings
- Sweet Vermouth: Carpano Antica Formula, Dolin Rouge, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
- Bitters (Campari): Campari (traditional for Negronis)
Similar Cocktails
- Caramel Apple Manhattan
- The Woodsman Cocktail
- Honeymoon Cocktail
- Bridgetown Negroni
- Strawberry Negroni
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces apple brandy
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce Campari
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice.
- Add the apple brandy, sweet vermouth, and Campari to the glass.
- Stir the mixture until well chilled and fully combined.
- Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink by gently squeezing the peel, then drop the twist into the glass.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, bittersweet flavors of this Apple Brandy Negroni.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For an extra citrusy kick, rub the lemon twist along the rim of the glass before dropping it in.
- Use a quality apple brandy to ensure a rich, fruity depth to the cocktail.
- Try experimenting with different sweet vermouths to adjust the sweetness and flavor profile.
