Aperol vs Campari: what's the difference?
Both are Italian bitter orange aperitivos, but Aperol is sweeter, lighter and about 11% alcohol, while Campari is redder, much more bitter and around 24%.
Aperol
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Bittersweet orange candy, gentle and easy.
What does Aperol taste like?Campari
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Deep red, bracingly bitter, with orange peel and herbs.
What does Campari taste like?The real difference
Both are bitter liqueurs meant to wake up your appetite before dinner. Aperol is orange, sweeter and about half the alcohol, with a soft bitter edge. Campari is bright red, roughly twice as strong and bitter enough to make some people wince. Swap one for the other and the drink changes a lot.
Side by side
AperolCampari
AlcoholAbout 11%About 24% in the US
ColorOrangeDeep red
TastesSweet orange, mild bitterBitter orange, herbs, less sweet
On a menuAperol spritz, Paper PlaneNegroni, Americano, Campari soda, Boulevardier
Which to order
- Order Aperol if you're new to bitter drinks or want something light.
- Order Campari if you love bitter and want a drink with real bite.
Quick questions
- Can you swap Aperol for Campari in a spritz?
- Yes. A Campari spritz is a real thing, just more bitter and less sweet. Going the other way, Aperol makes a softer, sweeter Negroni.
- Which one goes in a Negroni?
- Campari. A Negroni is gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. Make it with Aperol and you get a lighter variation.