Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail Recipe

11 bitter cocktails

Hannah Guinness

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Appetite-whetting and complex, bitter cocktails make for a delicious aperitif, from negronis to americanos and more

The last few years have seen more and more of us enthusiastically embrace the punchy, grown up flavours of bitter cocktails, particularly when it comes to aperitif hour, as bitter flavours can help wake up the palate and stimulate the appetite. From a classic negroni to orange bitter cocktails like our blood orange margarita, here are a few of our favourites.

Check out the best aperitifs and vermouths for your bitter cocktails, then explore our favourite cocktail accessories. You can also chill your drinks in style with our cocktail ice cubes guide.

11 bitter cocktail recipes

Negroni

Its assertive bitterness and herbaceous kick isn't for the fainthearted, but a well-made negroni is a thing of beauty. Top tip? Once you've added all the ingredients to the glass, stir well until the outside of the glass feels cold. This will give the drink smooth, silky texture. Check out more of our Italian cocktails here.

Negroni drink recipe

Americano cocktail

This precursor to the negroni makes for a lighter, less boozy aperitif, with gentle bitterness.

A green background with a tall glass filled with a red cocktail and a wedge of orange

Campari spritz

This recipe is perfect for those who prefer their spritzes with a little more backbone. Here, bittersweet Campari is the hero ingredient in this thirst-quenching aperitif.

Campari Spritz Recipe

White port and grapefruit cooler

This twist on a classic white port and tonic makes for a deliciously refreshing low-ABV drink with subtle bitter undertones.

Jug of White port and grapefruit cooler

Vermouth spritz

The use of dry vermouth instead of Aperol in this sophisticated cocktail offers a fresher, less sweet and more food-friendly option. The orange bitters do quiet but important work here – a few dashes is all it takes to tie everything together.

Vermouth spritz cocktails with olives on the side

Rose negroni sbagliato

We've swapped the gin for sparkling pink wine in this softer take on a negroni that still has a pleasing bitter kick.

Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail Recipe with Rosé Wine

How to serve pastis

Pastis is not a cocktail per se, but rather a classic French aperitif. It’s an aromatic spirit that you simply add water to.

Bottle of pastis with shot glasses next to it

Paloma

Think of this as a margarita's softer, breezier cousin. Tart, bitter yet refreshing grapefruit and herbaceous tequila are lengthened with sparkling water for a cooling drink.

Two peach-coloured cocktails in short glasses with salted rims and a wedge of grapefruit

Gin & tonic

A classic for a reason – bitter tonic water and juniper-driven gin are a match made in heaven. Explore this guide to taking your G&T to the next level.

a glass of gin and tonic with ice, with juniper berries floating in the liquid and a wooden chopping board underneath

Blood orange margarita

Bitter blood oranges add a beautiful ruby red hue to a pitcher of margaritas. Remember to add a large pinch of hot chilli powder to really make this cocktail sing.

Blood Orange Margarita Recipe

Mastiha sour

Mastiha is an ancient Greek digestif made from mastic resin. It has gorgeous pine and minty notes that work so well in this simple sour cocktail, balancing the sharp notes from lemon juice and orange bitters.

Two short cocktails on a table

Authors

Hannah GuinnessSenior sub editor and drinks writer

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