Enzoni Cocktail recipe
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The Enzoni sits in that modern, aperitivo-leaning sour family where gin meets bitter-sweet Italian liqueur and fresh fruit. It’s a contemporary-style drink rather than a century-old classic, and its appeal comes from the way it borrows the structure of a gin sour while nodding to the easygoing, pre-dinner vibe of an Aperol spritz—just tightened up into a shorter, more cocktail-forward serve.
You’ll find dry gin laying down a crisp, botanical backbone that Aperol immediately softens with its bright, bittersweet orange character. Lemon juice brings a clean, zesty snap, while simple syrup smooths the edges so the bitterness stays refreshing rather than sharp. Fresh grapes add a gentle, juicy fruitiness that threads through the citrus and aperitivo notes, giving the drink a rounded, lightly vinous lift without turning it overly sweet.
This is a great choice when you want something refreshing but not one-note—ideal as an aperitif, early evening, or warm-weather pour. If you like gin drinks with a bitter twist, or you’re an Aperol fan looking for something more cocktail-like than spritz territory, this one lands right in your wheelhouse.
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Lowball / rocks glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Dry gin and Aperol lead with juniper and orange-bitter sweetness, while lemon juice sharpens the edges and simple syrup rounds the tartness; muddled fresh grapes add a soft, jammy fruit note that lingers through the finish. The balance works because Aperol’s bitterness and citrus play off the gin’s botanicals as lemon keeps it snappy, making it ideal for sour lovers who want a lighter, fruit-touched aperitivo profile.
Method
How to make a Enzoni
- Dry gin 30ml, Aperol 30ml, Sugar / simple syrup 15ml, Lemon juice 20ml, Grapes 5 fresh
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- Start by gently crushing the grapes at the bottom of your shaker to release their juices and flavors
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- Next, incorporate the remaining ingredients into the shaker with the muddled grapes
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- Vigorously shake everything together with ice for about 10-15 seconds, or until the shaker feels cold and frosted on the outside
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- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to ensure a smooth drink, directly into a glass filled with ice, ideally a large cube or chunk to slow dilution
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a muddler to gently crush the grapes to avoid mashing the skins too much, which can introduce unwanted bitterness into the cocktail.
- Opt for a high-quality dry gin with a pronounced botanical profile that enhances the flavors of Aperol and fresh grapes.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Enzoni cocktail?
The Enzoni is a modern classic cocktail created by Vincenzo Errico at Milk & Honey in New York City in 2002. It's a unique twist on the classic Negroni, featuring muddled white grapes and a slightly altered ingredient ratio that adds a fresh, fruity note to the drink.
What makes the Enzoni different from a classic Negroni?
While both the Enzoni and the classic Negroni share some similar ingredients, including gin and a type of bitter (Aperol in the Enzoni compared to Campari in the Negroni), the Enzoni distinguishes itself with the addition of fresh grapes and the substitution of lemon juice and sugar syrup for the sweet vermouth. This results in a cocktail that's somewhat lighter and fruitier than the more traditional Negroni.
Can I use a different type of gin for the Enzoni?
Yes, you can use different types of gin for the Enzoni to suit your taste preferences. While dry gin is specified in the original recipe, trying it with a floral gin or even a more contemporary style gin that features unique botanicals can add an interesting twist to the cocktail. The choice of gin can impact the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Enzoni?
Yes, a non-alcoholic version of the Enzoni can be made by substituting the alcoholic components with their non-alcoholic counterparts. For the gin, you could use a non-alcoholic gin or a botanical brew. Aperol can be replaced with a non-alcoholic aperitif or a bitter syrup. Keep the lemon juice, sugar syrup, and grapes for authenticity in taste. However, the result will be more a mocktail inspired by the Enzoni than an exact replica.
How should I serve the Enzoni cocktail?
The Enzoni should be served cold in a lowball glass. First, muddle the grapes in the shaker before adding the rest of the ingredients with ice. Shake well, then strain into the glass filled with ice. The cocktail is typically garnished with a few fresh grapes or a twist of lemon zest to enhance its appearance and aroma. This serving method highlights the cocktail’s refreshing and balanced profile.
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