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Bitter, but delicious… introducing the Negroni!
A Classic Negroni Cocktail is made with equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari. That’s it! No special equipment or fancy bar tools are required for this polarizing gin cocktail.
Sip slowly to enjoy the full experience during evening get-togethers or in a bubble bath, which is my favorite way to drink it. 😜
Ingredients!
The recipe for a Negroni is simple and what makes it such a special cocktail. Equal parts gin, Campari, and vermouth are all you need; nothing else. Any substitutions will completely change the recipe.
Gin
When choosing the gin for your Negroni, go with a brand you already enjoy drinking and that fits in your budget. The brand you use in your favorite gin cocktails, will work just as well in a Negroni.
Vermouth
Sweet vermouth is the best option for Negronis because it contains more sugar, has an earthy flavor, and a darker color. These qualities complement the dry gin flavor and red, herby Campari.
You can make a Negroni with dry vermouth if that’s what you already have at home. Just know that the result will be much more dry and aromatic.
Campari
Campari is, surprisingly, the star of the show here! It’s an aperitif made with the infusion of fruit, herbs, alcohol, and water, and is mostly responsible for a Negroni’s signature bitter flavor.
When you grow to love the flavor, I recommend trying my Campari Spritz!
How to make a classic Negroni cocktail
A Negroni aperitif is stirred together and ready for sipping in less than 5 minutes:
Step 1: Stir all ingredients and ice together in a cocktail mixing glass for 30 seconds
Step 2: Pour over ice and garnish with an orange twist. Twist the orange peel over top of the negroni for notes of zesty citrus.
Serving tips
Simplicity is the name of the game in this recipe for a Negroni. The same even applies to the serving directions!
Prepare your cocktail the right way using these tips:
Best glassware for Negroni
Serve your cocktail in a rocks glass (old fashioned glass). It’s a no-nonsense option that’s best for sipping cocktails and you likely already have it or a similar version at home.
Stirred, not shaken
A Negroni is stirred with ice and never shaken. This is because the rapid stirring motion slightly melts the ice and dilutes the liquor, making the cocktail more enjoyable to drink.
Serve with ice
Once the ingredients are properly stirred and diluted in the mixing glass, it’s best to strain them into your rocks glass with ice. Serving a Negroni with ice will not only chill the cocktail but further dilute the very strong ingredients.
Garnish or no garnish?
The best garnish for a Negroni cocktail is an orange twist. A thick and rustic orange peel is twisted directly above the cocktail, releasing its oils and aromas right into the drink. Tuck the twisted peel into the glass and you’re done.
Recipe
5 Minute Classic Negroni Recipe
Equipment
- cocktail strainer
- mixing glass
- bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 2 ounces sweet vermouth
- 2 ounces Campari
- orange twist to garnish
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients and ice together in a cocktail mixing glass for 30 seconds.
- Pour over ice and garnish with an orange twist.
Anthony Doherty says
The Classic Negroni is a favorite of mine. My variation, the Cremona, substitutes brandy for the gin (Korbel works very well), and uses about 3/4 oz. red vermouth and 1/2 oz. Campari. It's named for the Italian city where the great violin maker Stradivarius worked. I once saw a symphony orchestra rehearsing on a stage where the lighting technician was setting lighting cues. One was a blend of white and red lights, which made all the string instruments glow with the exact beautiful color of the Cremona cocktail.
Michelle Ferrand says
That variation sounds amazing. I love the story too. Thanks for sharing!