The Classic Negroni

The depths of flavors and aromatic qualities of a Classic Negroni are irresistible. Next time you’re treating your guests to something special, serve up a few glasses of this iconic cocktail!

Simple and bitter in the best way

Turn up the music and lay out the charcuterie, it’s time to make a classic cocktail.

If you’ve never had a chance to try a Negroni, you’re in luck! It’s a super-simple cocktail that is refreshingly dry and bitter. It’s my current favorite drink and pairs perfectly with a bubble bath.

This iconic cocktail has equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. It showcases an elegant ruby red color, which looks divine next to a twist of orange citrus peel. Next time you make one, mix it up with different liquor brands to find your perfect flavor balance.

The Negroni even has its own week! Make sure to mark next year’s Negroni Week on your calendar. All week long, bars and restaurants around the world will celebrate the cocktail while raising money for a variety of charities.

Jump to:

• Similar to the Americano cocktail
• Ingredients
• Only two steps to make it
• Make it ahead of time
• Recipe

Similar to the Americano cocktail

The Negroni was born in Florence, Italy when a stronger version of an Americano cocktail was requested by Count Camillo at Caffè Casoni in 1919. While it’s similar to a Negroni, an Americano is traditionally made with equal parts vermouth, Campari, and soda water. When the soda water was replaced with gin, the Negroni was born!

Ingredients

The ingredients in a Negroni are dry and bitter. If you’re not a fan of sugary or sweet drinks, this is the cocktail for you! All you need are 3 practical ingredients: gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

The gin

The best gin for a Negroni is whichever you prefer. Seriously! The brand you use in your gin and tonics will work just as well in a Negroni. 

Sweet vs. dry vermouth

The two types of vermouth, sweet and dry, have notable differences. 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 using dry vermouth if that’s what you have at home! The result will be much more dry and aromatic.

A note on gin and vermouth:

Mix it up to find your favorite combination! Try different brands, combinations, or mixtures to find your perfect pairing. My favorite Negroni is made with the botanist gin and Cocchi Torino sweet vermouth, making for a well-balanced cocktail that isn’t too bitter, sweet, or strong.

Ruby red Campari

Campari is enjoyed as a sophisticated aperitif on its own. The crimson red liqueur is made with the infusion of fruit, herbs, alcohol, and water, giving it a bitter and herby flavor. A slice of citrus is a Campari cocktails best friend!

If you don’t have Campari at home, make a white Negroni instead. This twist on the classic cocktail is made with gin, Lillet Blanc, and Suze liqueur. Stir equal parts together and garnish with a lemon twist.

Only two steps to make it

Negronis are traditionally stirred, not shaken. Use a mixing glass, bar spoon, and big blocks of ice cubes so they don’t melt as quickly. I would recommend purchasing a silicone ice mold if you’re going to make Negronis over and over again.

Negronis a traditionally stirred, not shaken. Why? This will properly dilute the liquor and makes the cocktail more enjoyable to drink.

Make it ahead of time

Pour a large batch of Negroni ingredients in a glass bottle, add ½ ounce water per serving, and freeze overnight to make them ahead of time. This way, the cocktail is pre-chilled and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Serve in a glass with ice, give it a quick stir, and pop in an orange peel!

Make a batch asap!

What are you waiting for? Go grab the ingredients and make this awesome recipe next time you want to serve something new to your friends!

Recipe

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