Buñueloni

The Buñueloni is a sophisticated and aromatic variation of the Negroni, created by cocktail writer Nick Strangeway. It substitutes the typical Italian sweet vermouth with a Spanish vermouth, which often imparts notes of fig, raisin, and warm spices. This simple change creates a drink that is both familiar and uniquely complex, offering a slightly richer and more layered experience than its famous predecessor. It is a perfect aperitif for those who appreciate bitter, spirit-forward cocktails.
Buñueloni

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Buñueloni is a modern classic cocktail, categorized as an aperitif due to its bitter flavor profile. It is a direct variation of the classic Negroni, placing it firmly in the stirred, spirit-forward cocktail family.

Serving

Serve this spirit-forward cocktail in a rocks glass over a large ice cube to minimize dilution. It is a strong, cold drink meant for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml or 3 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 24-28% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Buñueloni was created by London-based bartender and writer Nick Strangeway in the early 2000s. It is named in honor of the Spanish surrealist film director Luis Buñuel, who was famously particular about his Martinis. The cocktail is a tribute, imagining a Negroni through a Spanish lens by incorporating Spanish vermouth, reflecting Buñuel's heritage.
Origin
Created by Nick Strangeway in London, England, around 2007. The cocktail pays homage to Spanish director Luis Buñuel.

Buñueloni

The drink is consistently known as the Buñueloni, sometimes spelled without the tilde (Bunueloni). The name is a portmanteau of Buñuel, the surrealist film director, and Negroni, the cocktail it is based on.
Original name
Buñueloni
Alternative name
Bunueloni

Characteristics overview

The Buñueloni offers a complex, bittersweet flavor profile with a silky texture and a long, warming finish. Its aroma is rich with orange and herbs, while its deep ruby color is visually appealing.
Flavor
Bittersweet, herbal, orange citrus, dark fruit, spicy, nutty
Aroma
Orange zest, juniper, gentian, complex herbs, subtle sherry notes
Taste balance
Bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Long, pleasantly bitter, warming, herbal
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Deep ruby red, clear, rich
Texture
Silky, smooth, slightly viscous
Seasonality
Year-round, refreshing yet warming

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intense, led by a pronounced bitterness balanced by a moderate, complex sweetness from the vermouth. It is a strong, non-carbonated drink with noticeable herbal and dark fruit notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This is an equal-parts cocktail requiring three ingredients: London Dry Gin, Campari, and the defining Spanish Sweet Vermouth. The choice of vermouth is crucial to differentiate it from a standard Negroni.
  • London Dry Gin30 ml / 1 oz
    A classic juniper-forward gin works best to cut through the other bold flavors.
  • Campari30 ml / 1 oz
    The essential bitter component of the Negroni family.
  • Spanish Sweet Vermouth30 ml / 1 oz
    This is the key ingredient. Use a high-quality Spanish vermouth like Lustau Rojo or similar, which has sherry notes.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for stirring and a large cube or sphere for serving.

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard stirring set: a mixing glass, a bar spoon for chilling and dilution, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a strainer.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the cocktail.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients.
  • Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) for straining the drink.

Instructions

The preparation involves combining equal parts gin, Campari, and Spanish sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice, stirring until chilled, and straining into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
1. Place a large ice cube or sphere in a rocks glass to chill.
2. Add the gin, Campari, and Spanish sweet vermouth to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass with cubed ice.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-25 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cube.
6. Take a swath of orange peel, squeeze it over the surface of the drink to express the oils, and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple but essential orange peel garnish adds aromatic citrus oils that complement the drink's flavors. Express the peel over the glass to release the oils before dropping it in.
  • Orange peel, expressed over the drink and dropped in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is moderately caloric, primarily from the alcohol and the sugar in the vermouth and Campari. It contains around 15 grams of sugar per serving.
Calories
Averagely 190-220 kcal
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is ideal as a pre-dinner drink (aperitif) to stimulate the appetite. Its sophisticated and complex character makes it perfect for cocktail hour or as an impressive offering at a dinner party.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Dinner Party
  • Sophisticated Sipping

Pairing suggestions

Given its Spanish influence, the Buñueloni pairs exceptionally well with Spanish tapas. Salty and savory items like cured ham, firm cheeses, and olives contrast beautifully with the drink's bittersweet profile.
  • Spanish Tapas
  • Cured meats (like Jamón Ibérico)
  • Manchego cheese
  • Marinated olives

Buñueloni: A Spanish Twist on a Classic

The Buñueloni is a masterful and simple twist on the Negroni, showcasing the depth and complexity of Spanish vermouth. Created by Nick Strangeway as a tribute to Luis Buñuel, it maintains the classic's bitter, spirit-forward structure while introducing richer notes of dark fruit and spice. It's an excellent choice for any Negroni lover looking for a slight departure from the original, offering a sipping experience that is both comforting and intriguing. Best served as an aperitif, its robust character stands up well to flavorful, salty foods.

Similar Cocktails

Negroni

The original classic. Uses Italian sweet vermouth instead of Spanish.

Boulevardier

Swaps gin for bourbon or rye whiskey, resulting in a richer, spicier profile.

Old Pal

Uses rye whiskey instead of gin and dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth.

White Negroni

Replaces Campari and sweet vermouth with Suze (or another gentian liqueur) and Lillet Blanc.

Mezcal Negroni

Substitutes gin with smoky mezcal for an earthy, complex flavor.

Kingston Negroni

Uses Jamaican rum (often Smith & Cross) instead of gin for a funky, molasses-rich character.

You May Also Like

The Penicillin

A modern classic cocktail that masterfully combines smoky Scotch, spicy ginger, sweet honey, and sour lemon.

Cable Car

A modern classic sour cocktail featuring spiced rum, orange curaçao, and lemon juice, served in a signature cinnamon-sugar-rimmed glass.

Coconut Margarita

A creamy, tropical twist on the classic Margarita, blending the tartness of lime with the sweet, rich flavor of coconut.

Kir

An elegant and simple French aperitif made with crème de cassis and dry white wine.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Whiskey Ditch

A straightforward and refreshing highball made by mixing whiskey with still water over ice.

Varnish Cocktail

A sophisticated, spirit-forward sipper featuring rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and a hint of amaro.

Ace Cocktail

A refreshing and silky classic gin sour with a bright citrus backbone and a subtle, cooling hint of mint.

Blue Devil Cocktail

A vibrant and citrus-forward classic gin cocktail with a striking blue hue and a whisper of cherry.