Negroni
The Negroni is a sophisticated and iconic Italian cocktail, made with equal parts of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. It's celebrated for its bold, bittersweet flavor profile, which masterfully stimulates the appetite before a meal. Its striking crimson color and simple yet elegant presentation have made it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. A true testament to balanced mixology, it's a staple in any well-respected bar.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Negroni is a quintessential classic cocktail, celebrated worldwide for its simple yet sophisticated composition. It is primarily categorized as an aperitif, a drink traditionally enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Its place is firmly set within the pantheon of classic Italian pre-dinner cocktails.
Serving
The Negroni is a cold, spirit-forward drink served in a chilled Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube. It has a relatively high alcohol content, typically around 24-28% ABV.
Serving size
Approx. 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz (including ice)
Alcohol content
Approx. 24-28% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned Glass / Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass
Backstory
Legend says the Negroni was invented in Florence, Italy, around 1919 at Caffè Casoni (now Caffè Giacosa). Count Camillo Negroni asked the bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. The new drink became a local success, and eventually the Negroni family founded the Negroni Distillery to produce a ready-made version.
Origin
Florence, Italy, circa 1919.
Negroni
The Negroni is known globally by its original Italian name. It does not have any common alternative names, a testament to its strong identity in the cocktail world. It is simply, and iconically, the Negroni.
Original name
Negroni
Characteristics overview
It presents a beautiful ruby red color with a smooth, rich texture, offering a complex balance of bitter and sweet flavors. The aroma is rich with juniper and citrus, leading to a long, warming, and pleasantly bitter aftertaste.
Flavor
Bitter, bittersweet, herbal, citrusy, complex, juniper, botanical
Aroma
Orange peel, juniper, herbal, botanical, spicy, cherry
Taste balance
Bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Long, bitter, warming, citrusy, clean
Fizziness
Still, none
Color appearance
Deep ruby red, crimson, clear, vibrant
Texture
Smooth, slightly viscous, rich
Seasonality
Year-round, classic, refreshing
Flavor intensity & Experience
This is a flavor-forward cocktail, defined by its strong bitterness and notable alcohol strength, balanced by a moderate sweetness. It is a still, non-creamy drink with subtle fruitiness from orange notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires just three core liquid ingredients in equal parts: Gin, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth. A fresh orange peel is also essential for the classic garnish and aroma.
- Gin30 ml / 1 ozA classic London Dry Gin is recommended for its juniper-forward profile.
- Campari30 ml / 1 ozThis is the signature, non-negotiable bitter element of the drink.
- Sweet Vermouth30 ml / 1 ozA high-quality Italian (rosso) vermouth, such as Carpano Antica or Cocchi di Torino, is recommended.
- Orange Peel1 twistEssential for aroma; express the oils over the drink before adding.
Ice type
- Large cubed ice or sphere for serving, standard cubed ice for stirring.
Mixing equipments
You will need a mixing glass and a bar spoon to properly build and chill this stirred cocktail. A jigger for measuring and a strainer are also essential tools for a perfect result.
- Mixing glass, for combining and chilling the ingredients.
- Bar spoon, for stirring the cocktail correctly.
- Jigger or measuring cup, for pouring accurate amounts.
- Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne), for pouring into the serving glass without stirring ice.
Instructions
To make a Negroni, combine equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in an ice-filled mixing glass, stir until chilled, and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish by expressing an orange peel over the drink.
1. Chill the serving glass. Place an Old Fashioned glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice and water while you prepare the drink.
2. Combine ingredients. Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass.
3. Add ice and stir. Fill the mixing glass with cubed ice and stir gently with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
4. Prepare the serving glass. Discard the chilling ice from the Old Fashioned glass and add a large fresh ice cube or sphere.
5. Strain the drink. Strain the chilled mixture from the mixing glass into the prepared serving glass over the fresh ice.
6. Garnish. Take a strip of fresh orange peel, hold it skin-side down over the drink, and give it a sharp twist to express the oils onto the surface. Rub the rim with the peel and then drop it into the glass.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Garnishing
The classic and essential garnish for a Negroni is a fresh orange peel. It is twisted over the drink to release aromatic oils, enhancing the flavor profile before it is even sipped.
- Orange Peel: Twist the peel over the drink to express its aromatic oils, then drop it into the glass.
Dietary Information
The Negroni is alcoholic, caffeine-free, and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, soy and gluten. It is also suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets as modern Campari no longer uses cochineal dye.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
A standard Negroni contains approximately 200-220 calories per serving. It is relatively high in sugar, with around 15-20 grams coming from the Campari and sweet vermouth.
Calories
Averagely 200-220 kcal / 837-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15-20 g
Sugar level
Occasions
Perfect as a pre-dinner drink during aperitivo hour, the Negroni also suits sophisticated cocktail parties and social gatherings. Its bold flavor profile makes it an excellent choice to stimulate the palate before a meal.
- Aperitivo Hour
- Pre-dinner drinks
- Cocktail party
- Sophisticated social gatherings
Pairing suggestions
The Negroni's bitter profile pairs wonderfully with salty and savory appetizers, known in Italy as 'aperitivo'. Think olives, cured meats like prosciutto, and hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano. It can also stand up to rich, flavorful main courses like a classic Italian pasta or pizza.
- Salty snacks (olives, nuts, potato chips)
- Cured meats (prosciutto, salami)
- Hard cheeses (Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino)
- Rich pasta dishes or pizza
The Negroni: A Symphony in Bittersweet Balance
The Negroni is a timeless Italian cocktail, masterfully balancing three distinct spirits: gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Its signature bittersweet taste and deep red hue make it an unforgettable aperitif. Served on the rocks with an orange peel garnish, it is the epitome of simple, sophisticated elegance. This classic drink has enjoyed a massive resurgence in popularity, celebrated by bartenders and enthusiasts for its complex flavor and effortless style.
Variations
Boulevardier
A sophisticated and rich whiskey-based cocktail with a perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and spicy notes.
White Negroni
A bright, bittersweet, and floral twist on the classic Negroni, featuring gin, Lillet Blanc, and the French gentian liqueur Suze.
Negroni Sbagliato
A sparkling and lighter version of the classic Negroni, where gin is replaced with prosecco for a refreshing, bubbly twist.
Mezcal Negroni
A smoky, bittersweet, and complex twist on the classic Negroni using mezcal instead of gin.
Kingston Negroni
A bold, funky, and bittersweet variation on the classic Negroni, using Jamaican rum in place of gin.