Negroni Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones

Negroni Cocktail Recipe

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Negroni Cocktail Recipe

Prep Time
2 minutes
Servings
1
Glassware
Old Fashioned Glass and Rocks Glass

Ingredients

  • 1 oz gin (30 ml)
  • 1 oz Campari (30 ml)
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth (30 ml)
  • Ice
  • Orange peel, for garnish

Tools

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  • Jigger
  • Mixing glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer
  • Paring knife or peeler (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice.
  2. Stir for 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Strain into an old fashioned glass over one large ice cube.
  4. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

Mixologist's Notes

  • A London Dry gin is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with barrel-aged or navy strength styles.
  • Use a large ice cube to reduce dilution while keeping the drink cold.
  • Always stir—never shake—to preserve the drink’s smooth texture and clarity.

Flavor Profile

Bitter and aromatic with hints of citrus, herbs, and spice. Balanced and bold, with a lingering dry finish.

About the Negroni cocktail

The Negroni is one of the most iconic aperitivo cocktails in the world.

Born in Florence, Italy around 1919, the drink was reportedly created when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to stiffen up his usual Americano by swapping the soda water for gin.

The result? A stronger, sharper cocktail that quickly gained fans throughout Europe and beyond.

Over a century later, the Negroni is still sipped with reverence, and a twist of orange.

Why the Negroni Stays Iconic

The Negroni cocktail recipe is equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari; a trio that balances botanical sharpness, herbaceous depth, and rich bitterness.

That flavor complexity is what gives it staying power. It’s bold, slightly sweet, slightly bitter, and endlessly sophisticated.

For many cocktail enthusiasts, it’s a rite of passage - a drink that signals your palate has grown up.

Spirit Swaps and What to Serve It With

Once you master the classic, there’s a whole Negroni family to explore.

  • Use bourbon instead of gin for a Boulevardier

  • Sub tequila to make a Tegroni

  • Try mezcal for a smoky twist

  • Swap vermouth for amaro to deepen the bitterness

The Negroni pairs beautifully with savory snacks and salty appetizers. Try it with cured meats, olives, blue cheese, or anything charcuterie-friendly. It also holds its own alongside grilled meats and pasta with rich tomato sauces.

Why the Negroni Still Commands Respect

The Negroni is a cocktail with backbone.

It’s refined without being delicate - bitter, balanced, and built to be savored. Whether you're sipping it before dinner or after dark, it always feels like the right choice.