Negroni
A perfectly symmetrical mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth that defined the bitter-sweet aperitivo and spawned a family of riffs.
27%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“In 1919 at Florence's Caffè Casoni, Count Camillo Negroni asked bartender Fosco Scarselli to fortify his Americano by swapping the soda for gin. The ruby drink quickly became a local sensation, spreading across Italy via bottled versions in the 1920s and appearing in cocktail books soon after. Though rival origin stories exist, the Florentine account is widely accepted. The Negroni's elegant equal-parts formula has since inspired a vast family of bittersweet riffs and even its own global celebration, Negroni Week, launched in 2013.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Add gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari to a mixing glass filled with ice
Stir 20–30 seconds until the outside of the glass is frosty
Strain over a large cube in a chilled rocks glass
Express an orange peel over the top and place it in the drink
Glassware
Served over ice in a rocks glass
Garnish
Express oils over drink, then drop in
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Keep vermouth refrigerated and use within a month
A large, clear ice cube minimizes dilution
Express fresh orange oils just before serving
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Negroni.
Gin-Forward
Boosts the gin to 1.5 oz for a drier, botanical profile.
Changes
Less Bitter
Dial back the Campari for a softer edge.
Changes
Boulevardier
Bourbon or rye replaces gin for a richer, spicier drink.
Changes
Negroni Sbagliato
Prosecco stands in for gin, creating a bubbly aperitivo.
Changes
White Negroni
Lillet Blanc and Suze yield a pale, floral cousin.
Changes
Cardinale
Dry vermouth makes for a leaner, herbaceous profile.
Changes
Old Pal
Rye whiskey and dry vermouth create a spicy, bone-dry cousin.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Boulevardier
A whiskey-laced cousin of the Negroni that blends bold American bourbon with bitter Campari and sweet vermouth for a warming, ruby-hued sipper.
Hanky Panky
Ada Coleman's famous Savoy creation blending gin, sweet vermouth, and a hint of Fernet-Branca.
Mezcal Negroni
A 1:1:1 riff where earthy mezcal stands in for gin, giving the Italian aperitivo a sultry, agave-smoked backbone.