Negroni Recipe (Classic Italian Aperitif) (2024)

/ Updated Oct 03, 2022 / by Carolyn Gratzer Cope / 1 Comment / This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more.

Jump to Recipe

Sometimes reinventing the wheel is fun. Other times, you just want a classic Italian aperitif. When that's the case, it doesn't get better than a Negroni. Here's how to make a great one.

Negroni Recipe (Classic Italian Aperitif) (1)

Why we love this recipe

If you ask me, the Negroni is a perfect drink. It’s bracing and beautiful and balanced like a ballet dancer en pointe. This classic recipe is:

  • Stiff, bitter, a little bit sweet, and a little bit herbal
  • A gorgeous, party-dress red
  • An absolute staple of Italian culture

What you'll need

Here's a glance at the ingredients you'll need to make this recipe.

Negroni Recipe (Classic Italian Aperitif) (2)
  • You'll start with a goodLondon dry gin, which contributes bracing strength and herbal notes. You can refer to the section below for my recommendations if you don't already have a favorite in mind.
  • Luckily, there's nothing more straightforward than buying a ruby-red bottle ofCampari. This Italian bittersweet aperitif has a smooth yet complex flavor profile, with notes of rhubarb, clove, orange, cinnamon, and cherry. It's bitter and herbal and a little astringent and just so good.
  • True to its name, sweet vermouth does bring a bit of sweetness to this drink. But it also tastes of bark and spice and has a little bit of acidity. You've got several great options. You can't go wrong with my favorite Carpano Antica. Other good choices: Punt e Mes (which is more bitter), Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino (well-balanced), and even Dolin.
  • Anorange slice or twistis the traditional garnish, and I like to use the simplest variation for this straightforward drink. Just grab your vegetable peeler and swipe a thin, mostly pith-free sliver of peel from a well-washed orange.

What gin is best for a Negroni?

I've been an almost reflexive fan ofBombay Sapphiresince I started drinking gin, and it makes a great Negroni. It's a smooth, super-drinkable midpriced London Dry that thrives in a wide variety of co*cktails. That said, my personal affinity has as much to do with timing as anything. Diageo sold the brand to Bacardi in 1997, and I graduated from college and moved to NYC in 1998. Sapphire was everywhere and felt fancy to me then. The rest is history.

I also tend to have a bottle of eitherHendricksorTanquerayon hand at all times and often use one of those in this Italian aperitif.DrumshanboGunpowder Irish Gin, Plymouth, The Botanist, and Aviation would all make great choices, too.

How to make it

Here's an overview of what you'll do to make a fabulous Negroni. You can see the steps in action in the video that accompanies this post, and get all the details in the recipe card below.

Negroni Recipe (Classic Italian Aperitif) (3)
  1. Place plenty of ice into a mixing glass and pour in the gin.
  2. Add vermouth and Campari.
  3. Stir well until chilled.
  4. Strain into an ice-filled single old-fashioned glass, garnish with twist of orange peel or a small slice of orange, and serve.

Expert tips and FAQs

What is the history of the Negroni?

As with many classic co*cktails, the precise origin of the Negroni isn’t known for sure. But here’s the oft-cited rumor:

The Negroni was invented in Florence, Italy, circa 1919, at what was then called Caffè Casoni and now goes by Giacosa Caffè (or Caffè Cavalli, since Roberto Cavalli restored the café in 2002 while opening his clothing boutique next door).

Count Camillo Negroni wanted a stronger version of his favorite Americano, and bartender Forsco Scarselli complied, swapping in gin for the soda water (and an orange twist for the lemon twist).

What was that about the best Negroni?

A few years ago on his siteDrinks and Drinking, Jason O’Bryan, a San Diego-based bartender and writer, nailed it. (Pun totally intended. Wait for it.) He said,

“I get it, no one looks for the best Negroni because saying ‘best Negroni’ is a little like saying ‘best org*sm’ — yeah, there are shades of difference there, some better than others, but even a terrible one is still better than almost everything else in the world.But.If you could have the best one every time, wouldn’t you?”

Jason O’Bryan, it’s hard to argue with that. (He recommends Tanqueray and Cocchi Storico, in case you're still reading.)

Can I batch this co*cktail for a party?

You sure can. To make eight drinks: Up to 24 hours before serving time, stir together in a pitcher 1 ½ cups gin, 1 ½ cups red vermouth, 1 ½ cups Campari, and ½ cup cold water. Cover and chill until serving time. Prepare glasses and garnishes right before serving.

More favorite Negroni variations

  • Boulevardier
  • Mezcal Negroni
  • Unusual Negroni
  • Americano
Negroni Recipe (Classic Italian Aperitif) (4)

Hungry for more?

Subscribe to Umami Girl's email updates, and follow along on Instagram.

Yield: Serves

Negroni Recipe (Classic Italian Aperitif)

This classic Italian aperitif is a little bit bitter, a little bit herbal, and a little bit sweet. If you ask me, it's perfect.

Prep Time5 minutes

Total Time5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces (45 ml) gin
  • 1 ½ ounces (45 ml) sweet vermouth (rosso)
  • 1 ½ ounces (45 ml) Campari
  • Orange twist or slice, to garnish

Instructions

  1. Place plenty of ice into a mixing glass.
  2. Pour in the gin, vermouth, and Campari.
  3. Stir well until chilled.
  4. Strain into an ice-filled single old-fashioned glass.
  5. Garnish with twist of orange peel or a small slice of orange, and serve.

Notes

  1. If you like, you can batch this Italian aperitif for a party. To make eight drinks: Up to 24 hours before serving time, stir together in a pitcher 1 ½ cups gin, 1 ½ cups red vermouth, 1 ½ cups Campari, and ½ cup cold water. Cover and chill until serving time. Prepare glasses and garnishes right before serving.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 206

Did you make this recipe?

I'd love to see! Follow @umamigirl on Instagram, tag us, and use the hashtag #umamigirl. I'll reshare my favorites.

Hungry for more?

Subscribe to Umami Girl's email updates, and follow along on Instagram.

More co*cktails

  • French Blonde co*cktail
  • Vermouth and Soda
  • Old Fashioned Wassail Recipe
  • Mango Mojitos
Negroni Recipe (Classic Italian Aperitif) (14)

About Carolyn Gratzer Cope

Hi there, I'm Carolyn Gratzer Cope, founder and publisher of Umami Girl. Join me in savoring life, one recipe at a time. I'm a professional recipe developer with training from the French Culinary Institute (now ICE) and a lifetime of studying, appreciating, and sharing food. More about me.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rehoboth says

    Nice post

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Negroni Recipe (Classic Italian Aperitif) (2024)

FAQs

What is a classic Negroni made of? ›

A classic negroni is the original 1:1:1 co*cktail (equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari).

Is A Negroni an aperitif? ›

The negroni is a co*cktail, made of equal parts gin, vermouth rosso (red, semi-sweet), and Campari, generally served on the rocks, and commonly garnished with an orange slice or orange peel. It is considered an apéritif.

What does Negroni mean in Italian? ›

Borrowed from Italian negroni, from surname Italian Negroni, from Italian negri (“black”) + Italian -oni (“(ablative) from, of”). The origin of the drink's name is disputed, most often attributed to being named after Count Camillo Negroni (1868–1934), who asked for an early form of this co*cktail.

What kind of person drinks Negroni? ›

Drink Order: Negroni

You have a bold and adventurous side. This co*cktail – made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth – is currently trending on the co*cktail scene. Its unique blend of flavors showcase your open-mindedness and willingness to explore new trends and experiences.

Why is the Negroni so special? ›

The Negroni is a mark of sophistication, beloved across the board for its smooth balance of bitter and sweet flavors. Or, maybe your sole exposure to this sip is TikTok's Negroni Sbagliato (with prosecco in it) trend...and you know it's 'stunning.

Which vermouth is best for Negroni? ›

However, the perfect Negroni should only ever be made on a red, sweet, Italian-style vermouth, preferably with some 'weight' to it and enough spice to hold up against the Campari. We recommend small batch vermouths such as Cinzano 1757 or Cinzano Rosso.

Is a Negroni a girly drink? ›

This is a real bartenders' drink. Many will say it is a man's drink but I think there is something very cool (not that alcohol makes you cool, obviously) and egalitarian in a girl ordering a 'men's drink'. If you do want to soften it up a bit, just mix your Negroni up with a glass of Champagne or Cava.

What's the difference between a Negroni and a Campari? ›

Campari is a seriously adult, bitter drink. I drink it with soda water, about one part Campari to 3 parts soda. Negroni is a co*cktail made of 1 part Campari, 1 part gin, and 1 part red vermouth, served on ice with a twist of orange.

Is a Negroni a strong co*cktail? ›

The Negroni is made entirely of liquor; it's a booze on booze kind of drink typically consisting of dry gin, sweet vermouth and bitters, then garnished with orange. As a result, the Negroni is not a weak drink, with an average alcohol content somewhere around 24% ABV (Alcohol By Volume).

What does ordering a Negroni say about you? ›

Negroni drinkers are non-conformers, but they do get along well with other negroni drinkers. They like to have expert knowledge on arcane subjects, and they are the friend you would ask to help you complete that difficult crossword.

What is the number one co*cktail in Italy? ›

A Negroni is an Italian co*cktail that has undergone a cultural resurgence lately. Many people are trying this fun drink for the first time. Suppose you've never had a Negroni before. You should know that a Negroni is a co*cktail made with gin, Campari, and vermouth.

What is the best gin for a Negroni? ›

A staple for a reason, Beefeater's London Dry gin works elegantly in Negronis and other gin classics, like Martinis. Eloy Pacheco, head bartender at New York City's Dante, especially appreciates the spirit's coriander, lemon zest and pine-juniper flavors.

Why do bartenders like Negroni? ›

because the order is a simple and respectable one. You're relieved because you know exactly what you're getting, and you're about to be drinking something so perfectly balanced—sweet, a little herbaceous, bitter, and refreshing.

Do bartenders like Negronis? ›

Bartenders have mixed feelings about Negronis.

Negronis are a classic co*cktail of equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth that are often served over ice and garnished with a fresh orange peel. Although the Negroni is a traditional co*cktail, some bartenders have mixed feelings about it.

Why is everyone ordering Negronis? ›

Today, the co*cktail has gained popularity thanks to all kinds of bartenders who recommend it, as well as viral videos where influencers or actors such as Stanley Tucci can be seen preparing it, and because the quality of its ingredients has improved.

What does a classic Negroni taste like? ›

The Classic Negroni co*cktail is a refreshingly bittersweet drink with strong hints of citrus and herby undertones. The perfect all-season drink, and so easy to make with just three ingredients! Equal parts Campari, gin, and vermouth.

What is the difference between classic and white Negroni? ›

The White Negroni is a spin on the classic Negroni: instead of fiery red, it's bright yellow and has a lighter flavor.

What type of gin is best for Negroni? ›

A staple for a reason, Beefeater's London Dry gin works elegantly in Negronis and other gin classics, like Martinis. Eloy Pacheco, head bartender at New York City's Dante, especially appreciates the spirit's coriander, lemon zest and pine-juniper flavors.

Is a Negroni similar to an old fashioned? ›

As with the Manhattan, the Negroni is technically not in the old fashioned family of co*cktails. However, it does feel, in many ways, like one of the best next logical steps for an old fashioned fan.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jamar Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 6276

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jamar Nader

Birthday: 1995-02-28

Address: Apt. 536 6162 Reichel Greens, Port Zackaryside, CT 22682-9804

Phone: +9958384818317

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Scrapbooking, Hiking, Hunting, Kite flying, Blacksmithing, Video gaming, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Jamar Nader, I am a fine, shiny, colorful, bright, nice, perfect, curious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.