Few cocktails command respect the way the Negroni does. Elegant, assertive, and beautifully simple, this equal-parts icon has become a global bar staple for good reason. The Negroni is a drink that doesn't hide behind complexity: the bitter Campari, the botanical gin, and the rich vermouth create a bold, balanced cocktail that's as straightforward to make as it is satisfying to drink. This is the cocktail that proves three ingredients, done right, can be everything you need.
History
It's widely believed that the Negroni's story begins in Florence in 1919, when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to strengthen his Americano by replacing the soda water with gin. The result was a deeper, more robust cocktail that became so popular the Negroni family launched its own pre-bottled version shortly after. Over a century later, the drink remains unchanged at its core—but its influence has spawned countless riffs, from the Boulevardier to the White Negroni to the modern Sbagliato. It's become not just a drink, but a category of cocktails unto itself.
Ingredients Breakdown
Gin
A dry, botanical backbone. Classic London Dry keeps the drink crisp, while more modern gins can add floral or citrus layers. Choose one with enough structure to stand up to Campari.
Campari
The unmistakable bitter heart of the Negroni. Herbal, citrusy, and boldly red—this is what gives the drink its bite and signature personality.
Sweet Vermouth
A rich, aromatic counterweight. The vermouth softens the bitterness and ties the cocktail together with notes of dried fruit, caramel, and spice. Freshness matters—refrigerate after opening.
Orange Peel
A final kiss of aromatics. Expressing the oils over the drink elevates everything.
Negroni Recipe
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Negroni
Bitter, citrusy, botanical, and perfectly balanced. This equal-parts classic delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss—just three ingredients, built right in the glass.
Ingredients:
- Sweet Vermouth 1 oz (30ml)
- Campari 1 oz (30ml)
- Gin 1 oz (30ml)
Instructions:
- Add ice to a chilled rocks glass.
- Add ingredients.
- Stir for a few seconds.
- Express and garnish with an orange peel.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose quality vermouth. It makes up a third of the drink—so freshness and brand matter.
- Stir, don't shake. Negronis need clarity and silky texture.
- Dial the sweetness. If you want a drier Negroni, reduce the vermouth to ¾ oz.
- Batch for parties. Negronis batch beautifully—use our free batch calculator to scale your recipe for any size gathering.
- Try riffs. Boulevardier: Swap gin for bourbon. White Negroni: Use Suze + Lillet Blanc. Sbagliato: Swap gin for prosecco.
Tools You'll Need
- Rocks Glass: The serving vessel—chill it first for the best experience. Shop Rocks Glasses
- Bar Spoon: Designed for smooth, efficient stirring directly in the glass. Shop Bar Spoons
- Jigger: Essential for precision—equal parts means equal parts. Shop Jiggers
- Y-Peeler: For clean, aromatic orange peels. Shop Y-peeler
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Final Thoughts
The Negroni's power lies in its simplicity—just three ingredients, perfectly balanced, creating a cocktail far greater than the sum of its parts. It's an anytime drink: pre-dinner, during dinner, after dinner, or late-night with friends. And once you've mastered the classic, an entire universe of Negroni-style cocktails opens up. As your favorite cocktail, this is the one that speaks most to your palate: bold, confident, timeless.
This makes me thirsty!