Negroni
A bold Italian classic combining gin, Campari and sweet vermouth in equal parts. Bittersweet, botanical and richly aromatic, with a smooth, complex finish.
Negroni Recipe
- Dry gin 30 ml
- Campari 30 ml
- Sweet red vermouth 30 ml
- Fresh orange 1 wedge, optional
- Ice 150 g, optional
Make it properly
- Add gin, Campari and sweet red vermouth to a mixing glass.
- Add plenty of ice and stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange wedge, if desired.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT NEGRONI?
The Negroni is built around equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, so the balance between all three ingredients matters. Gin brings botanical character, Campari provides distinctive bitterness and citrus, while sweet vermouth adds richness, sweetness and aromatic spice. Stirred with ice rather than shaken, the result is smooth, bittersweet and complex.
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NEGRONI: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Negroni, from choosing the right gin and sweet vermouth to achieving the perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness and botanical character.
THE STORY OF THE NEGRONI
The Negroni is one of Italy's most famous cocktails. Its commonly told origin dates to Florence in 1919, when Count Camillo Negroni reportedly asked for his Americano to be strengthened by replacing the soda water with gin.
The resulting combination of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth became a classic. Its simple equal-parts formula has helped make the Negroni one of the world's most recognisable aperitivo cocktails.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A NEGRONI
Because a Negroni contains only three main ingredients, each bottle has a major influence on the finished drink.
Drinkero recommends Tanqueray London Dry Gin for its strong juniper and botanical character, Campari for the defining bittersweet aperitivo flavour, and Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino for its rich combination of citrus, herbs, cocoa and spice.
Together, they create a Negroni with clear bitterness, aromatic complexity and enough sweetness to keep the cocktail balanced.
HOW TO MAKE A BALANCED NEGRONI
Unlike citrus-based cocktails, a Negroni should be stirred rather than shaken. Stirring with plenty of ice chills and dilutes the ingredients while maintaining the cocktail's smooth texture.
Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass and finish with an orange twist. Expressing the oils from the orange peel over the glass adds a fresh citrus aroma that complements Campari and sweet vermouth.
Questions about the Negroni
What is a Negroni made from?
A classic Negroni contains equal parts gin, Campari and sweet red vermouth. Drinkero's recipe uses 30 ml of each.
What gin is best for a Negroni?
A London Dry Gin works particularly well because its juniper and botanical character can stand up to Campari and sweet vermouth. Drinkero recommends Tanqueray London Dry Gin.
What vermouth should I use for a Negroni?
Use a quality sweet red vermouth. Drinkero recommends Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino for its rich, aromatic and bittersweet character.
Should a Negroni be shaken or stirred?
A Negroni should be stirred with ice. This chills and dilutes the cocktail while maintaining its smooth, spirit-forward texture.
Does a Negroni need an orange garnish?
No, but an orange twist is recommended. The citrus oils add fresh aroma and complement the bittersweet flavours of the cocktail.
How do I make Negronis for a group?
Choose 6, 12, 24 or 48 Negronis in the Drinkero Cocktail Kit Builder. Drinkero calculates the gin, Campari, vermouth, ice and garnish quantities you need.