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, for stirring 150 g
- Ice, for serving 100 g
HOW TO STIR A PERFECT NEGRONI
- Add 30 ml gin, 30 ml Campari and 30 ml sweet red vermouth to a mixing glass.
- Add 150 g ice and stir smoothly for around 20–25 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Fill a rocks glass with 100 g fresh ice and strain the cocktail over it.
- Garnish with a fresh orange wedge and serve immediately.
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 mastering the equal-parts ratio and achieving the perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness and botanical flavour.
THE STORY OF THE NEGRONI
The Negroni is one of Italy's most famous cocktails and a defining drink of Italian aperitivo culture. Its traditional origin story takes us to Florence in 1919, when Count Camillo Negroni reportedly asked bartender Fosco Scarselli to strengthen his usual Americano by replacing the soda water with gin.
The resulting combination of gin, Campari and sweet red vermouth became an enduring classic. Although the precise history is debated, the Negroni's simple equal-parts formula has made it one of the world's most recognisable bittersweet cocktails.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A NEGRONI
A great Negroni depends on the balance of just three ingredients, so the quality and character of each bottle matter.
For the gin, Drinkero recommends Tanqueray London Dry Gin. Its pronounced juniper and citrus notes provide enough botanical character to stand alongside Campari's distinctive bitterness.
Campari delivers the cocktail's unmistakable red colour, bitter orange flavour and herbal complexity. Pair it with Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, a rich sweet red vermouth with notes of citrus, herbs, cocoa and spice.
Together, these three ingredients create a Negroni with a bold bittersweet character, aromatic depth and a smooth, balanced finish.
HOW TO MAKE A BALANCED NEGRONI
The classic Negroni follows an easy-to-remember 1:1:1 ratio: 30 ml gin, 30 ml Campari and 30 ml sweet red vermouth.
Add all three ingredients to a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir gently for approximately 20–25 seconds until thoroughly chilled and properly diluted. Unlike citrus-based cocktails, a Negroni should be stirred rather than shaken to preserve its clear appearance and smooth texture.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with an orange wedge or half-slice. The fresh citrus aroma complements Campari's bitterness and the rich herbal character of the vermouth.
The finished cocktail should be bold and bittersweet, with all three ingredients remaining clearly identifiable.
HOW TO SERVE A NEGRONI
Serve the Negroni in a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. A large, solid ice cube is particularly suitable because it keeps the cocktail cold while slowing further dilution.
The drink should have a deep ruby-red colour and a clear, polished appearance. Avoid shaking, which introduces unnecessary aeration and temporarily clouds the cocktail.
Finish with a fresh orange wedge or half-slice, positioned neatly at the rim or resting against the ice. The orange adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the bitter and herbal flavours.
Serve immediately while the cocktail is properly chilled. A Negroni is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitivo before a meal, when its bittersweet character makes it an excellent opening drink.
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.
Is the Negroni an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Negroni is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as one of The Unforgettables. See the IBA’s official Negroni recipe for the classic specification.