Classic Negroni
The perfect aperitivo - equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Bitter, botanical, and beautifully balanced. A timeless Italian classic.
Ingredients
- Gin: 30 ml (1 oz)
- Campari: 30 ml (1 oz)
- Sweet vermouth: 30 ml (1 oz)
- Large ice cube
Garnish
Orange peel
Instructions
- 1
Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
- 2
Stir gently for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill.
- 3
Express an orange peel over the drink and place in glass.
Notes
The Negroni is all about quality ingredients - there are only three, so each one matters. Use a good London Dry gin, fresh Campari, and quality sweet vermouth (Carpano Antica Formula or Cocchi di Torino are excellent). The equal parts ratio is sacred. Store vermouth in the fridge and use within a few months.
What This Is
Equal parts gin, Campari, sweet vermouth. 1:1:1. That’s the rule.
Invented in Florence, 1919. Count Camillo Negroni wanted his Americano stronger, asked for gin instead of soda water. Result: one of the most balanced cocktails ever made.
The Ingredients
Three ingredients. Quality matters.
- Gin: London Dry. Tanqueray, Beefeater, Sipsmith.
- Campari: No substitutes. This is the heart of the drink.
- Sweet vermouth: Fresh. Carpano Antica or Cocchi di Torino. Store in fridge, use within 2-3 months.
Old vermouth kills a Negroni.
The Build
Stir, don’t shake. Large ice cube slows dilution.
Express orange peel over the drink. The oils are essential.
When to Drink It
Aperitivo - before dinner. The bitterness prepares your palate for food. Also works as a contemplative evening drink.
Variations
Negroni Sbagliato: swap gin for prosecco. Lighter, sparkling.
White Negroni: Suze and Lillet Blanc instead of Campari and sweet vermouth.
Mezcal Negroni: mezcal instead of gin for smoke.