Negroni Cocktail Recipe
Negroni Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:16g
Alcohol:25%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Negroni cocktail is a classic Italian aperitif that was invented in Florence, Italy, in the early 20th century. It is said to have been created by Count Camillo Negroni, who asked his bartender to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. The result was a bold and bitter cocktail that has become a staple in bars around the world.
- The Negroni is often enjoyed as an aperitif, stimulating the appetite before a meal
- It has inspired numerous variations, such as the Boulevardier and the Old Pal
How Negroni Tastes?
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
Interesting facts about Negroni
- The Negroni is traditionally served on the rocks in an Old Fashioned glass
- It is often garnished with an orange peel or slice, which adds a touch of brightness to the drink
- The Negroni is considered a 'stirred' cocktail, as it is mixed with a bar spoon rather than shaken
Ingredients
- Gin: 1 oz(30ml)
- Campari: 1 oz(30ml)
- Sweet vermouth: 1 oz(30ml)
- Orange peel: 1
A few good options for Negroni are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
The gin brings a botanical complexity to the Negroni, adding a crisp, floral edge. The 1 oz. measurement ensures the gin doesn't overshadow the other flavors - it's a delicate ballet, not a stomping march! Forget the gin, and you've lost the backbone of the cocktail; it's like Batman without his cape.
Emma Rose
Campari
Campari adds that signature bitter punch. It's the heart and soul of the Negroni, and 1 oz. ensures there's enough bitterness to tickle your palate without overpowering. It's like walking a tightrope over a bitterness canyon, and believe me, you don't want to fall in by using too much. No Campari? Well, then you're just mixing sweet and botanical: the equivalent of eating a salad without dressing.
Mary Mitkina
Sweet Vermouth
Ah, sweet vermouth - smooth, herbal, sweet. The 1 oz. ties everything together with a touch of herbal sweetness, calming down the gin and Campari tango. Too much, and you're in a candy shop; too little, and the bitterness would bully your taste buds. Without it, you'd have a two-legged race with one runner - unbalanced and frankly, a little sad.
Alex Green
Orange Peel
That zesty, citrusy flair! This is more of a finishing move - like garnishing with a cherry on top, but better, because it's not a cherry, it's an orange peel. It adds a fresh twist and aroma that's crucial for the full sensory experience. Without it, the cocktail could feel like a play without the final act - good, but not complete.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Negroni Drink
- Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice
- Add equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to the glass
- Stir the ingredients together with a bar spoon until well combined
- Garnish with an orange peel or slice
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best taste
- Stir the cocktail well to ensure all the flavors meld together
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer
Perfect Pairings
Food
- Cheese: Aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano slice through the Negroni’s bitterness wonderfully.
- Charcuterie: Salty and savory cured meats complement the herbaceous and bitter notes of the cocktail.
- Dark Chocolate: Enhances the sweet vermouth’s notes and contrasts nicely with the Campari.
- Gourmet Burgers: The robust flavors of a well-seasoned burger balance well with the intense flavors of a Negroni.
Drinks
- Espresso: A post-dinner espresso can extend the bitterness theme in a satisfying way.
- Sparkling Water: Between sips of Negroni, cleanse your palate with some neutral sparkling water.
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What you could change in Negroni
- Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a less botanical flavor
- Campari: Aperol can be used for a sweeter, less bitter taste
- Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used for a less sweet cocktail
Explore all drinks starting with N here
And of course - twists🍹
White Negroni
- Ingredients: 1 oz. Gin, 1 oz. Lillet Blanc, 1 oz. Suze, Lemon twist
- Recipe: Swap out the Campari for Suze and sweet vermouth for Lillet Blanc. Add the ingredients to an Old Fashioned glass with ice, stir, and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Taste: Brighter and more floral, with a gentler bitterness from the Suze and Lillet’s subtle fruitiness. It's like the Negroni’s charming cousin who studied abroad in France.
Boulevardier
- Ingredients: 1 oz. Bourbon, 1 oz. Campari, 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth, Orange peel
- Recipe: Use bourbon instead of gin for a whiskey twist on the classic. Combine all ingredients over ice, stir and garnish with orange peel.
- Taste: Richer and warmer, with bourbon’s vanilla and oak flavors rounding out the bitter Campari. Picture a Negroni settling down by a cozy fireside.
Sparkling Negroni
- Ingredients: 1 oz. Gin, 1 oz. Campari, 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth, Prosecco
- Recipe: Mix the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth over ice, stir, then top with a splash of Prosecco and garnish with an orange peel.
- Taste: Adds effervescence and a light, refreshing twist to the traditional Negroni. It’s the life of the party, with bubbles lifting your spirits - literally and figuratively.
In case you forgot basics how to make Negroni
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Negroni
Is there a specific type of gin recommended for a Negroni?
While any quality gin would work in a Negroni, traditionally London dry gin is used for its distinct bitter and botanical flavors.
What are some of the popular variations of Negroni?
Apart from the mentioned Boulevardier and Old Pal, other popular variations include: the Negroni Sbagliato- replaced gin with sparkling wine, White Negroni- uses Lillet Blanc and Suze instead of vermouth and Campari, and the French Negroni- swaps in Dubonnet for sweet vermouth.
How strong is a typical Negroni?
A Negroni is a fairly strong cocktail due to its three alcoholic ingredients: gin, Campari, and vermouth. The alcohol content will also depend on the specific brands used.
Who was Count Camillo Negroni?
Count Camillo Negroni was an Italian nobleman who is credited with inspiring the creation of the Negroni cocktail whilst in Florence, Italy in the early 20th century.
Can I substitute other bitters for Campari?
Yes, other bitters like Gran Classico or Luxardo Bitter can be substituted, but the taste profile will change. Campari is what gives the Negroni its distinctive bitter and sweet flavor.
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