Served ice cold, with an orange slice garnish, a Negroni might very well become your favorite sipper especially if you don’t enjoy overly sweet drinks. Considered an apéritif, or a before-dinner drink, but great all on its own, a Negroni consists of equal parts Campari, red vermouth, and gin. How long it takes: 5 minutes Equipment you’ll need: cocktail jug or large glass, strainer, ice Servings: 2 Reportedly a favorite of Ernest Hemingway and more recently, Anthony Bourdain, a Negroni is a classic. There’s even a special Negroni week to celebrate this cocktail (September 13-19, 2021). A Negroni packs a punch since there are no mixers. Take your time and savor every sip. Appreciate the complexity of flavors in this refreshing cocktail. Enjoy it with olive oil roasted almonds, seasoned oyster crackers, or homemade cheese crackers.
About this recipe
A Negroni is easy to make, so easy in fact, that after the first time you stir one up, you’ll probably never have to refer to this recipe again. Don’t forget about me, though, I’ll still be here with lots of exciting cocktail recipes! The ratio is 1:1:1. That is, one part Campari, one part red vermouth, and one part gin.
What you need
Campari: No substitutes here, you have to buy the one and only Italian-made Campari, a red bitters that is made from an herbal and fruit concoction. It contains alcohol and is often mixed with prosecco for a spritz cocktail. Red Vermouth: A sweeter and richer vermouth than the white variety, it’s also known as Rosso or Rijo vermouth. It’s a fortified wine flavored with botanicals. Since it is a wine, vermouth should be refrigerated once it’s opened and it will keep about a month. Gin: A London dry gin is the best gin for this cocktail.
How to make a Negroni
This recipe makes two cocktails. It’s easy to halve, double, or triple. Just keep in mind the 1:1:1 ration. First, add ice to a pitcher or large measuring cup. Add measured amounts of Campari, red vermouth, and gin. Stir well, until the ingredients are well chilled by the ice. Put the desired amount of ice into two glasses. Pour the cocktail evenly into the glasses, straining out the ice from the pitcher. Garnish each cocktail with a slice of orange. If you prefer, a curl of orange peel makes a nice garnish too. Enjoy immediately!
How to make this cocktail your own
Add sweetness to your cocktail, tempering the bitterness. See the above paragraph for ideas. Make your Negroni with ice but strain it into glasses without ice. Double the amount of gin for a stronger drink. Or double the Campari or the red vermouth. Totally up to you!
Make-Ahead Ideas
This cocktail is best served immediately. To get a head start, slice the oranges for the garnish and make sure you have plenty of fresh ice. Polish up your glasses so they’re sparkling clean.
More classic cocktails
And some classic recipes with a twist …
Classic Gin and Tonic Recipe – tips to make the best! Blood Orange Gin Fizz with Elderflower Orange Gin and Tonic with Cinnamon Cherry French 75 – sweet tart perfection! White Russian Recipe – make it your own! White Chocolate White Russian – a twist on a classic! Vanilla Bourbon Fizz (Bourbon Champagne Cocktail) Orange Mojito – refreshing and delicious! Raspberry Rosé Spritzer – easy cocktail! Apple Cider Mule (Fall Moscow Mule)
