Why You’ll Love the Negroni

A Negroni is one of Jack’s favorite summer cocktails. Whether I’m enjoying an Aperol spritz or a glass of white wine, chances are Jack is savoring this classic Italian drink.

He’s not alone; the Negroni cocktail has surged in popularity recently, and with summer on the way, it’s a perfect time to share this recipe.

Here’s our go-to Negroni recipe. It’s a classic that’s simple to make with just four ingredients, offering a boozy, bitter, and slightly citrusy essence with a hint of sweetness. In Italy, it’s a go-to for an aperitivo or pre-dinner drink. So, why not whip this up for summer happy hours?

What is a Negroni Cocktail?

If you’re unaware, a Negroni is an Italian cocktail made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

This delightful drink likely evolved from the Americano cocktail, made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. Legend has it that Count Camillo Negroni, an Italian nobleman in early 20th century Florence, preferred his Americanos spiked with gin instead of soda, thus creating the Negroni.

Negroni Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• Gin – Choose any brand you love, but our favorites are Hendrick’s, St. George Botanivore, and Koval Dry Gin.
• Campari – This bittersweet Italian liqueur gives the drink its vibrant color and bitter finish, with refreshing notes of orange peel.
• Sweet Vermouth – This fortified wine sweetens the Negroni and enhances the Campari’s bitter, earthy notes. Our go-tos are Dolin and Carpano’s Antica Formula.
• Orange Peel – For garnish, which complements the orange notes in the Campari.
• Ice – Essential for chilling the drink.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Variations of the Negroni

Negroni variations are all the rage lately.

• Negroni Sbagliato – Swap gin for prosecco for a bubbly twist.
• Boulevardier – Use bourbon or rye whiskey instead of gin—Jack’s personal favorite!

Let me know if you try one!

How to Make a Negroni

Making a Negroni is a breeze with its 1:1:1 ratio of gin, vermouth, and Campari.

1. Combine one ounce each of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice or one large ice cube.
3. Garnish with orange peel and serve! A Negroni pairs perfectly with small bites like olives or bruschetta.

Tip: Since each ingredient is used in equal parts, it’s easy to scale up the recipe. Use one ounce for one cocktail, two ounces for two, and so on!

More Classic Cocktail Recipes

If you enjoyed this Negroni recipe, why not try one of these classic cocktails next?