This classic Negroni recipe is a timeless Italian cocktail made from three equal parts: gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
A Negroni conjures images of sipping an aperitivo on a rooftop in Florence as the sun sets over the Ponte Vecchio. That said, you don’t need to travel to Italy to enjoy one — it’s simple to mix at home. Because the drink uses only three ingredients in equal measures, it’s easy to remember and easy to scale for a crowd.
This recipe also works well for batching: mix ahead, chill, and serve during a party. If you prefer a lighter cocktail with similar flavors, try an Americano, which swaps the gin for soda water.
Ingredients in a Negroni recipe
The Negroni’s simplicity means ingredient quality matters. Use a good gin and a flavorful sweet vermouth since there are no mixers to mask inferior spirits. The classic ratio is equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
- Gin: A slightly floral gin (for example, Hendrick’s) complements the orange garnish and balances Campari’s bitterness.
- Sweet vermouth: Choose a well-made sweet vermouth such as Dolin or Noilly-Prat.
- Campari: Essential for the Negroni’s characteristic bitter, bright profile.
How to make a Negroni
Step 1: Prepare the orange peel garnish
Use a vegetable peeler to cut wide twists of orange peel, taking only the colored zest and avoiding the bitter white pith.
Step 2: Mix and chill
In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, combine equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari (for a single serving, 1 oz each). Add ice and stir until well chilled.
Step 3: Strain, garnish, serve
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Express the orange twist over the drink to release oils, rub it on the rim if you like, and drop it in as a garnish. Serve immediately.
FAQ
Campari defines the Negroni’s bitter and aromatic character, so it’s the traditional and recommended ingredient. If you want to experiment, try different gins or vermouths, but swapping Campari will change the drink into something else.
The Negroni originated in Florence, Italy, around 1919. The story is that Count Camillo Negroni asked a bartender to make his Americano stronger, substituting gin for soda and swapping a lemon for an orange garnish — and the Negroni was born.
Stirring is traditional for spirit-forward cocktails without juice, as it chills the drink without over-diluting or aerating it. If you prefer to shake and serve it up in a coupe, that’s fine — make it the way you enjoy it.
When to drink a Negroni
The Negroni is an ideal aperitivo — a pre-dinner drink that stimulates the appetite. Its bitterness awakens the palate and prepares you for a meal.
- Serve during cocktail hour before dinner.
- Batch Negronis in advance to welcome guests at holiday gatherings.
- Enjoy one during aperitivo hour — a relaxed time to sip a drink and nibble before dinner.
What to serve with a Negroni
Pair a Negroni with light, flavorful appetizers that balance its bitterness.
- Radishes with radish leaf butter — the drink’s bitterness cuts through the butter’s richness.
- Mixed or roasted nuts for a salty, savory snack.
- Bacon-forward bites or small savory madeleines for a satisfying contrast.
More Negroni variations
If you want to change the flavor profile, try variations that swap or add ingredients while keeping the Negroni spirit:
- Blood Orange Negroni — adds fresh blood orange for a bright, fruity note.
- Mezcal Negroni — replace gin with smoky mezcal for depth and complexity.
- Negroni Sbagliato — uses prosecco in place of gin for a lighter, effervescent version.
More cocktails made with Campari
- Boulevardier — same proportions but with bourbon instead of gin for a richer profile.
- Campari and Soda — a simple, refreshing aperitivo.
- Milano-Torino — Campari and sweet vermouth alone, a close cousin to the Negroni.
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Recipe
Negroni Recipe
Equipment
- cocktail shaker or mixing glass
- vegetable peeler
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
Instructions
- Use a vegetable peeler to cut wide orange twists, avoiding the white pith.
- In a mixing glass, combine gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari over ice. Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with the orange twist and serve.
Notes
- Traditionally stirred and served on the rocks; shaking is an acceptable personal variation.
- Because the recipe is spirit-forward, use quality gin and vermouth.
- See the FAQ and pairing suggestions above for serving ideas and variations.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 1 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and not guaranteed.
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