Negroni Cocktail 🍹
The Negroni is a true cocktail classic, celebrated worldwide for its herbal complexity and the perfect balance between sweet and bitter flavors. Unlike cocktails such as the Margarita, which deliver a refreshing citrusy experience, the Negroni offers a deeper, more sophisticated profile with herbal notes and a pleasantly bitter edge.
Made with only three simple ingredients – gin, Campari, and vermouth – it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Originally crafted as an aperitif to awaken the palate before dinner, the Negroni has become much more than that – a true symbol of style and elegance in the cocktail world.
Personally, as ex bartender, I think this cocktail is so simple, and perfection in simplicity. Easy to make, quick, make it in a 2 minutes and enjoy the evening.
👉 Why is it bitter?
Campari, with its secret blend of herbs, spices, and citrus peels, brings the bitterness, while vermouth adds sweetness and herbal depth. Gin ties it all together with crisp, dry notes, resulting in a cocktail that is perfectly balanced and timeless.
🍊 Recipe Details
⏱️ Preparation Time: 2 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 3 minutes
🔥 Difficulty: 1/5
💪 Nutritional Value (per serving): ~195 kcal
🥃 Ingredients
🍸 3 cl (1 oz) gin
🍷 2.5 cl (0.85 oz) sweet red vermouth
🍊 2.5 cl (0.85 oz) Campari
✨ 1 cl (0.35 oz) orange liqueur (optional, for added depth)
❄️ Ice cubes (preferably large)
🌿 Garnish: orange peel + rosemary sprig
How to Make Negroni
1. Fill an old-fashioned glass with large ice cubes.
2. Pour in gin, vermouth, and Campari.
3. (Optional) Add orange liqueur for a smoother, more layered taste.
4. Stir gently for 10–15 seconds until the ingredients are combined.
5. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink, rub it around the rim, and drop it in.
6. (Optional) Add a rosemary sprig for an aromatic twist.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Negroni
Use chilled ingredients for maximum freshness.
Swap gin for Prosecco to make a lighter version, the famous Negroni Sbagliato.
Experiment with different vermouths – some bring stronger herbal notes, others add sweetness.
Always use large ice cubes – they melt slower and won’t dilute the cocktail too fast.
🍽️ Best Ways to Enjoy Negroni
Perfect as an aperitif before dinner.P
airs beautifully with Italian antipasti boards – cheese, cured meats, olives.
A classy choice for cocktail parties with light appetizers and finger foods. You can also try my Margarita cocktail recipe.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Negroni without Campari?Not really – Campari defines the drink, its a must, I always try to experiment, but for the Negroni, Campari must be present. But you can swap it for Aperol if you prefer a sweeter and lighter version.
2. What’s the best gin for Negroni?London Dry gin is the classic choice, but citrus-forward gins also work wonderfully. Bombay saphire is my recommendation.
3. What’s the difference between Negroni and Negroni Sbagliato?The Sbagliato replaces gin with Prosecco, creating a lighter, sparkling variation.