Negroni Recipe: Bitter, Bold, and Perfectly Balanced!

The Negroni is a timeless cocktail that blends the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and herbal flavors. Made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, this classic drink is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a sophisticated and bold cocktail. It’s the drink that never goes out of style, whether you’re sipping it before dinner or enjoying it at a celebration. The deep red color and unique taste of the Negroni make it a standout in any drink lineup.

For the ultimate pairing, serve it with Grilled Vegetables, which bring out the earthy flavors of the gin and vermouth while adding a smoky, charred bite that complements the Negroni’s bold bitterness. Or, go for Smoked Salmon, with its delicate, savory flavor that perfectly balances the drink’s sharpness. Both pairings elevate the Negroni experience, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture.

Whether you’re hosting a cocktail hour or just treating yourself to something special, this Negroni Recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

A twist of orange peel being held over the Negroni on the white marble cooktop, releasing oils from the peel over the drink before dropping it in for garnish.

  • Bold and Balanced: The combination of gin, Campari, and vermouth creates a complex and perfectly balanced cocktail.
  • Elevates Any Occasion: The Negroni brings an air of sophistication to both casual and special events.
  • Simple Yet Iconic: Few cocktails offer the same elegance and depth of flavor with so few ingredients.

Savor the art of the Negroni with these delicious pairings and enjoy a drink that’s both timeless and truly satisfying.

A twist of orange peel being held over the Negroni on the white marble cooktop, releasing oils from the peel over the drink before dropping it in for garnish.

Negroni Recipe

This Negroni is a classic cocktail known for its balance of bitterness from the Campari, sweetness from the vermouth, and the sharp kick from the gin. A simple yet sophisticated drink with a citrusy garnish for a refreshing touch.
Course cocktail
Cuisine italian-inspired
Servings 1
Calories 191 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing glass
  • Stirring spoon
  • Strainer
  • Rocks glass
  • Large ice cube

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ounce gin
  • 1 ounce Campari
  • 1 ounce sweet vermouth
  • Garnish: Orange peel

Instructions
 

  • Mix: Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until well-chilled.
    A mixing glass on the white marble cooktop filled with ice. Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth are added, ready to be stirred until well-chilled.
  • Strain: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
    The chilled Negroni being strained from the mixing glass into a rocks glass over a large ice cube on the white marble cooktop, capturing the drink’s vibrant red color
  • Garnish: Twist a piece of orange peel over the drink and drop it in for garnish.
    A twist of orange peel being held over the Negroni on the white marble cooktop, releasing oils from the peel over the drink before dropping it in for garnish.
  • Serve: Enjoy your Negroni!

Nutrition Facts:

NutritionValue
Calories192 kcal
Carbohydrates13 g
Fat13 g
Fiber0 g
Calcium0 mg
Iron0 mg

Tips that You Should Consider!

  1. Chill the Glass: Before you start mixing, place your rocks glass in the freezer. A chilled glass keeps the Negroni cooler for longer, which is ideal since it’s typically served over a single large ice cube.
  2. Experiment with Gin Varieties: Different gins bring out unique flavors in a Negroni. A bold, juniper-forward gin gives a classic taste, while gins with citrus or herbal notes can add a fresh twist. Feel free to experiment to find your preferred profile.
  3. Stir, Don’t Shake: Stirring the drink with ice not only chills it but also gently dilutes it, balancing the intense flavors. Shaking would over-dilute and create an overly watery Negroni, so stick to a smooth, thorough stir.
  4. Quality Vermouth Matters: Since the vermouth is a major component, using a high-quality, fresh bottle makes a difference. Vermouth can oxidize once opened, so if you haven’t used it in a while, taste it first to make sure it’s fresh.
  5. Express the Orange Peel Oils: When twisting the orange peel over the drink, make sure to hold it about an inch above the glass. This allows the oils to disperse onto the drink’s surface, adding an aromatic touch with each sip.
  6. For a Smoother Sip, Try Aging: If you want to experiment, combine the ingredients and let the mixture rest in the fridge for a day or two. This “aging” helps the flavors meld, resulting in a smoother, well-integrated Negroni.
  7. Play with the Ice: A large, clear ice cube melts slower and keeps the drink at the right dilution longer. If you don’t have large ice cubes, using multiple smaller cubes works, but the drink may dilute faster.
  8. Adjust to Your Taste: While the equal-parts recipe is the classic, you can tweak the proportions. For a more gin-forward Negroni, increase the gin to 1.5 ounces, or if you prefer it slightly sweeter, add a bit more vermouth.
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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

I have been a professional chef and restaurant owner for the past 20 years! I love to cook and bake, and I want to share my enthusiasm.

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