The Negroni (pronounced as neh-GROH-nee) is one of the world's most famous Italian cocktails: a light red, intensely bitter drink made with gin, red vermouth, and bitters. Served in a classic lowball glass, with plenty of ice and the inevitable orange slice, it's perfect for aperitif time or after dinner during an evening with friends.
Easy to make at home, we'll show you how to prepare it in a few simple steps: all you need is a jigger, the hourglass-shaped measuring cup, and a bar spoon, the long-handled spoon used for mixing.
Once ready, pour it into the appropriate glasses and enjoy it accompanied by various appetizers, a platter of cold cuts and cheeses or a small package of mixed fried foods.
Negroni's Origins and History
Of Italian origins, it seems that the Negroni was created for the first time in the early 1920s: Count Camillo Negroni, returning from one of his trips to London, asked the barman at the Caffè Casoni in Florence, where he was a regular customer, for his usual Americano, but with a "splash of gin" instead of soda water.
Thus was born one of the most beloved and replicated drinks of all time, which took its name from its "inventor."
What Does Negroni Taste Like?
A Negroni has a distinctive balance of bitterness, sweetness, and herbal complexity. The combination of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth creates a bold flavor profile with notes of citrus peel, aromatic herbs, spices, and a slightly bitter finish. It is not a sweet cocktail, but rather a sophisticated, bittersweet drink with a smooth richness and refreshing edge. The gin adds botanical freshness, the vermouth contributes sweetness and depth, while Campari provides the signature bitter character that makes the Negroni so recognizable.
Negroni Variations
The Negroni has inspired countless variations around the world, each adding a different twist to the original formula. The most famous is the Negroni Sbagliato, which replaces gin with sparkling wine (traditionally Prosecco) for a lighter, more effervescent version. The Boulevardier swaps gin for bourbon or rye whiskey, creating a warmer, richer cocktail with notes of vanilla and spice. The White Negroni replaces Campari and sweet vermouth with ingredients like Suze and Lillet Blanc, resulting in a brighter, more floral profile. Other popular versions include the Mezcal Negroni, which adds smoky complexity, the Americano, a lighter ancestor made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water, and the Old Pal, which uses rye whiskey and dry vermouth for a drier, sharper variation.
What Can I Serve Negroni With?
A Negroni pairs best with foods that can balance its bold, bittersweet character. Its herbal notes and slight bitterness work beautifully with salty and savory appetizers, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, olives, and charcuterie boards. It also complements Italian-style small bites like bruschetta, crostini, fried appetizers, and marinated vegetables. For a fuller pairing, try it with richer foods like grilled meats, burgers, or dishes with strong flavors, as the cocktail’s bitterness helps cut through fat and refresh the palate. For dessert, it can work surprisingly well with dark chocolate or orange-based sweets, which echo its citrus and bitter notes.
Ingredients
How to Make Negroni Cocktail
Measure out the vermouth and divide it into two low glasses.
Measure out the vermouth and divide it into two low glasses.
Add the bitters.
Add the bitters.
Continue with the gin.
Continue with the gin.
Wash, dry and slice an orange, then remove any seeds.
Wash, dry and slice an orange, then remove any seeds.
Insert a slice of orange into each glass.
Insert a slice of orange into each glass.
Fill the glasses with plenty of ice.
Fill the glasses with plenty of ice.
Mix quickly with a bar spoon or long teaspoon.
Mix quickly with a bar spoon or long teaspoon.
Serve the Negroni immediately. Enjoy!
Serve the Negroni immediately. Enjoy!
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