Italian · Aperitivo · Strong
Negroni
In the owner’s words: Herbaceous
- Base
- Gin
- Glass
- Lowball
- Method
- Built in glass
- Effort
- Beginner · 3 min
- ABV
- 24%
Build
- Dry Ginor London Dry Gin / Plymouth Gin
- Campari
- Sweet Vermouthor Carpano Antica Formula / Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
- Orangeor Orange peel · garnish
You’ll need: Mixing glass, Bar spoon, Strainer
Method — Stirred, or built in glass
- Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice
- Stir for about 30 seconds until well-chilled
- Strain into a lowball glass with a large clear ice cube
- Garnish with an orange slice
The story
Created in Florence, Italy around 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni asked bartender Fosco Scarselli at Caffè Casoni to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin. The cocktail was named after the Count and quickly became a classic.
Variations
The Boulevardier substitutes bourbon for gin. The Sbagliato uses sparkling wine instead of gin. The White Negroni replaces Campari and sweet vermouth with Suze and Lillet Blanc. Equal parts (1:1:1) is the traditional ratio, though some modern recipes use more gin.
Host tips
The quality of the vermouth makes a significant difference. Store opened vermouth in the refrigerator. The cocktail can be built directly in the glass for a more casual preparation. A large, clear ice cube not only looks elegant but also melts more slowly, preventing over-dilution.
