Embrace the bittersweet pleasure of adulting in a cocktail that combines gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth with this quick and easy recipe!
When I was a kid, I had a wicked sweet tooth. From birthday cake to Halloween candy to homemade cookies to Easter treats, I was all about the sugary things. But as I’ve matured, the part of my palate that appreciates bitter flavors has developed while the sweetness cravings have ebbed. These days, I prefer dishes and drinks that combine the two for a bittersweet contrast.
This Negroni recipe is a case study in combining sweet and bitter notes. It’s a classic Italian aperitivo—aka a drink meant to stimulate the appetite before a meal—known for its bold bitterness and elegance. The name comes from Count Camillo Negroni, a real-life count in Florence, Italy, who requested that his usual Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth, soda) be “strengthened” with gin in place of soda water. When the bartender finished the drink with an orange peel garnish instead of the usual lemon, a new cocktail was born. The count’s name has been attached to the drink since that initial 1919 order.
If you can appreciate bitterness tempered by citrusy sweetness, you’ll love this complex cocktail. Your first sip is likely to be sharp from the bitter orange peel and other aromatic elements of Campari. But the sweet vermouth smooths the edges, and the herbaceous notes of gin keep it light and bright. Be sure to breathe in the sweet-tart orange peel while sipping. It’ll keep everything balanced as you enjoy this sophisticated and thoroughly grown-up beverage.
Tips for the perfect Negroni
- Choose a quality London dry gin and a reputable sweet vermouth such as Carpano Antica Formula, Dolin, or Martini & Rossi for the best flavor.
- Stir, don’t shake, for optimal texture and clarity.
- For a lighter drink, adjust the ratios to taste. Try one and a half ounces of gin paired with three-quarters ounce each of Campari and vermouth.
- Experiment with flavored gins—think citrus, berry, or herbal—or different vermouth brands to shift the drink’s profile.
- For summer, serve a frozen Negroni by blending the ingredients with ice for a slushy treat.
- For a more aromatic finish, add a sprig of rosemary or lightly toasted juniper berries.
How do I store leftovers?
Negroni cocktails keep well in an airtight container—sans ice and garnish—in the fridge or freezer for up to 1 month. The spirit-forward mix won’t freeze solid, so you can serve directly from the fridge or freezer over fresh ice for an extra-chilled drink. This makes them ideal for party prep! Simply scale up the ingredients and store the mix in a sealed pitcher or bottle. Then portion over fresh ice, stir, garnish, and serve.
Serving suggestions
Serve Negroni cocktails alongside rich, salty, or smoky dishes that can stand up to the drink’s bold flavor profile. For an elegant appetizer, pair them with a festive Cheese Ball and Candied Bacon Crackers. For dinner, opt for a rich and hearty Seafood Stew. For dessert, keep the bittersweet party going with Chocolate-Covered Raspberries or Salted Chocolate Brownie Bites.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass.
- Fill the mixing glass about 3/4 full with ice.
- Stir with a long-handled bar spoon until thoroughly chilled, about 20–30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes or one large ice sphere.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by gently twisting it, then use it to garnish the finished cocktail.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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