Negroni

There is (almost) no bad time or place to sip a Negroni. Thanks to its simple, three-ingredient recipe (gin, Campari and sweet vermouth poured in equal parts), anyone can make this easy mixed drink. And you don’t even need special equipment, although a bar spoon and strainer do come in handy if you’re out to show off your bartending prowess.

Sweet, herbal and smooth, you can sip a Negroni before, during or after dinner, at a restaurant or home, on the patio or by a roaring fire in the living room. A boldly flavored Negroni fits just about any situation. Just ask Stanley Tucci; he’s almost as famous for his Negroni as he is for his movies.

What’s in a Negroni?

The most classic, best Negroni recipe simply combines gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. Poured in equal proportions, it strikes the perfect balance of botanicals, bitterness and sweetness. Like most classic cocktails, the Negroni origin story is a bit blurry. The most widely accepted story is that Camillo Negroni invented the drink by ordering an Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth and soda water) with gin instead of bubbly water at Caffe Casoni in Florence, Italy. That was in 1919; more than 100 years later, his namesake Negroni is more popular than ever.

The gin and sweet vermouth might change the character a bit depending on which brand you choose, but Campari, the bright-red, bittersweet Italian liqueur with herbaceous and spice notes, is essential to any Negroni. It’s the one constant in the numerous Negroni variations and riffs.

Negroni Ingredients

• Campari: This bittersweet Italian liqueur blends herbs, spices and fruit peels. It has hints of citrus and spice, with some subtle orange, cinnamon and clove flavors. Campari is the only ingredient that truly makes a Negroni a Negroni; use something else, and it becomes another cocktail altogether.
• Gin: The best gin for a Negroni is your favorite gin; be sure to choose one that you enjoy drinking in the first place. Try a London dry gin, such as Tanqueray or Beefeater, which are herbal and juniper-forward. Or maybe Hendricks, with its fresh, vegetal characteristics. Whatever you choose, keep the bottle around to see how its flavors play in other classic gin cocktails, such as the refreshing Tom Collins, the old-school martini and the simple gimlet.
• Sweet vermouth: Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine filled with botanicals that can range from citrus to bitter roots, herbs, flowers and spices. Every brand has its secret patented recipe. Some top brands include Dolin Vermouth Rouge, Cinzano Rosso, Carpano Antico and Punt e Mes.
• Orange peel: Orange peel is the classic garnish for a Negroni. The oils from the peel enhance the citrus notes in both the Campari and sweet vermouth.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the spirits

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Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the Campari, gin and sweet vermouth.

Step 2: Stir the cocktail

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Stir the cocktail until it’s chilled.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t reach for the cocktail shaker. Instead, run a bar spoon around the edge of the mixing glass to swirl the elixir until it’s thoroughly chilled. Since each ingredient contains alcohol, they mix fairly seamlessly without requiring much agitation. You also don’t want to water them down too much.

Step 3: Strain the cocktail

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Using a cocktail strainer, strain the Negroni into a rocks glass.

Editor’s Tip: No one will fault you for chilling the glass first by setting it in the freezer or refrigerator while you mix the drink. You can also fill the glass with ice and discard it before pouring the cocktail.

Step 4: Garnish the cocktail

Garnish the Negroni with a strip of orange peel.

Editor’s Tip: To get a perfect orange peel, use a Y-shaped peeler to slice a strip from the fruit. Alternatively, use a paring knife and carefully run it down the side of the fruit.

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Negroni Variations

• Negroni sbagliato: This riff on a classic Negroni uses Prosecco instead of the gin, which adds an effervescence that’s hard not to love. It’s more closely related to the Americano, which uses soda water instead of gin, and which inspired the first Negroni. The Negroni sbagliato went viral in 2022 for its utter deliciousness (and thanks to some House of Dragons stars ooh-ing and ahh-ing over it on TikTok).
• Stanley Tucci’s Negroni: Tucci prefers his Negroni made with two parts gin to one part each of Campari and sweet vermouth. Die-hards may find it unbalanced, but this is Tucci’s party and he can Negroni any way he wants.
• White Negroni: A white Negroni is the French counterpart to its Italian cousin; it features equal parts gin, Lillet blanc and Suze gentian liqueur.
• Boulevardier: Swap out the gin for bourbon, and you’ve got a Boulevardier. This variation tastes better when served over one giant ice cube.
• Rum Negroni: This simple riff is made with equal parts rum, Campari and sweet vermouth. Use one of the best rums you can—maybe one with some age—to make it even more complex.

Can you make a Negroni ahead of time?

Without mixers or fruit juices to get in the way, you can easily make a batch of this Negroni cocktail recipe ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Or better yet, stick it in the freezer: The high alcohol content means it will just get really cold without freezing. Simply mix equal parts Campari, gin and sweet vermouth in a glass container with an airtight lid and store it for two to three weeks in the fridge or the freezer. To serve batched Negronis, stir the mixture gently, then pour 3 ounces into each chilled glass before adding the garnish.

Negroni Recipe Tips

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Can you use dry vermouth for a Negroni?

You can use dry vermouth if you prefer the flavor, or if it’s all you have on hand. But sweet vermouth is part of the classic recipe for a reason: It perfectly balances the bitterness of the Campari and the dry, herbal taste of the gin.

Can you serve a Negroni on the rocks?

You can serve a Negroni any way you like. One big, clear ice cube will keep it chilled and quaffable for longer, while serving it straight up keeps ice from diluting the balance of the Campari, gin and sweet vermouth. Add a spritz of club soda to make it more like an Americano.

What type of glass do you use for a Negroni?

When served on the rocks, a Negroni is most often served in a rocks glass or a double old-fashioned glass. When served neat (without ice), you can use a smaller old-fashioned glass. But we’ve also seen Negronis served in coupes, martini glasses and even wine glasses, all of which give the cocktail some fancy flair.

What can you serve with a Negroni?

You can serve just about anything with a Negroni. Sip this heady drink while nibbling from a fruit and cheese board, a charcuterie board or an antipasto platter. Or make it part of an outdoor feast; it stands up well to fire-cooked foods, like garlic-grilled steaks and your favorite sides.