Negroni Recipe – How to Make the Perfect Italian Aperitif
Bold, bittersweet, and effortlessly stylish — a timeless Italian icon born for slow evenings and good conversation.
Quick Answer
How do you make a Negroni? Combine 30ml gin, 30ml Campari, and 30ml sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well, strain into a rocks glass over ice, and garnish with an orange peel.
Origin & Story
The Negroni was first mixed in Florence, Italy around 1919, when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his favorite Americano by replacing soda water with gin. The result was a revelation — a bold, bittersweet balance of spirit, vermouth, and Campari. Over a century later, it remains the ultimate aperitif, embodying Italian craftsmanship and effortless sophistication.
Why You’ll Love This Version
Our take on the Negroni honors its perfect simplicity — equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. No tricks, no shortcuts — just harmony in a glass. The gin’s botanicals lift the Campari’s bitterness, while the vermouth rounds it out with sweet warmth. Served over ice and finished with a bright orange peel, it’s the perfect balance of bitter and sweet sophistication.
Ingredients
- 30ml Tanqueray No. Ten Gin
- 30ml Campari
- 30ml Martini Rosso Sweet Vermouth
- Orange peel for garnish
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Rocks glass
- Ice cubes
How to Make It
- Combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir well for about 20–30 seconds until perfectly chilled and slightly diluted.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a thick twist of orange peel — express its oils over the drink before dropping it in.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Bright orange zest, juniper, and subtle herbs
- Palate: Perfect harmony of bitter Campari, citrus, and sweet vermouth
- Finish: Long, bittersweet, and slightly herbal
Perfect For
- 🍸 Aperitivo hour or elegant dinner parties
- 🎁 Gifting gin lovers and cocktail enthusiasts
- 🌇 Unwinding after work with style
Pro Tips & Variations
- Try it on the rocks for a slower, smoother sip — or serve it up for a cleaner presentation.
- Use a barrel-aged gin for added depth and spice.
- Replace gin with prosecco for a refreshing Negroni Sbagliato.
- Experiment with different vermouths — each brand shifts the drink’s sweetness and spice profile.
Recommended Bottles
- Tanqueray No. Ten – Bright, citrus-forward gin perfect for Negronis
- Campari – Iconic Italian bitter liqueur with vivid color and depth
- Martini Rosso Vermouth – Sweet, herbal backbone for classic balance
FAQs
What makes a Negroni taste bitter?
The distinctive bitterness comes from Campari, an Italian aperitif made with herbs and citrus peels.
Can I pre-batch Negronis for a party?
Yes! Mix equal parts gin, Campari, and vermouth in a bottle. Keep it chilled and pour over ice when ready to serve — garnish fresh each time.
How is a Negroni different from an Americano?
An Americano uses soda water instead of gin, making it lighter and less boozy — perfect for daytime sipping.
