Ingredients
Drink
- 30 mlgin
- 30 mlCampari
- 30 mlsweet red vermouth
Also
- a large ice cube, or plenty of ice for stirring
Garnish
- a wide strip of orange peel
Directions
- Use a juniper-forward London dry gin, which stands up to the Campari. A soft floral gin disappears entirely.
- Use a good Italian rosso and keep the bottle in the fridge once opened.
- Chill the glass in the freezer while you mix. Fill a mixing glass with plenty of good ice.
- Use a lot of ice rather than a little. Add the gin, Campari and vermouth. Stir for 20 to 30 seconds with a long spoon.
- Stir, never shake. Shaking aerates and clouds a spirit-only drink, and a Negroni should be clear and glossy.
- Strain over one large ice cube in a chilled rocks glass, or serve it up in a coupe. One large cube rather than several small ones, because it melts far more slowly and the drink stays balanced to the last sip.
- Rub the peel round the rim and drop it in. Serve immediately, as an aperitivo before dinner, which is what it is for.
Technique
- The Americano is the same drink with soda instead of gin, and it is the direct ancestor.
- A Boulevardier swaps the gin for bourbon and is richer and less bitter.
- Batched and bottled Negronis keep for weeks in the fridge and many bars serve them that way.
Substitutions
- Any good sweet red vermouth.
- Bourbon for a Boulevardier, or prosecco for a Negroni Sbagliato.
Variations
- Negroni Sbagliato, with sparkling wine in place of gin.
- Boulevardier, with bourbon.
- Barrel-aged, which softens the bitterness.
History
Said to have been created in Florence around 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni asked Caffè Casoni to strengthen his Americano with gin.
Frequently asked questions
What is Negroni?
Negroni is a cocktail from Italy: equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, stirred over ice. Said to have been created in Florence around 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni asked Caffè Casoni to strengthen his Americano with gin.
How long does Negroni take to make?
Negroni takes 3 min of preparation and no cooking at all. The recipe makes 1 drink. It is rated easy to make.
What can I substitute in Negroni?
Yes, within limits. Any good sweet red vermouth. Bourbon for a Boulevardier, or prosecco for a Negroni Sbagliato.
What is the most important thing to get right in Negroni?
Use a lot of ice rather than a little. Add the gin, Campari and vermouth. Stir for 20 to 30 seconds with a long spoon.
