The classic Negroni is a simple, elegant cocktail made from gin, sweet red vermouth, and Italian Campari. Bold and slightly bitter, it delivers a bright citrus note and a refined balance of flavors.
Why this recipe works
The Negroni’s strength is its straightforward, balanced composition. Campari brings a distinctive bitter complexity and a touch of spice, while gin adds botanical depth and sweet red vermouth rounds everything out with herbal and fruity notes. The result is a cocktail that’s both vibrant and sophisticated, perfect for sipping slowly.
Equal parts of each spirit create an ideal harmony of flavor and color. Finish the drink with an orange twist to lift the aromatics and accentuate the citrus character.
Ingredients you will need
For a printable version with exact measurements and the recipe card, see the recipe block at the end of this post.
Ingredient info and substitution suggestions
Campari – The bitter Italian liqueur that defines the Negroni. If Campari is unavailable, Aperol can be used as a milder, sweeter substitute, though the final drink will be less bitter. Because the recipe uses equal parts of each spirit, a measuring tool such as a jigger or a small measuring glass helps ensure balance.
How to make a Negroni
Step-by-step photos and instructions are provided to help you prepare this cocktail. Skip to the recipe card below for a printable version with measurements and notes.
- Add gin, Campari, and sweet red vermouth to a large mixing glass filled with ice and stir for 20–30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Strain into a rock glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange twist to release the oils and add aroma.
Frequently asked questions & expert tips
Both are correct. Serve the Negroni on the rocks for a more relaxed, slowly evolving drink, or strain it into a chilled coupe for a slightly brighter, colder sip. Choose based on preference.
Serving suggestions
Serve in a chilled glass or over a large ice cube in a rock glass. Garnish with an orange twist or a thin orange slice. Because Campari is an apéritif, the Negroni works wonderfully as a pre-dinner drink to stimulate the appetite.
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Negroni
IMPORTANT – Helpful tips and FAQs are included above in the post. Refer to them for additional guidance.
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Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet red vermouth
- orange twist for garnish
Things you’ll need
- Jigger
- Rock glass
Before you begin
- Campari is central to the Negroni’s character. Use Aperol only if you prefer a sweeter, milder profile.
- Measure equal parts of each spirit for balance; a jigger or small measuring glass helps keep proportions consistent.
Instructions
- Add gin, Campari, and sweet red vermouth to a mixing glass with ice and stir 20–30 seconds.
- Strain into a rock glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange twist and serve.
Nutrition
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Calories: 164 cal
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Carbohydrates: 9 g
Recipes are tested under typical home conditions. Oven, stove, and appliance performance vary; adjust as needed. When measurements are provided by weight, using volume measurements may yield different results.