The Negroni is one of the world’s most iconic cocktails, celebrated for its perfect harmony of bitter, sweet, and aromatic flavors. Born in Italy, it has a reputation for sophistication and balance, with equal parts gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari creating a striking ruby-red drink. Garnished with a bright twist of orange peel, the Negroni is elegant yet approachable, simple yet endlessly stylish.
Servings: 1
Time: Under 2 minutes
Difficulty: Effortless
🍹 Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz vermouth rosso (red, semi-sweet)
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange peel, for garnish
🥂 Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass and place it as garnish.
💡 Tips
- Use a large ice cube to chill without diluting too quickly.
- Choose a quality vermouth and keep it refrigerated to preserve freshness.
- Stir gently but thoroughly to meld the botanicals together into a smooth and balanced sip.
🌆 Perfect Setting
The Negroni is best enjoyed as an aperitivo, the Italian ritual of pre-dinner drinks meant to open the appetite and accompany conversation. It fits beautifully in moments of stylish leisure: an evening at a café terrace in Florence, a rooftop bar at sunset, or a quiet night at home where you want a touch of Italian glamour. Salute!
📜 The History of the Negroni
The legend of the Negroni begins in Florence, Italy, around 1919. Count Camillo Negroni, known for his adventurous spirit, walked into Caffè Casoni and asked bartender Fosco Scarselli to strengthen his favorite drink, the Americano, by replacing soda water with gin. The result was bold, bitter, and unforgettable. It quickly caught on and became known as the Negroni.
Over the decades, the cocktail traveled far beyond Italy. It became a favorite of writers, artists, and jet-set travelers in the mid-20th century, admired for its balance and stylish color. Today, it stands not only as a cornerstone of Italian drinking culture but also as a global classic with countless variations, from the lighter Negroni Sbagliato (with sparkling wine in place of gin) to creative modern twists with infused vermouths or flavored gins.
The Negroni’s staying power lies in its simplicity paired with sophistication. Three equal parts create infinite depth, a reminder that sometimes the most enduring pleasures are the ones crafted with both restraint and bold character.
Image by Geoff Peters from Vancouver, BC, Canada.