Classic Negroni Recipe With Gin, Campari And Sweet Vermouth

If you’re chasing something with a little bite and a whole lotta charm, the Classic Negroni’s waiting for you. It doesn’t flirt or try to win you over with sweetness… it shows up loud, bitter and glowing red-orange like it knows exactly what it is.

This drink walks in with confidence. Gin gives it structure, vermouth softens the blow and Campari? That’s the wild card. Bitter in the best way and totally unapologetic about it.

It’s made for slow moments. Golden hour. Music on low. Someone’s cooking, someone else is pouring. You take a sip and yeah… now it feels like the night’s officially started.

What Is a Negroni and Where Did It Come From

The Negroni is one of those cocktails that looks simple but hits way harder than you’d think. It’s equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari… just three ingredients doing the most. Bitter, herbal, smooth… it’s got range.

This drink started in Italy in the early 1900s. Word is, Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to level up his usual Americano by swapping soda water for gin. Bold request, iconic result. That one little tweak gave us a drink that’s been holding court ever since.

It’s not sweet. It’s not subtle. It’s a little bitter and a little fancy, like someone who’s read every book on your shelf but still knows how to party. And that’s why people love it. You taste it and immediately know it’s not trying to please everyone, it’s just doing its own thing.

Whether you’re new to bitter drinks or fully in your Negroni era, this one always delivers when you want a cocktail with a little more edge.

Tips to Make It at Home

The Negroni is all about balance but it still leaves some room to play. A few easy tweaks can take it from just okay to wow you made this?

• Use a good gin. Don’t grab the dusty bottle in the back of the cabinet. You want something clean and crisp that can hold its own with the Campari and vermouth.
• Stir it. This isn’t a cocktail that needs shaking. Stirring keeps it smooth and gives it that clear, polished finish.
• Big ice only. Crushed ice melts too fast and waters it down. A big cube or two keeps it cold without messing with the flavor.
• Garnish like you mean it. That orange twist isn’t just for show. A quick twist over the drink releases the oils and brings out all the right notes. It’s tiny but it makes a big difference.
• Chill your glass. If you’ve got time, stick your glass in the freezer before mixing. A cold glass keeps the drink crisp from first sip to last.

The Timeless Negroni Cocktail

The Classic Negroni is a refreshing cocktail that boasts a perfect blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Its distinct flavor profile is characterized by a delightful bitterness, complemented by the sweetness of vermouth and the aromatic quality of gin, making it an absolute favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Gin
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• Orange slice or twist, for garnish

Zero-proof version: Use non-alcoholic gin + vermouth and a bitter aperitif alternative. You still get that bold flavor without the booze. Perfect for slow sipping without the buzz.

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
2. Mix: Stir or shake well until the mixture is chilled.
3. Strain: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with rocks of ice.
4. Garnish: Garnish with an orange slice or twist.

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 188 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g

Classic Negroni Variations To Try

Once you’ve got the classic down you can switch it up without losing the Negroni vibe. These spins keep the balance but shift the flavor just enough to feel fresh.

Negroni Sbagliato: Skip the gin and use prosecco instead. It’s lighter fizzy and way more brunch-friendly.

Mezcal Negroni: Sub out the gin for mezcal. You still get the bitter and the herbal but now with a smoky kick that makes it feel deeper.

Boulevardier: Swap gin for bourbon. It’s warmer and richer but still keeps that sharp edge from the Campari.

White Negroni: Use a lighter bitter like Suze or Lillet Blanc in place of Campari and swap in dry vermouth. It’s softer and a little floral but still grown-up.

Want to try some other gin cocktails like the classic Negroni? Why not try a simple gin and tonic, a Southside Cocktail or a French 75?

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Classic Negroni

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The Classic Negroni is a must-know cocktail for any enthusiast. Try this three-ingredient drink with its signature bitter-sweet flavor.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 30 ml Gin
• 30 ml Campari
• 30 ml Sweet Vermouth
• Orange slice or twist, for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
2. Mix: Stir or shake well until the mixture is chilled.
3. Strain: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with rocks of ice.
4. Garnish: Garnish with an orange slice or twist.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version: use non-alcoholic gin + vermouth and a bitter aperitif alternative. You still get that bold flavor without the booze. Perfect for slow sipping without the buzz.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 188Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 12gProtein: 0g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.