Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (2024)

Jump to Recipe

The Negroni co*cktail recipe is a favorite for many people. Its delightful mix of bitter and sweet makes it the perfect aperitif.

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (1)

This was a co*cktail I have had selectively over the years. I only imbibed it when I was visiting people’s houses. I wouldn’t buy one in a bar or restaurant but would accept one made by a friend.

Is there a reason for that? You bet. This co*cktail took time to grow on me. But now that it has, I would buy one in a bar and make it at home.

I’ve come a long way.

With only three ingredients, measured in equal quantities, it’s easy to make, even for novice bartenders. It offers a rare and delightful combination of bitter and sweet that when consumed, helps stimulate your appetite and your digestion.

A little background

The Negroni is said to have been concocted first in Florence, Italy back in the early 1900s. A bartender came up with itwhen a patron named Count Camillo Negroni asked for a stronger version of an Americano co*cktail (which is Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda).

Hence the name.

The Negroni is certainly stronger than the Americano. Not only because there is more booze in it, but it also has a stronger taste.

Campari

If you’ve never had Campari, I’ll describe it. It’s an infusion of herbs and fruitswitha bright red color and abitter taste. Some people would say itis an acquired taste.

It’s bitter and should be sipped, making it a perfect aperitif. You won’t find a sweet co*cktail listed as an aperitif.

Here is a great article that explains the difference between an aperitif and digestif.

We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.

Helpful tips

  • You can either build the co*cktail directly in the glass or in a co*cktail shaker.
  • If you use a shaker, you can either shake it like I did in this recipe or stir it with a co*cktail spoon.
  • There are a few different levels of quality sweet vermouth. I love the Carpano Antica Formula brand.
  • You can garnish this co*cktail with an orange or lemon twist. I alternate between the two. I used a lemon in this post for the color contrast.
  • I use a channeling knife to make the twist since I want a long, thin piece of garnish.
  • If you don’t have a channeling knife, use a paring knife; just know your garnish may not be as thin as what’s pictured.
  • You can measure out the ingredients in any order. I’m sharing the order I follow.
Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (2)

How to make Negroni co*cktail recipe

Pre-step

Get your co*cktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass and glassware.

Use a channeling knife or another knife to cut the twist for garnish.

After measuring out the ingredients, add them to the co*cktail shaker.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – Campari, gin and sweet vermouth.

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (3)

Step two

Measure out 2 ounces of gin.

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (4)

Step two

Measure out 2 ounces of sweet vermouth.

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (5)

Step three

Measure out2 ounces of Campari.

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (6)

Look at that color!

Step four

Either add a co*cktail spoon to the shaker and stir briskly or cap the shaker and shake for 10 seconds.

Place a large ice cube in each glass. Here is the tray I use to make jumbo cubes. Strain and divide the Negroni between the glasses.

Add more ice if you like.

Step five

Gather the twists for garnish.

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (7)

Place the twists in the glasses.

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (8)

Although I like the front glass, I LOVE the bubble bottom glass that I got at Crate and Barrel.

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (9)

I love to use differently styled glasses to keep my co*cktails interesting.

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (10)

And another view!

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (11)

I hope you enjoyed this Negroni co*cktail recipe.

Other fun colorful co*cktails

  • Bourbon cranberry co*cktail
  • Cherry sour
  • Appletini

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

If you’ve tried thisrecipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can alsoFOLLOW MEonFACEBOOK,TWITTER,INSTAGRAM,andPINTERESTto see more of my delicious food and delightful co*cktails!

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (12)

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | Perfect Aperitif

This slightly bitter aperitif is loved by many! It is supposed to stimulate the digestion!

5 from 13 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: co*cktail

Cuisine: co*cktails

Keyword: aperitif, negroni, negroni co*cktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 co*cktails

Calories: 163kcal

Author: Elaine Benoit

Ingredients

  • 2 ounce gin
  • 2 ounce sweet vermouth
  • 2 ounce Campari

Garnish

  • 2 lemon twists (or orange)

Instructions

  • Fill a co*cktail shaker half way with ice

  • Add gin, vermouth and Campari

    2 ounce gin, 2 ounce sweet vermouth, 2 ounce Campari

  • Stir briskly with a co*cktail stirrer or cap the shaker and shake for 10 seconds

  • Place a large ice cube in each glass. Strain and divide liquid between the two glasses

  • Add lemon or orange twists

    2 lemon twists

  • Sip

  • Smile

  • Enjoy

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (16) See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!

Notes

Helpful tips

  • You can either build the co*cktail directly in the glass or in a co*cktail shaker.
  • If you use a shaker, you can either shake it like I did in this recipe or stir it with a co*cktail spoon.
  • There are a few different levels of quality sweet vermouth. I love the Antica Formula brand.
  • You can garnish this co*cktail with an orange or lemon twist. I alternate between the two. I used a lemon in this post for the color contrast.
  • I use a channeling knife to make the twist since I want a long, thin piece of garnish.
  • If you don’t have a channeling knife, use a paring knife; just know your garnish may not be as thin as what’s pictured.
  • You can measure out the ingredients in any order. I’m sharing the order I follow.

Nutrition

Serving: 1co*cktail | Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g

Get new recipes in your inbox!Click here! to sign up for our newsletter

Elaine Benoit

Website| + posts

From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted co*cktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish (2024)

FAQs

Negroni co*cktail Recipe | The Perfect Aperitif | Dishes Delish? ›

Aperol is less bitter than Campari and has a sweeter and fruitier flavor, meaning this co*cktail will have a subtle sweetness to it. Campari has noticeably bitter and herbal flavors by comparison. These notes are good to keep in mind when deciding which variation of a Negroni you prefer mixing.

Is Negroni better with Aperol or Campari? ›

Aperol is less bitter than Campari and has a sweeter and fruitier flavor, meaning this co*cktail will have a subtle sweetness to it. Campari has noticeably bitter and herbal flavors by comparison. These notes are good to keep in mind when deciding which variation of a Negroni you prefer mixing.

What vermouth is best for Negroni? ›

However, the perfect Negroni should only ever be made on a red, sweet, Italian-style vermouth, preferably with some 'weight' to it and enough spice to hold up against the Campari. We recommend small batch vermouths such as Cinzano 1757 or Cinzano Rosso.

What type of person drinks Negroni? ›

Drink Order: Negroni

You have a bold and adventurous side. This co*cktail – made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth – is currently trending on the co*cktail scene. Its unique blend of flavors showcase your open-mindedness and willingness to explore new trends and experiences.

Is Negroni a good aperitif? ›

The Negroni is an iconic aperitif. Campari itself is designed to be an aperitif and in this recipe, it is paired with gin and sweet vermouth to create the ultimate before-dinner drink. This drink can prep your palate for any meal and is really nice when a Cornish game hen is the star of the table.

What fruit is Campari made from? ›

The company will only confirm bitter orange peel is part of the recipe but it is also believed to contain: quinine, rhubarb, ginseng, chinotto (myrtle-leaved orange tree) and Cascarilla bark.

What gin is best for Negroni? ›

Plymouth Gin, the Royal Navy's stalwart for two centuries, will surely anchor your Negroni. With classic botanicals like juniper, orange, lemon peel, angelica, orris root, and cardamom, it's juniper-led with zesty citrus notes. If you're craving an extra bitter Negroni, Plymouth Navy Strength delivers.

What gin do Italians use for Negroni? ›

Best for a Negroni: Malfy con Limone Italian Gin

The result is a zesty gin that works well in a gin and tonic, but really shines in that classic Italian aperitivo: the Negroni.

Should you refrigerate Campari? ›

And to preserve the flavor of fruity, botanical Campari, tuck it in the fridge if you don't finish that open bottle within a couple of days. It's actually not necessary to keep this refrigerated, says deBary, because of the ways it's processed and its alcohol content of 20%.

What is stronger Negroni or Old Fashioned? ›

Old-Fashioned — (38.09%, 2.44oz in volume, 0.93oz alcohol) Bloody Mary — (12%, 7.5oz in volume, 0.9oz alcohol) Negroni — (20.13%, 4oz in volume, 0.81oz alcohol)

What does ordering a Negroni say about you? ›

Negroni drinkers are non-conformers, but they do get along well with other negroni drinkers. They like to have expert knowledge on arcane subjects, and they are the friend you would ask to help you complete that difficult crossword.

Is a Negroni a masculine drink? ›

This is a real bartenders' drink. Many will say it is a man's drink but I think there is something very cool (not that alcohol makes you cool, obviously) and egalitarian in a girl ordering a 'men's drink'. If you do want to soften it up a bit, just mix your Negroni up with a glass of Champagne or Cava.

Do bartenders like Negronis? ›

Bartenders have mixed feelings about Negronis.

Negronis are a classic co*cktail of equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth that are often served over ice and garnished with a fresh orange peel. Although the Negroni is a traditional co*cktail, some bartenders have mixed feelings about it.

What does Negroni mean in Italian? ›

Etymology. Borrowed from Italian negroni, from surname Italian Negroni, from Italian negri (“black”) + Italian -oni (“(ablative) from, of”). The origin of the drink's name is disputed, most often attributed to being named after Count Camillo Negroni (1868–1934), who asked for an early form of this co*cktail.

Is Negroni a woman's drink? ›

You want to know if a Negroni is a girl drink. It's not.

What pairs well with Negroni? ›

With its distinct bitterness from the Campari, Negroni co*cktail needs strongly flavored foods, like salty, and mature cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino cheese and blue cheese as well. It goes great with olives too. All ingredients that characterize the classic Italian ritual known worldwide as Aperitivo.

Can you replace Campari with Aperol in Negroni? ›

This unique spin on the Negroni creates a co*cktail that tastes a little different, but every bit as delicious, as the classic recipe. If you've ever wondered if you can substitute Aperol for Campari in a Negroni, the answer is yes. A Negroni with Aperol is much lighter than the original version.

What is Negroni best paired with? ›

With its distinct bitterness from the Campari, Negroni co*cktail needs strongly flavored foods, like salty, and mature cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino cheese and blue cheese as well. It goes great with olives too. All ingredients that characterize the classic Italian ritual known worldwide as Aperitivo.

How do you make a Negroni taste better? ›

To make the perfect Negroni, it is recommended to use a sweet (red) vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or Punt e Mes. A sweet vermouth adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the bitterness of the Campari.

What is the difference between Aperol spritz and Negroni? ›

The Negroni is made, of course, with gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. And the Aperol spritz usually is made with Aperol and/or prosecco," he explained. "So, what we're doing with a Negroni is we're replacing the gin, with prosecco or sparkling wine."

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 6090

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-03-23

Address: 74183 Thomas Course, Port Micheal, OK 55446-1529

Phone: +13408645881558

Job: Global Representative

Hobby: Sailing, Vehicle restoration, Rowing, Ghost hunting, Scrapbooking, Rugby, Board sports

Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.